Thursday, December 29, 2005
finally settling in...
i finally started to settle in back home last night. i spent almost three hours going through my clothes that i had left behind, sorting through stuff, rehanging the nice stuff, putting other stuff in drawers, etc. i almost wasn't going to do that at all. i've gotten so used to living out of a suitcase it almost seemed pointless to unpack. but alas, i gave in. actually, it's really nice to be able to do that.
i've been going through a lot of my old stuff here at home...all sorts of sentimental and nostalgic memorabilia...mostly pictures and journals-- tons of both-- starting from about my junior year in high school. here's what shocked me a bit:
1) i can't even remember the names of 1/4 of the people from my highschool and college days anymore.
2) the piano room in our house used to be really clean!!! (i'd forgotten that!)
3) i can't believe how young i looked in my highschool pictures from my senior year...i looked like a little girl playing dress up. (ok, i know i still look young...it's the inevitable blessing/curse of the typical asian female looking 10 yrs younger thing)
the last couple days have been good. i got to have lunch w/Liz Chic at yummy yummy Cheesecake Factory and we had a really good time together talking about stuff as if no time had passed (despite the fact that the last time we really talked was probably about a yr ago). i also went shopping by myself (which i really enjoy doing when i'm not in a hurry). i also took some time to sit at Peet's Tea and Coffee in Pasadena enjoying nice coffee while working on some admin tasks (Cov. Players). despite the fact that it was work, it was still relaxing b/c i was off on my own and it was also a change in pace. sometimes that's all i need for solitude and down time. i also spent some time w/the Lord (after having been really undisciplined about that since coming home). so i'm feeling much much better. (i sure felt like a grouch all of last week-- and i was.)
sorry if i've been jerky to anyone.
i finally started to settle in back home last night. i spent almost three hours going through my clothes that i had left behind, sorting through stuff, rehanging the nice stuff, putting other stuff in drawers, etc. i almost wasn't going to do that at all. i've gotten so used to living out of a suitcase it almost seemed pointless to unpack. but alas, i gave in. actually, it's really nice to be able to do that.
i've been going through a lot of my old stuff here at home...all sorts of sentimental and nostalgic memorabilia...mostly pictures and journals-- tons of both-- starting from about my junior year in high school. here's what shocked me a bit:
1) i can't even remember the names of 1/4 of the people from my highschool and college days anymore.
2) the piano room in our house used to be really clean!!! (i'd forgotten that!)
3) i can't believe how young i looked in my highschool pictures from my senior year...i looked like a little girl playing dress up. (ok, i know i still look young...it's the inevitable blessing/curse of the typical asian female looking 10 yrs younger thing)
the last couple days have been good. i got to have lunch w/Liz Chic at yummy yummy Cheesecake Factory and we had a really good time together talking about stuff as if no time had passed (despite the fact that the last time we really talked was probably about a yr ago). i also went shopping by myself (which i really enjoy doing when i'm not in a hurry). i also took some time to sit at Peet's Tea and Coffee in Pasadena enjoying nice coffee while working on some admin tasks (Cov. Players). despite the fact that it was work, it was still relaxing b/c i was off on my own and it was also a change in pace. sometimes that's all i need for solitude and down time. i also spent some time w/the Lord (after having been really undisciplined about that since coming home). so i'm feeling much much better. (i sure felt like a grouch all of last week-- and i was.)
sorry if i've been jerky to anyone.
Monday, December 26, 2005
CHRISTMAS 2005...
It turned out to be a really good day. Christmas Eve was a bit rough. We flew back from Puerto Vallarta and because our flight was delayed we didn't get home until past 11:30pm and we were wiped out. I attempted to induct a new Polish tradition into our family-- a tradition called "Oplatek"--wafers (as in Communion wafers). I learned about it this tour and I thought it was such a wonderful tradition that I wanted to bring it to our home. Each person extends a wafer to another person and as they break off a piece, you exchange well-wishes and hopes for them and then you kiss each other on the cheek 3 times. It's also significant that you use Communion-like wafers because of the symbolism of sharing the body of Christ and also His Redemption. You're also extending forgiveness and reconciliation to one another. Anyway, last night people were too tired to be in the "Christmas spirit" and I was a little upset and a little grumpy Christmas morning. A bit weighed down too. But things got better.
It was a joy to play flute again and especially to play flute on Christmas Sunday with the worship team. It's become quite a tradition to join Danette's worship team everytime I'm back. Dan and I go way back when it comes to leading worship together so it's a bit of a special homecoming for me. Service was wonderful-- really special this morning. Pastor Rich Chung preached a powerful and thought-provoking sermon on what happens after Christmas on Dec. 26th. (It still sounds funny to me to call him Pastor Rich since were in the Christian fraternity, Alpha Gamma Omega together-- I was a "little sister"). As I was saying, he preached a great sermon leaving us with many challenging questions: Will the Lord continue to reign in our lives? Will we give Him 100% of ourselves or will we hold back? Will we allow the Holy Spirit to work in/thru us or will we resist
We also had a Baptismal service within the worship service this morning. What a special day to remember our Rebirth, Renewal, and Redemption in Christ. How special it was to see former members of the children's choir and youth choir I directed for a while be baptized Christmas morning. Ahh...speaking of children's ministry...
I was also especially touched by children who've been praying for me faithfully. Agnes Chiu brought her son Timothy up to me and said "I wanted Timothy to meet you. He's been praying for you and see, Timothy, your prayers are answered. Amy's back home safely!" And then there's Dewey and Janet's daughter Lauren who's been my prayer warrior for the last 6 years I've been with CP. And I also have to share what Doris Lau initiated to help get me back for Xmas. She took up a special offering in the Children's worship several weeks ago-- called it "Operation Christmas AMY". They collected almost half of what was need to fly me home. Many parents made donation but I was especially touched to see a huge amount of $1 bills in that envelope from the children. It was so precious and it means so much to me to see how these kids are already developing giving and generous hearts and supporting missionaries. I am so blessed by this church.
Anyway, I guess I went on a tangent...back to Christmas...we had a small family dinner-- just immediate family plus my nephew and brother in law. Aaron ( my nephew) was a bit grumpy when we first arrived but daddy's so good at warming him up and making him laugh. Dad's amazing. And it was so fun to see how excited he got over the presents he received. He just could not contain himself. He was squealing and dancing and jumping and clapping. It's like he had so much happiness he didn't know what to do with it. We need to get back to that simple childlike unrestrained pleasure, I think.
I should get to sleep now. It's been a good day and it's been wonderful to see so many wonderful supporters and friends back at my home church. I am very blessed.
It turned out to be a really good day. Christmas Eve was a bit rough. We flew back from Puerto Vallarta and because our flight was delayed we didn't get home until past 11:30pm and we were wiped out. I attempted to induct a new Polish tradition into our family-- a tradition called "Oplatek"--wafers (as in Communion wafers). I learned about it this tour and I thought it was such a wonderful tradition that I wanted to bring it to our home. Each person extends a wafer to another person and as they break off a piece, you exchange well-wishes and hopes for them and then you kiss each other on the cheek 3 times. It's also significant that you use Communion-like wafers because of the symbolism of sharing the body of Christ and also His Redemption. You're also extending forgiveness and reconciliation to one another. Anyway, last night people were too tired to be in the "Christmas spirit" and I was a little upset and a little grumpy Christmas morning. A bit weighed down too. But things got better.
It was a joy to play flute again and especially to play flute on Christmas Sunday with the worship team. It's become quite a tradition to join Danette's worship team everytime I'm back. Dan and I go way back when it comes to leading worship together so it's a bit of a special homecoming for me. Service was wonderful-- really special this morning. Pastor Rich Chung preached a powerful and thought-provoking sermon on what happens after Christmas on Dec. 26th. (It still sounds funny to me to call him Pastor Rich since were in the Christian fraternity, Alpha Gamma Omega together-- I was a "little sister"). As I was saying, he preached a great sermon leaving us with many challenging questions: Will the Lord continue to reign in our lives? Will we give Him 100% of ourselves or will we hold back? Will we allow the Holy Spirit to work in/thru us or will we resist
We also had a Baptismal service within the worship service this morning. What a special day to remember our Rebirth, Renewal, and Redemption in Christ. How special it was to see former members of the children's choir and youth choir I directed for a while be baptized Christmas morning. Ahh...speaking of children's ministry...
I was also especially touched by children who've been praying for me faithfully. Agnes Chiu brought her son Timothy up to me and said "I wanted Timothy to meet you. He's been praying for you and see, Timothy, your prayers are answered. Amy's back home safely!" And then there's Dewey and Janet's daughter Lauren who's been my prayer warrior for the last 6 years I've been with CP. And I also have to share what Doris Lau initiated to help get me back for Xmas. She took up a special offering in the Children's worship several weeks ago-- called it "Operation Christmas AMY". They collected almost half of what was need to fly me home. Many parents made donation but I was especially touched to see a huge amount of $1 bills in that envelope from the children. It was so precious and it means so much to me to see how these kids are already developing giving and generous hearts and supporting missionaries. I am so blessed by this church.
Anyway, I guess I went on a tangent...back to Christmas...we had a small family dinner-- just immediate family plus my nephew and brother in law. Aaron ( my nephew) was a bit grumpy when we first arrived but daddy's so good at warming him up and making him laugh. Dad's amazing. And it was so fun to see how excited he got over the presents he received. He just could not contain himself. He was squealing and dancing and jumping and clapping. It's like he had so much happiness he didn't know what to do with it. We need to get back to that simple childlike unrestrained pleasure, I think.
I should get to sleep now. It's been a good day and it's been wonderful to see so many wonderful supporters and friends back at my home church. I am very blessed.
Friday, December 23, 2005
in Puerto Vallarta...
we got here Tuesday night but we haven't done that much...hard to get 6 adults and a 2 year old to agree on what to do-- especially when none of us are too fond of making decisions for everyone else. we had a little argument today and i took off to the beach for a little while and then i just stayed mad for about 3 more hours and then we ate at a really cool place (called "Chico's Paradise" in a rainforest) and then everyone was in better spirits.
my impressions on P.Vallarta: it's really really touristy and i think it was worth the drive today to get out of the city. everything's really expensive here since it's tourist land and i'm not really fond of the whole resorty feel. but the beach is beautiful and the food's great. people at the flea market and in sales are extremely agressive which i really don't like. many people are very dishonest. and i think i'd have a really hard time being here for more than a few days cuz i really can't stand being whistled at and ogled by men all the time. there's no way i'd be able to walk alone on my own at night safely and it's no better to walk around w/my sister cuz that just means there's two asian women for guys to stare at. you know, sometimes it really sucks being a girl.
ok. so it's true. i'm not having the greatest time in this environment. maybe tomorrow will be better. bonnie, butch, and i are going to this "canopy" where they have these things called "zip lines" (-- i hadn't even heard of them until now). apparently, they're these cable lines that we're suspended on (while harnessed) and we "zip" through the rainforest on them for a bird's eye view. sounds pretty cool. it's hecka expensive but how often does someone have this opportunity?
guess i'll go. i need to get some rest.
we got here Tuesday night but we haven't done that much...hard to get 6 adults and a 2 year old to agree on what to do-- especially when none of us are too fond of making decisions for everyone else. we had a little argument today and i took off to the beach for a little while and then i just stayed mad for about 3 more hours and then we ate at a really cool place (called "Chico's Paradise" in a rainforest) and then everyone was in better spirits.
my impressions on P.Vallarta: it's really really touristy and i think it was worth the drive today to get out of the city. everything's really expensive here since it's tourist land and i'm not really fond of the whole resorty feel. but the beach is beautiful and the food's great. people at the flea market and in sales are extremely agressive which i really don't like. many people are very dishonest. and i think i'd have a really hard time being here for more than a few days cuz i really can't stand being whistled at and ogled by men all the time. there's no way i'd be able to walk alone on my own at night safely and it's no better to walk around w/my sister cuz that just means there's two asian women for guys to stare at. you know, sometimes it really sucks being a girl.
ok. so it's true. i'm not having the greatest time in this environment. maybe tomorrow will be better. bonnie, butch, and i are going to this "canopy" where they have these things called "zip lines" (-- i hadn't even heard of them until now). apparently, they're these cable lines that we're suspended on (while harnessed) and we "zip" through the rainforest on them for a bird's eye view. sounds pretty cool. it's hecka expensive but how often does someone have this opportunity?
guess i'll go. i need to get some rest.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
a whirlwind last three days...
in a nutshell:
Friday: came back home from Europe. found out my big sis was very seriously sick.
Saturday: wasn't so bad...lunch with my family...two loads of laundry (--two more to go--)...picked up my Covenant Player super-duper friend Liliana who was flying in from Buffalo, NY but tying up loose ends here in L.A. before she goes home to Poland on Tuesday. I couldn't sleep that night-- time zone thing-- until 7am.
Sunday: left house a bit late for church only to have to turn back around one we were almost there cuz my lil sis was having car trouble and we had to come home to pick her up. we arrived like 45 minutes late or something and were totally embarassed-- especially after finding out that they made an announcement early on in service about my sister and i being back in town. .. Went to lunch w/ Lil after church-- yummy Thai food-- boy, i miss Asian food when i'm on the road...Worship practice after that...went back home, crashed on my bed for an hour. ..Got back up to take Liliana on a promised adventure before she left America. we went to hollywood and it was a lot of fun. it was kinda fun to be a tourist in my own part of the world.
Monday: visited "Tanner Manor"-- home of Charles M. Tanner (CP's founder and sole playwright) and his wife, three daughters, and his two son in laws. it was such a precious time. he's battled cancer three times and is quite week now but we were so blessed to catch him at an alert moment. it was so wonderful to share with him about our tours. it also melted my heart to see Mark (his son in law who's married to our int'l director, Bobbi). Mark was so close to death this summer because of a horrible bacteria that attacked his body, left him unconscious for weeks, and shut some of his organs down. it's a miracle he's alive and it was incredible to see him again.
Good news: sister came out of the hospital! we'll be going on a family trip tomorrow as planned!
(Ok. So Monday's entry wasn't so much "in a nutshell". Forgive me!)
in a nutshell:
Friday: came back home from Europe. found out my big sis was very seriously sick.
Saturday: wasn't so bad...lunch with my family...two loads of laundry (--two more to go--)...picked up my Covenant Player super-duper friend Liliana who was flying in from Buffalo, NY but tying up loose ends here in L.A. before she goes home to Poland on Tuesday. I couldn't sleep that night-- time zone thing-- until 7am.
Sunday: left house a bit late for church only to have to turn back around one we were almost there cuz my lil sis was having car trouble and we had to come home to pick her up. we arrived like 45 minutes late or something and were totally embarassed-- especially after finding out that they made an announcement early on in service about my sister and i being back in town. .. Went to lunch w/ Lil after church-- yummy Thai food-- boy, i miss Asian food when i'm on the road...Worship practice after that...went back home, crashed on my bed for an hour. ..Got back up to take Liliana on a promised adventure before she left America. we went to hollywood and it was a lot of fun. it was kinda fun to be a tourist in my own part of the world.
Monday: visited "Tanner Manor"-- home of Charles M. Tanner (CP's founder and sole playwright) and his wife, three daughters, and his two son in laws. it was such a precious time. he's battled cancer three times and is quite week now but we were so blessed to catch him at an alert moment. it was so wonderful to share with him about our tours. it also melted my heart to see Mark (his son in law who's married to our int'l director, Bobbi). Mark was so close to death this summer because of a horrible bacteria that attacked his body, left him unconscious for weeks, and shut some of his organs down. it's a miracle he's alive and it was incredible to see him again.
Good news: sister came out of the hospital! we'll be going on a family trip tomorrow as planned!
(Ok. So Monday's entry wasn't so much "in a nutshell". Forgive me!)
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Happy Belated Birthday, Daddy!!!
Daddy turned 70 two days ago. It's a bummer that i didn't get a chance to call him. That's the thing about road life and about being 9hrs ahead of the time zone back home. It's not always easy to get a hold of someone when you want to.
Still, I can't complain too much. I feel blessed to be able to do what I do. It's a gift from God to be able to be in Poland, to be able to serve Him, and to be able to do something that has purpose and meaning.
Blogs...
Today we had a very interesting theme requested from the school we were performing at: Blogs. We were asked to tackle the subject of teachers being insulted in blogs. A very fascinating theme request, I must say. Although we didn't have any plays that dealt specifically about blogs, we were able to hit the subject and bring it up in discussions following the plays. We also talked about how it's easier to complain about our problems than it is to do something about it. Anyway, I think it was a good reminder for myself to use my blog in a way that's edifying to God and to the people in my life and to watch what I say. Not that I can't be honest about the things I'm feeling and struggling with. I think that's important too. But I think I also need to maintain integrity in what I write. I don't know. Blogs are strange in that they're very personal and yet, you do have to bear in mind that people read them and that what you write can affect others-- in both a positive and negative way.
Anyway, I should go. I can't believe I've only got one more week til this tour is over and then I'll be back home. This'll probably be my last entry until then. I really thank God for this tour. It's been awesome.
Daddy turned 70 two days ago. It's a bummer that i didn't get a chance to call him. That's the thing about road life and about being 9hrs ahead of the time zone back home. It's not always easy to get a hold of someone when you want to.
Still, I can't complain too much. I feel blessed to be able to do what I do. It's a gift from God to be able to be in Poland, to be able to serve Him, and to be able to do something that has purpose and meaning.
Blogs...
Today we had a very interesting theme requested from the school we were performing at: Blogs. We were asked to tackle the subject of teachers being insulted in blogs. A very fascinating theme request, I must say. Although we didn't have any plays that dealt specifically about blogs, we were able to hit the subject and bring it up in discussions following the plays. We also talked about how it's easier to complain about our problems than it is to do something about it. Anyway, I think it was a good reminder for myself to use my blog in a way that's edifying to God and to the people in my life and to watch what I say. Not that I can't be honest about the things I'm feeling and struggling with. I think that's important too. But I think I also need to maintain integrity in what I write. I don't know. Blogs are strange in that they're very personal and yet, you do have to bear in mind that people read them and that what you write can affect others-- in both a positive and negative way.
Anyway, I should go. I can't believe I've only got one more week til this tour is over and then I'll be back home. This'll probably be my last entry until then. I really thank God for this tour. It's been awesome.
