Irreverent Rebel

I might have that tattooed somewhere someday. Or maybe it should just be attached to my business stamp! For example, November is a classic month for the daily thankfulness. You're supposed to go day by day. For whatever it is you're documenting. This year, I'm documenting gratitude in my art journaling bible using the prompts put out by Illustrated Faith.

However well intentioned I might be, I just can't do it. Cannot. I had everything ready to start Nov 1. I really did. But I didn't get time to start until the 3rd. I blame the calendar for my downfall. I do. At the very least, it's complicit.

This is how the month is *supposed* to go. See? All the numbers in order. Like when I was a kinder.

Property of Illustrated Faith - do not print. Don't even think it!

One of the things I'm learning is that God has a different idea about these prompts. You see, I made a really pretty, fun page a few days ago (I'll be sharing it soon), but I made it to please me. God called me on it. Anybody relate? Yeah. He said are you making art for the sake of art? Or are you going to sit with Me and watch what I show you?

Gulp. Oops. Never ever ever let yourself run off with yourself. It cost me a couple of very well-spent days. Totally. Worth. It. Now each page I do has a reason, a story, a lesson, and a wonderful journey through His amazing Word!

The bubbles at the top and bottom is the effect of unpigmented molding paste scraped over a circle stencil. (Affiliate links to all products below.)

Day 1 was supposed to be 1 Cor 8:6 as we document our thanks for God Himself. So I started this conversation with Him, (can you imagine? We can actually just sit down and talk with our Creator!) and He pointed me to Psalms 104, God the Creator.

The original reference in Corinthians spoke about food making us acceptable or unacceptable to God. While that's very important to understand, I wanted to speak to Him about some of His favorite things.

What are His favorite things? Why, you and me! All of creation! In fact, He said it over and over again in Genesis - it's all good! I loved reading this Psalm, imagining His face as He looked about. Do you realize just how much joy He finds in caring for the details of the smallest animal? How He delights in the PLAY of the leviathan in the vast deep ocean! This just makes me sing praises all the louder! (Sorry neighbors!)

That's it for this page. While we're having a blast each day of November, we really should carry this over the entire year. If you're wishing you'd known or started, there's really no need to fret. Jump in!

Hoppity!
~ky

I am now an Amazon Associate. Yippee!! If you purchase using these links, a small amount is returned to help me keep good going. It doesn't affect your price. Thank you so very much!

Other Supplies: Illustrated Faith Gratitude Documented monthly kit, Stampin' Up! Rotary date stamp (retired), misc letter stickers.

Thankful

Hello friends! It's been an incredible year for me. So many new experiences, lots of growing pains, but I am so very blessed! I'll keep this post short because we all have things to do and places to be.

I just want you to know, ya know, that I'm thankful for each of you. You've lifted me up, gone on crazy adventures, supported me when I wasn't sure, and shared your prayers for me with God. Do you know how incredible that is? You. Talking to God. About me! I feel extremely blessed.

So go on - get on with the celebrating for those doing the thanksgiving thing. For those who aren't, just know you are included in my celebrations in my heart. Thank you!

~ky

This card was created using the envelope punch board to make the notches, twine tied through the notches after stamping Butterfly Basics in So Saffron, Old Olive, and Cajun Craze. "Thankful" comes from Six Sayings (retired).

Camp Eli - Day 1

Mondays are Mondays, no matter where you travel. We loaded up all our gear and took off on the 2-hour drive to Ojasca, the small town where the camp property lies.

The row of vehicles and laundry greet us with an amazing view.

The kids are already loving on their new campers. We put them on the bus and van with the camp kids. I marvel at the way they soak up the language and quickly build trust and laughter. It is a great gift from God to witness.

The main building houses the adult sleeping quarters, gymnasium, kitchen, and covered porch. 

Once at camp, we off-load all our gear and begin to assess the area. The view is beautiful - breathtaking. There are lots of resources here - volleyball, an indoor basketball court that doubles as a skating rink, 3 trampolines, 2 tetherballs, a concrete fenced-in tennis/basketball court, a large porch, 2 eating areas, indoor plumbing, outdoor latrines, and of course - food!

Brianna Ziemer schools the competition about tetherball.

Mackenzie is on the fast-track to speaking Romanian.

We had a really hard time limiting the trampolines to one person at a time. Eventually, they figured it out and began self-regulating. Some of the things they can do - this old body would snap like a twig! I really wanted to try, though.

Absolutely beautiful view. The river is visible if you look closely.

Things I learned on the first day: A smile means the same thing in any language. Some of these kids don't have open areas to play in. Day 1 isn't about running camp - it's about organization and getting all the wiggles out! The best way to learn to swim is to jump in and do it. Same with love and languages!

Molly braids Gabriela's hair.

 Camp means, for some of the kids, being properly dressed and coiffed. There would be a never-ending line of girls braiding other girl's hair while braiding another... The cabins are really nice, although not heated or cooled. Four beds to a cabin, but usually 6 or 7 were sharing the space.

Body English is very important in Foosball.

The boys have no such qualms. "Is my body mostly covered? Partly? The important parts? That's enough!" And off they run.

Scott swears he does not come to camp to hurt children. Alex laughs along!

 This porch swing was the site for many messy treats, giggling, hugs, time out, and counselling.

What do you mean they're all gone?

Everything here is wash and wear, one way or another. We rounded out the day with evening singing, skits, testimonies, and prayers. The kids not so quietly made their way to their cabins where they talked half-way through the night. Typical, right? They told us full exhaustion would take hold with night-long sleep by Wednesday. Spoiler alert...nope.

Thanks for taking the time to read and visit!
~ky

Ziemer's Church

After all our travels, we reached Bucharest and met our host, Gerald Ziemer, and Ben. We loaded up all our gear and drove to Fundulea. Romania is a gorgeous country, similar to the US but entirely different. We drove past fields of sunflower, wheat, and corn. We arrived at the Ziemer's house.

Such a beautiful place, so calm and welcoming. 

This was the amazing view that greeted me the first day. Later, we would see sheep and cows being tending through the field beyond the fence. Just amazing.

This is the church - right next door. Convenient, huh? Almost every yard is fenced off - don't think of this as a sign of a dangerous town. Plenty of neighbors have yard birds, dogs, a little garden - fences just keep things neater.

We enjoyed a day of celebration on Sunday. The day started with a lovely church service, where we were embraced, kissed, taught new words, and enjoyed lovely music. Our trip leader, Scott, preached a beautiful message that was well received. After, we were treated to a feast. Nothing fancy, just good down-home potluck with grilled meats. Yum-O!

That evening, we shared stories and learned more about our hosts and another missionary who was living there. The Ziemer's are an amazing family. They've been in Romania for 20 or so years - all four children born and raised. I could tell the local community absolutely adores them.

Off to dreamland, and heading to the camp in the morning! I'll tell you more about that tomorrow.

Meanwhile - if you haven't received my missions newsletter, please share your email address and I get it out to you. It has the prayer needs for our Malawian trip coming up in a few days. As always - I appreciate your interest and your support.

In Christ,
~ky