TAMA IOWA

Last night, Andy and I went to Tama Iowa. We were going to visit and meet with the Tama Mesquakai Indian church.

Let me just tell you how amazing it was. We got to the church which happened to be a 86 year old house. Knocked on the door and no one answered. No one answered because the church was not in the house, but in the garage. We were a little early, but then we saw Pastor Mary Nerness pull- up.

Pastor Steve and Mary Nerness are the head pastors for the Mesquaki Indian A/G church. They are missionaries to Indians, for quiet some time now. They were missionaries in South Dakota for a long time and now have moved back to Iowa to minister here. The amazing thing is their testimony. In South Dakota, they lived in an old house that leaked Copper toxins in the air. The toxins were breathed in by them and thier children for many years... Years went by and they did not even know it. Finally they figured it out. But it had already made lasting effects, Pastor Steve now has a blood disorder and a vary rare type of cancer due to the toxins. And Mary has a huge problem with her liver and kidneys. They all suffer from horrible head aches due to the posining also.

It is crazy. It is amazing that they are even alive. Mary was the only one at the church last night. Her son Israel, attended also. But Steve had to stay home, because he was not feeling good. And who can blame him.

When Mary pulled up, i noticed lots of kids. Mary goes around and picks up Native American, Hispanic, African American, and White children and teenagers. She does this because she loves them. And all of the people at the church know it. Mary constantly talks about how precious each day is. How it is all gifts from God.

The garage that they worship in, is not much. It does not have a fancy sound system. Or awesome musicians. It has happy voices, it has children playing instruments for Jesus. Their is not even a bathroom. You have to walk into the house to get there. Here is what they do have. About 20 young people who, if you look at them should have no real reason to come to church at this place. But yet they do. Their is no games or technology or real reason they should be going to this church. Yet they come. And i know the reason why.

IT is because Mary Nerness, cares for them. She buys them food, and shows them love. She prays for them.

It is funny how many times Andy and I have gone to things to teach us how to keep people coming to church, and how to reach our generation. Those were good meeting and i know that i learned good things at each of them.

But, I just want to say Hats OFF to Mary Nerness. She is showing the people of Tama, Iowa who the real Jesus is.

I am pretty sure Jesus would go, pick up the kids, and not complain about it. He would buy them a bag of chips and fruit juice to drink. He would let them play the instruments, even if it was not even close too real music ability. He would ask for their pray requests and hug them and love them. He would take them home and pray for them during the week.

Just like Mary Nerness.

How Refeshing that was for Andy and I.

I just thought you should know about the amazing woman we met last night.

Hello from the unfrequent blogger

Hi fellow Bloggies,

Today my brother Joe, got confirmed. So I took a break from Itiniration. Andy had to go to Macedonia and Red Oak, without me.... But i was very glad that i got to see Joe on his special day. After church, my parents took us out to eat at Granite City. I have never eaten there. But definitely would tell others to stop by. It was very good.

Andy and i went on a special date on Saturday night. It is funny how as you get older, dates are different. For example, we went to Hu- Hot. (Another restaurant i would reccomend to any one who is interested..) Where we sat, i noticed that their was a highschool couple who looked totally in love. The young man, just stared at the girl. It was like she could have totally burped out loud in his face and he would have thought that it was adorable. It is fun to see people that way. I would like to think that Andy and I are still like that, but we are not.. If he burped in my face. I would think that it was gross and i am pretty sure that is vice versa....

As time goes by, you sort of get used to the other person.. I know that Andy and I have only been married for 1.5 years, but i have known him for 7 years. I feel as though i know him pretty well. The funny thing is that our love, has developed and hit so many different levels now. He still can make me laugh hysterically and I miss him like crazy when he is gone. I still think we look at eachother with googly eyes too.

I think I really know what love is now. I really love Andy and I am so glad that GOD, had him for me.. I see that when he helps out with stuff at home, he is loving me. When he drives me to work that he is loving me. Love is patient and kind. 1 Cor 13. is used so much in weddings, that i feel like it people forget what it means to really love anyone. It is an amazing verse. I pray it for all marriages, friends, siblings, and family. May you have a lovely day.

One more thing. The new season of the Amazing Race started today.. I am so excited.

Chelsea

My life last week

Well, i shall try to sum up what has been going on the last week or so,, I have been working nights recently. Nights make me a little out of it. I get cranky and very hungry. But after a good night of sleep i am with it again. And no i am not pregnant.

My brother turned 14 on September 2nd. Kind of weird.. I remember the day he was born. And now he is becoming a young man. It was a happy day. Joe got to choose the restaurant where he wanted us to eat. And he choose Burger King... My mother refused so he choose a place that was more sophisticated then the BK, the Chinese Buffett place by Walmart instead... He is a teenage boy, that is for sure.

Andy went to Souix City or as the Souix City people call it "Souix Land" on Sunday, i had to work on Saturday night. The service went well he said, but I miss not going places with him. It is okay... I can usually find a reason why i was meant to work at the hospital every time. Some times its harder than others..

Lastly, i got my hair colored dark brown today. I like the new Dew, but it is going to take a little getting used too... If i could choose any hair color and have it look good on me, i would choose jet black... kind of like Pocahontas. Maybe you did not know that.. or really don't care.. Either way i thought i would share.

Talk to you later... Chelsea