whats new with us

Hi, friends! This is Andy. I decided to go ahead and post a blog. Can't let Chelsea have all the fun. We have been to some really fun churches in the past couple of weeks. We have shared with a few youth groups as well. That is always muy fun! Hope everything is going well with you. Pray for us to get our budget raised so that we can leave for Costa Rica in August! Here are some pics of some of the kids from the youth groups we have been to. Oh yeah, I had to include a pic of the king as well!

missions update

Last night we went to the youth group of Atlantic, Iowa. First off we visited this church on a Sunday morning last summer and it was awesome. The church had many people who had gone on Missions trips to Mexico and loved it. It made it so easy for us to talk about Mexico. Also my great grandma lived in Atlantic and she is also buried their. So we went and found her old house and her burial plot after we left.. It brought back lots of memories for me... So Andy had called and offered to speak at the Youth group and they said of course. So last night we went and it is just a church that you fall in love with. The people are truly loving and kind. The youth group has a male leader who has sort of taken over the Youth Pastor role and one women leader. That is it!!!!!!!

They had about 12-15 kids there, but we had a wonderful time.. It is just hard, i know at Berean we were so grateful for all the help we had. It was awesome, it just breaks your heart to go other places and see all the needs.. I must always remember though, that God sees those needs and i believe and pray that the right leaders would be rising up now, to go to that church and give of themselves.. If i could i would go to that church every Wednesday.. It was a good group....

Anyway i thought i would also write an update on how we are doing with raising funds......

On our Monthly Budget we are at about 60%, and on cash offering we are at 95%..

Praise God, this whole process, i have said that i am not going to worry, because God will make a way!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I believe that 100%

Our goal is to leave at the end of August...... to go to Costa Rica..

love chelsea

today is his BirthDay

Today is Andy's 24th Birthday.. We had a nice time eating out with his family and tonight we are eating out again at OutBack Steak house... Yummo!
I am so glad that Andy is my husband. He is so encouraging and loving. I am so thankful that we are together. He is my Breath of Fresh Air...
Chelsea

My Present

Okay, Andy bought me my christmas present yesterday and last night he hid it somewhere in the house and he dared me to find it. So i went to our spare bedroom and went straight to his old t-shirt drawer and immediately he yells, don't look!
So then i say Hide it again. I leave the room and then return in 5 minutes and look exactly to the scanner because the usually quiet piece of machinery is now making a weird noise. I say hmmmm that is funny, could it be hidden in that???
Andy then yells NOOOOOOOOO don't look.


He then hides it one more time and one more time, i find it on the first try.

In the end, i would like to say.... andy is pretty simple to figure out some times. or maybe i am just pretty sneaky??? he is my husband and i love him sooo........

my brother and LUCY

okay i have now learned how to put pictures on our computer.
The HUGE one of me was a mistake,

This is a picture of my brother Joe and my parents dog Lucy.
Isn't she cute!!!

Guadalajara

Today Andy and I recieved a call from another Missionary and her Husband who are in Guadalajara.

How encouraging and excited it made me. She spoke on what it is like thier and what they have been doing and it made my heart leap..

Guadalajara is in Central Mexico. It is a city of 10 million people!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you imagine. Iowa only has 2 million people. Guadalajara has about 30 evangelical churches. So that is about 300,000 for one church....

Crazy,, Guadalajara has also about 2 million street children. Can you imagine that as well.

What a mission field. But right along with that Mission field is Iowa.

When Andy and i itenirate to different churches, we really emphasis that missions is a team thing.

Some are called to go, some to pray, some to give. It is not whether or not you are called. Because all are called to do something even if it is little.

Whether you pray for missionaries or give or go. All of us work together to further the kingdom of God.

I just thought that i would share.

sunrise, sunset

Today Andy and I traveled to Manchester, Iowa today. We had to leave really early because it was 2.5 hours away. So we left our apartment at 0600 am. WE traveled east, and i would like to say that it was the most GLORIOUS Sunrise that i had seen in quite some time. By 0630, they were beautiful shades of purple, green, orange and blue in the sky.

We got to Manchester at 0830, and really enjoyed being with the congregation and church members. Pastor Merlyn Farrand and his wife are doing an awesome work in Manchester.

We left around 3:00 p.m., and when we got home, i got to see the sunset. It made me think how awesome God is. He creates the sun and the stars, such wonderful Amazing things and how easily i take them for granted.


Anyway, i just thought that i would share.

Chelsea Jo

Christmas Tree

It is official Andy and I as of November 16th have put our Christmas Tree up... It is very beautiful, and lightens up the whole living room.

We maybe dorky, but we dont care.

Chelsea

HERO'S

It has been quite a while since my last blog. Lots of things have happened, and i guess i have not really felt the need to share anything to much. I also have been working nights recently and it is totally swamped at my work. Swamped with seriously sick children. So sometimes that drains me..... But today i am full of more energy.. Andy and I have been itenerating and that is going quite well. We have been encouraged by that last two churches in lots of ways.

My brother Joe is in 8th grade and for school they have a HERO unit, where they choose someone in thier life who is a hero to them. Joe choose my husband and his bro-in-law Andy. And this made me think. What if i would have choosen a loser for a husband. What kind of impact that would leave on my bro's life? I am so thankful that Andy is an amazing husband. For the hero unit, they need to make a list of the reasons why this person is a hero to them. The number one reason that Joe put, was that Andy loves my sister so much. And I totally agree. He also put, that he stands up for the right things and loves God. What a wonderful way to encourage someone. When i was in 8th grade, I choose my grandpa as my HERO. He fought in WWII. He does not like to talk about it, but he was very Brave and a man full of Character.. I think sometimes its good to think about who has been a hero in your own life. You should let them know.

Let my list some of the people i consider to be heros in my life right now. I will make a list of 5, or else i will just keep listing them.
1. My Parents because they sacrifice and love when no one thanks them for it.
2. Heart surgeons, i know that it is their job. But i don't know if they will ever see how their work impacts lives and families.
3. Single Missionaries who go to crazy countries that some of us would never imagine or even think of, all by themselves. And they do it for the love of people. They truly shine Jesus love.
4. War veterans or soldiers.
5. My family, just because i think they all are men and women of good character who work hard. And do not get thanked for all the times i am blessed by them in my life.........
4.

wedding bells

This weekend my cousin Jill is going to be getting married in Kansas City. Andy and I are pumped for the wedding, because we are going to be staying in the Marriott at Crowne Center in Kansas City. We leave on Friday and come back Sunday. maybe i will take pictures and figure out how to put them up to show everyone.

pumpkin bars

Andy and I just made some yummy pumpkin bars.

The recipe is so easy, it is my mom's .

I have totally been craving pumpkin lately, probably due to the season.

anyway, if any one needs a good pumpkin bars recipe, let me know. i'll write you with it.

One night with the King

Andy and I and two of our friends saw the movie One night with a King. It is the story of Queen Esther in the Bible.
I remember learning about Queen Esther from my friend Jonie.

I remember her telling me about Esther and the choices she made. She seemed so excited and it made me excited.

Any way, the movie was pretty good. It told the story pretty well. So, if interested in a good movie, i give this one a thumbs up.

Chelsea

question/pregunta

Hey bloggers,

I just got a new candle from my friend who sells Gold Canyon Candles. It is Ameretto Creme. And it smells AMAZING. I would eat it, if it were real......

But my question is, i was thinking of having a candle party. So others could buy. I would like opinions.

Sometimes i don't like parties, because you feel like you don't need any more pampered chef stuff or whatever.

But, these candles rock! Also people might not be interested due to Christmas is coming soon.

So, if you care write me and tell me what you think.

Thanks, Chelsea

thankful

Hey friends,

Just wanted to say i am thankful for all of my family and friends. i love you all..

Church on Sunday

Yesterday Andy and I traveled to Muscatine and to Mt. Pleasant. What a fun day, of meeting people and spending time in awesome churches.
First we went to Muscatine. It was a great church, the people were very friendly and kind to both Andy and I. But the coolest part of all came at the end of the service. Andy and I were in the foyer greeting people and a lady came up to me and said, "God told me to tell you that you are going to have the best Christmas's".

The AMAZING thing about the statement is that i have been worried and sad about Christmas.. I know that some people dread Christmas and think how much money they will have to spend and all of that. But I have been dreading not knowing if I will be able to see my family on Christmas.

In School of Missions, they tell missionaries to not come home for Christmas, because it is to hard to say Good bye again. But Andy and I decided a long, long, long time ago that when we are in Costa Rica and Mexico, we WILL come back for Christmas. I love my family and it makes me sad to not spend holidays with them.....

So, i guess recently it has been on my heart and in my mind. I really treasure the time i get to spend with my family.. I think that we forget, how easy everything could change. Both positive and negatively.

So, anyway, to have that lady say what she had heard from God, was such a blessing to me. God truly cares about all our needs.. And to hear it, was amazing. IT brought tears to my eyes.. I guess that people have said other statements that God is watching out for me and has great plans for me.. But to hear something so personal.. We serve such a loving, caring God.. Who cares about our thoughts and families..

Any way I just thought it was cool.

peace out,
chelsea

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