Travel Tuesdays

Living in another country presents many new challenges and adventures, one being: transportation. In the Philippines, traffic is absurd times one million. Cars, jeepneys, trikes, mopeds, buses, vans and more cars crowd the roads all trying to get to their destinations. The most important lesson I have learned so far is: view the road as if it were a river, flowing in and out. Sounds like a peaceful experience? Right…. This flowing river called Philippines traffic is one hundred percent opposite from a nice peaceful flowing river; however, the traffic does flow, road lines are just suggestions, speed limits don’t exist and horns are a sign of awareness. Really you must come and see for yourself. Being from a small town, I never had much experience riding public transportation. Now, I ride public every day. I leave my house, walk to the end of the subdivision (not quite the same as the states), cross the major road and hope on a jeepney (one of the most unique public transportation vehicles, very unique). After only riding public a handful of times, I have an endless supply of funny stories and lessons learned (actually, kind of embarrassing) that I can share: 1) Always be sure to get off at the right stop, or you will have to walk all the way home; 2) Some Jeepneys play really loud terrible music and the drivers smoke: both illegal (both no fun to ride on), 3) When in doubt, ask someone! Filipinos are very helpful! Traveling in another country is very exciting and also kind of intimidating; however, it has changed the way I look at transportation.

Lessons from the Lord...

Sunday, Jan 16

Now that I am been in country for five days, I have started to feel the overwhelming emotions of doing life in another country. While I still feel like I am in the “honeymoon” stage of the transition, small things have started to surface in my heart that is shaking my heart. I attended Union Church of Manila in one of the main cities with my house mate. It amazed me to see the variation of cultures and nationalities in the congregation. I can imagine heaven will be sort of like that: so many different people all singing praises to the King. I couldn’t help but let my eyes wander to the differences and similarities to the States. I was overcome by the presence of the Lord in the place. The sermon was about Matthew 20, where the sons of Zebedee’s Mother (Mary the mother of Jesus’ aunt) asked Jesus to make her sons be positioned at His right and left hands in glory. Jesus responds with a comparison of what greatness looks like in the Roman world and what greatness looks like for them. After church, I was able to join a small group Sunday school that discussed the sermon; I was floored to hear the ideas and reflections of the people in the group. I walked away with one key thing on my mind.

So often in the States we come to Jesus and say ‘Lord, here is my agenda could you please bless it?’ It seems as though we think that we are to bring our ministry or desire to the Lord and He will make us fruitful because we are in His ‘circle’, just like the sons of Zebedee. But, what is it that makes one great? The pastor said that, ‘Greatness does not come from tyrannical leadership, but from faithful presence.’ What would it look like if greatness did not simply fill the room, but enlarged it? I was left pondering how in the next 17 weeks, and for the rest of my life, will surrender to not my own definition of greatness, but to that of Jesus?

"It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Matthew 20:26-28

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts, they are definitely felt here in Manila. More to come soon!

-Mads

Right in the Middle...

In the last 72 hours, my life has been dramatically changed forever. I started this journey not even knowing where I would end up, but I can say with ease I am right in the middle of God's will... On Sunday, I found out that my flight was canceled due to snow in Atlanta and I would need to find another way to Manila. If you know anything about me or my personality, I started to have a mini melt down. In my head I was thinking, “OK Lord, you want me to go and now you are going to cancel my flight?” Not such a smart thing to say to the Lord. In that moment, someone who I respect very much says to me, “Madison, this trip isn’t about you, its about Him.” I stopped in my tracks at the reminder that this whole adventure is not about me, it never has been. If it was about me, I would have turned around by now. It was in that moment that my perspective for the next four months was refreshed and renewed. Within thirty minutes, I had a new flight (thanks to my mom’s intelligence and the Lord’s provision) that was so much better than my origional flight for no extra cost. After arriving at the airport on Monday, I was so kindly informed that there was a precious little embargo restriction on baggage. Frantically, I unload and reload my bags, trying to fit their restrictions. Now I was on my way for approximately 20+ hours of flying time. I met several wonderful people on the planes and the Lord was faithful to remind me that He was in complete control. I have been here now for almost 24 hours and the jet lag is beginning to wear off. I am staying with a gracious family for a few days and then I move on to my more permant residence.

I am already overwhelmed with the differences in this country compared to America. My prayer is that the Lord would completely change my life and perspective towards His people. Hopefully, this blog will give you a small insight into the journey He takes me on. More to come tomorrow.

Be Thou' My Vision....

With one week left until my flight to Manila, I am so overwhelmed with the goodness of the Lord... There has been a song that won't leave my mind and I really feel like is speaks the cry of my heart. I pray that these lyrics resound from my heart as I prepare in obedience to follow the Lord.

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.

Thou my best thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee, Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, I thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight,

Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.

Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower.

Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,

Thou mine inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

All for His Glory,

Mads

Full of Emotions...

Christmas is over and all the decorations are coming down. Normally, I would be dreading going back to school for the spring semester; however, not this year… In just two short weeks I will be embarking on one of the most exciting times of my life (well, up to this point at least). In fourteen days, I will be on a plane to Manila, Philippines for seventeen weeks (the more and more I say 17 weeks the longer it feels…) So far, when people have asked me if I am nervous or scared, I have simply responded, “ahh… not really.” As I am sitting here typing this, I am feeling a mixture of emotions. #1 Excited: I love to travel and I love new things; both a huge part of this trip, which makes me bubbling with eagerness!!! #2 Nervous: I am not super world traveler and my perfectionist self wants to make sure I have all I need (or will ever think of needing) before I leave. While this will simply be impossible, my OCD tendencies can’t help themselves. #3 Overwhelmed: from experience, every time the Lord has taken me out of my comfort zone, He has also rocked my world. I can’t help but think of all the ways I will be different after this experience. I desire to mature spiritually, mentally, and physically while I am gone; all the while falling more in love with Jesus. #4 Attached: This is the one that is a little difficult to describe (for those of you who don’t know me, I am not real good and describing how I feel). I have this feeling of needing/wanting to spend as much time with each person I love so much in the next two weeks. Impossible Nonetheless, I am learning to cherish each moment with those close to me before I fly off to Manila. #5 Thankful: The icing on the cake. I can’t even describe (see, there I go again…) to you how thankful I am for the people who have supported me financially and prayerfully in this journey. The Lord has strategically placed so many people in my path that have nudged, shoved, and pushed me to surrender this to the Lord. I can’t wait to see how the Lord is going to rock my life. Thanks for following me on this journey. It means the world to me. I love each of you dearly.

In Him, Madison

Financial Support: I still need about 1,000 in the next two weeks. If you would like to help me make it to Manila, please send your check to- PO Box 209 Stantonsburg, NC 27883.

Prayer Requests: Travel Details, Finances, Preparations for leaving

One Month.

One Month, Thirty One Days, until I am on a plane headed to Manila, Philippines for 17 weeks. Honestly, at this very moment the thought of leaving in a month is surreal. So far, the Lord has made this journey exciting, interesting, surprising, and a little nerve racking; but most of all, the Lord has made this journey about Himself. From the beginning, I set out to go where the Lord could be given the most glory. There were several times when I wanted to give up (well, I did give up until the Lord kicked me back into gear) and there were times when I just had no clue what to do next. It has been a beautiful journey of trusting the Lord and realizing that I don’t have to know the next step. Over and over, the Lord has reminded me that He “is the one who goes ahead of me” and He “is the one who will be with me and not fail or forsake me”. He has reminded me that I should “not fear or be dismayed”. (Deut 31:8) God is good. As I am finalizing minor details and raising my remaining support necessary to leave, I am overwhelmed by the confirmation and reminder of the Lord’s hand in this whole journey. There have been numerous people that have been critical in the process (Mom, Dad, Michael, The Halseys, Professors, Friends and Family). I can’t thank them enough. I would like to end with a quote that I have been playing over and over in my head. May you read it, read it again, let it sink in and reflect on how good our God is to us. So so good.

-Madison

“Look in Jesus’ eyes. Take your eyes off the busyness, off your ‘trials’. And even off your sin. (I’ve paid for that), and be captured once again by the cross. For only one thing is needful. Only one thing matters. And it’s my cross.”

Prayer Requests: Financial Support (lack about $1,000), Details with Visa and Shots, Lord prepare my heart

Financial Support: PO BOX 209 Stantonsburg, NC 27883

Yard Sale Results

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2

As you guys may remember, I had a sweet and awesome yard sale Friday and Saturday in hopes to raise the remains of my support needed for my trip to the Philippines. We had so many wonderful people donate clothes, household items, and many other things to help me raise the money! Let me just begin by saying, I had NO idea what the Lord had in store to bless me with. He went over and above. Doesn’t He always! We started about 10:00 am on Friday and didn’t stop until Saturday about noon. I was able to share with so many people the love and joy of Christ! By Saturday we were down to mainly women’s and little boys clothes. I began to pray about what to do with the remaining items. But the Lord knew where it was needed already. I was able to pack about 8 HUGE boxes to take to a family of 13 in need. The mother has an inoperable brain tumor and is in need of a miracle. Although, I wasn’t able to help medically, the Lord gave me an opportunity to show His love by blessing them with all of these clothes. Overall, the Yard Sale was a huge success of blessing and giving. Thanks for your support and help during this event. Continue to keep me in your prayers as I am preparing to leave in January.

Prayer Request: Recovery from surgery, Filipino People, and financial support

Financial Support: PO Box 209 Stantonsburg, NC 27883

All for His Glory,

Madison Clair