My new apartment

Family with T-shirts

Family at ROC

May 5, 2012

Hi, Everyone!

Yes, I made it to Poland after a great commissioning service and send off at the airport!  It is great to know that you are loved and supported by many!  The Krzesinski family was at the airport to greet me and thankfully the boys came running through the crowd to greet me!  I gave the T-shirts out along with the gifts and they were all so excited…as you will see there are pictures that were taken the next day!  Thankfully I got about 12 hours of sleep and there was no jet lag on Wednesday…just me being mixed up on what day of the week it was.  Thursday was a holiday – the signing of the Polish constitution – so we hang out as a big family and relaxed.  Friday Rachel and I looked at apartments and I put a deposit & signed contract on the one we all liked the best!  Owner is so kind – his wife may be giving me some pots & pans… and flowers!  He also speaks 4 languages: French, Polish, English and GERMAN!  Today – Pychia and I become best friends while the Krzesinskis get some rest as a family!

Now for the 2 coffee cup version…sorry I should not have waited so long to write…

Sunday night, 4/29, was my commissioning service and it was a joyous occasion!  People had all these nice things to say about me and I was touched by all they had to say.  Since I do not like to cry in public and it was a time of rejoicing…I was thankful for only a few tears that fell.  Thanks to all those who brought the yummy desserts!  Even though I did not get to eat much that night, Diane packed me a goodies box that I enjoyed before flying out on Tuesday.  It was a bit stressful on Monday – getting things ready to ship out and finish up last minute stuff.  Sorry I was late to the airport on Tuesday, but I was so touched by all that came and those who were able to stay a while…thanks to those who took time to chat with my family!  One of the ladies at the airport was very impressed that so many came out to say “see you later.”  Flight to Chicago went well and I am so thankful for the time I was able to spend with Kelly & her family!  It has been a number of years since we have seen one another and the Lord allowed us to catch up a bit and rejoice in all the Lord has done in my life – from the time she lead me to accept Jesus as my Savior to the time I will going on a plane to Poland (to serve in the mission field).  God is so good!  I flew LOT airline – for those of you who do not know – it is a Polish airline…you thought we talk a lot on the plane…LOL  They also like to travel with their dogs – there were at least 3 medium size dogs that rode in the baggage area of the plane for almost 9 hours!  I dozed a lot on the plane, but it was a good flight.  I was anxiously waiting on my luggage when we arrived, since I had 2 large suitcases and my small suitcase (it was 2.5 pounds over the limit and could not be taken on board…but thankfully they only charged me for one suitcase – instead of 2).  Praise the Lord!   Another praise that they did not weigh my backpack…I might have only been able to board with a book.  LOL  Then I loaded the cart with all my stuff and a lady was ahead of me – she saw her family and stopped in her tracks…the was only room for one cart at a time.   So finally she moved to the end and I was trying to find a way to move through the crowd…when 2 boys came running up “Miss Marie” – man, was I happy to see them.  Then Rachel, Robert & Layla followed quickly after.  We shared big hugs and scooted out to the car.  Rachel made a great tomato pie for dinner after stopping quick at REAL.  I shared the gifts I brought for them…Robert and Rachel’s belated birthday gifts and goodies for the kids.   Then I shared about the T-shirts and the boys wanted to put them on right away.  Since it was close to bedtime, we decided to put them on in the morning.  Robert, Rachel & I shared for a bit about the ministry and a few things that are going on.  As usual, I began dozing and it was highly recommended that I go to bed.  After 12 hours of sleep, I felt much better and was pleasantly surprised to see everyone wearing their T-shirts!  So I went and put mine on and we took pictures!  They are all touched that people would take the time to sign and pray for us!  I said – that is Open Door!!!!  You may not see them, but they are here with us…as Pastor Bill says:  “When one goes, we all go!”  Most of the day we relaxed…mostly for my sake, but I am so thankful that they are so understanding.  It was also a holiday – Constitution Day – no fireworks, parades or anything like that – but there were many showing their Polish pride by hanging a flag outside their homes.   Friday was my big day out with Rachel – apartment hunting.  Robert had contacted a realtor on my behalf about a month ago…since I was looking at the most popular size and price range…4 out of the 8 were already rented.  The 4 that I looked at were all nice apartments…the first one was my favorite – it was close by, had a more open floor plan, nice size kitchen and owner speaks English (also French, Polish and German).  He was the one that made the most effort to speak English the entire time – so I could follow along.  Even though Rachel shared what was said by others, it was nice to hear first hand.  The other apartments were nice, but he really sold the place by telling me how far the metro & bus stops were, mini-mart across the street and a few really nice restaurants nearby…one is a Crepes place!!!  Yum!!!   I really like the Remax realtor, Malgorzata, that Robert got for me.  She knows her stuff and got not only the price of the apartment down, but had my back on other things.  The owner, Zbigniew, it is really his son’s apartment, but he will be ready to move in about 5 years from now…Piotr is studying at college.   Owner bought 3 apartments – his daughter & family live directly below me and he & his wife next door to her.  He is a techy – his company works with internet, communication, and cable services…so he will give me a TV, help me find a reasonable cable& internet service provider, his wife may give me some pots & pans, other starter stuff and flowers!  Rachel told me that he called them her “green  pets.”  LOL  We think of him as a big teddy bear with a big heart for others.

Today the Krzesinskis are taking some time as a family…allowing Pychia and I to become good friends!   We play tug of war a lot, go for walks and I am thankful to have her around.  I am so thankful to be here, have some time to myself (with the Lord) and starting to explore.  There are a few tasks that will take me out the house and expand my comfort zone!  Praying that Robert & Rachel get the time with the kids, rest  they need and we be thankful when they return home.

Love & prayers to all!

“I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go.”         Jeremiah 45:5

4/28/12 update

Hi, All –

Just a few days before I leave, so packing in under way and finalizing the last minute stuff.

Thankfully I received a few items to take with me and be a blessing to the Krzesinski  Family!

It is hard to believe that the day is almost here and all the work, trials and blessings…lead to a new chapter in my life.  The trip to WV was a blessing to get some of the business stuff straightened out and have a better understanding of how to be more effective in my bookkeeping!

I am grateful for all the friends from Open Door Baptist Church – who are more like family than acquaintances.  The years at ODBC have taught me to surrender myself to the Lord’s will and to follow in obedience.  Even though this is not an easy walk, I have more joy than I have had in years!  There is a change within that I do not have the words to explain.  Thanks again for all the prayers and encouragement – I would appreciate that they continue as I move to Poland and new challenges will arise.  God is so good to me and I am so thankful for His provision!

The cup of coffee version:

Well the Bible Institute classes are done for now…and I am so thankful for their teaching!   I have a better knowledge and feel a bit more prepared for the ministry ahead.  Now I need to focus some more attention on learning Polish…after I finish my outline for Sunday and sharing with the ODBC how the Lord is working in my life and how thankful I am to all who have done more than they know.  I am blessed by having the opportunity to get to know several people at church.  Pastor Bill asked me to give him a few names of people that I am close to…it stumped me because there are so many women who have touched my life in a special way…how do you pick just a few!  Pam, who invited me to ODBC several times, and trilled when I did come.  Beth, who sat with me during the play “By His Wounds” and noticed the unity of several people working together on stage and behind the scenes to make it a successful outreach.   Tracy and I started our missionary journey about the same time and even though they are very different – all the blessing and the unique relationship we have since then.  Peg, who has been a patient mentor, prayer warrior and just a blessing to call friend.  Shelley , who is like a sister to me in so many ways, took me under her wing and taught me so much along the way – her friendship has encouraged me to stretch beyond my comfort zone and surrender to the Lord’s will.  Brenda and Julie, who have accepted me as part of the family and all the blessing that brings!  And I could go on and on…but I am so thankful for all my sisters in the Lord – who have encouraged me, got me out of my comfort zone and taught me so much!  I am also thankful for the pastors and teachers – that have taught me what it is to be a disciple and how we need to challenge ourselves to continue to grow in Christ!    I am so excited how the Lord will work in my life, opportunities to share and Lord willing people will come to visit and encourage me! 

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God, trust also in me.”  John 14:1

Easter Sunday - 4/8/12

Hello Everyone! 

Sorry I have taken so long to give an update…but I have been rather busy.

Here is the quick summary:

The Lord has been so good to me!  I sold my car to a family at church, the house was sold and closed on 4/4 – so you can image all the packing/cleaning, and moved back to my parent’s home (I got the big bedroom this time)!   A lot of stuff was moved to my brother’s house for storage and now sorting through items being shipped to Poland and rest going to storage… 

The Lord has gone before and touched a lot of people’s hearts…through the generosity of many friends, family and Open Door Baptist Church - I am at 98% if being fully supported for 2 years!   That is just under $1,500 to go!!!  Last day of work is April 17^th.  The flight is booked for May 1^st and I will be in POLAND on May 2^nd!!!!!

Here is the cup of coffee update:

As many of you know, I started the sale of the house back in October.  The Lord brought tons of people through – many saying that they really liked it, but no offers were coming in.  Then in January, a buyer put in an offer that was too low…so I was not sure if I would get a fair offer.  By the February, buyer came back with an offer close to my best offer…so after prayer, I accepted offer.  There were some stressful times – mostly to do with the well and verifying that well water was acceptable. 

The process of letting go of things – getting donations for some items, donating to Goodwill, some items to trash…and rest for storage & pack for Poland (to have a little from home).

Thankfully friends came along side – in prayer and others were able to help me back or let go!

To find a buyer for my car – the Lord allowed me to go on Facebook at the right time (yes, there are some good things about Facebook).   I took the car to mechanic to verify car was ready for sale and verify that fair price was being put on car.  Thankfully the Lord was in this process and made things go so smoothly!  Now a family that needed a second car…has one!  It is a blessing that the Lord helped each of us! 

Progress on Bible Institute – Pastor Lloyd is finishing the Old Testament study on Wednesday and I will have that class completed before I go!  Lord willing, I will be able to finish off the New Testament before May… 

Polish classes are done…and I would not say that I have confidence to speak Polish, but I know it is a good base to start from.  Now Rosetta Stone is making a little more sense and I hope to continue my studies and go from there.  

Lastly – working on finishing those little things like banking, canceling services, medical insurance,  packing for Poland and  so forth….

Thank you so much for all the prayers, my prayer team – for the constant prayers & encouragement, and financial support!  Thank you does not seem to be enough…

I am so humbled that the Lord wants to use me in Poland and how He has been with me every step of the way!  If I can encourage anyone going through a trial or questioning what the Lord may have for you…allow Him to push you past your comfort zone!  Take that first step and allow God to open doors for you!  

“If I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.”                  Phil. 2:17

Sorry for long delay...hear is the latest!

Wow - it is the middle of Febuary and things have been moving along...where to begin.  The Lord had laid it on my heart to sell my house of 6 years.  So I called on friends to have a garage sale, stage house and lots of prayer.  The house went on the market in October and was very encouraged by the number of people who cam to look at the house, but started to get a little discouraged when offers did not come.  It is great to hear a lot of positive feedback on the house, but I know that my house needs a little work...
The Lord was so good to me, to allow me to stay here during the holidays and enjoy my house a little longer.  Then anxiey started in...will anyone put in an offer?  Will the house sell by my goal date?  After the prayer team giving support and crying out to the Lord...  He has allowed me to wait, but I accepted an offer and the inspection went well...now the buyer, Jessica, is getting her mortgage - then banker appraiser and then the closing!
My financial support is coming along - a huge thanks to ODBC really getting behind me and encouraging me in this journey!  Thank you does not seem enough to express how much I appreciate the generosity of friends, family and ODBC  has been to me!  I really thought that I would be doing this one dollar at a time, not that I would say no to a dollar, but this is so exciting how the Lord is working.
Robert and Rachel have been working so hard - starting the ministry and those challenges, the work requires them to be available 24/7 and to raise a family.  Rachel shared how I will be an asset to their ministry - my singleness will allow me to meet a lady for coffee on short notice and other aspects.
They are excited about me coming and I am excited about being able to join the team.
Thanks so much for your prayers, reading about my journey and how the Lord is working in my life.

 "When you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place..."                 Matthew 6:6