Holy Grounds

August Update

Joanna Geiger — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:20:10 +0000

First, I want to say sorry all of you at Holy Grounds because I sent this out a couple of weeks ago and didn’t post it. I will try to be more faithful at posting my update on the website for those of you who don’t get my email update. I also wanted to say particularly to you, my sending church, that I thank God for each and every one of you. Sometimes I think about you all and my heart really longs to be there with you and partake of life with you. I’ve had a taste of what I consider “church done well.” Then everything else kind of tastes like bran muffins. Not terrible but not amazing either. I’ve been very encouraged by you and want you to know that I miss you deeply but also know that God has blessed me with you so that I could do what I do here and that it would be harder with out you all behind me supporting me. You have enabled me past what you probably know.

The following is what I sent out in August:

Greetings!

I apologize for not having sent out an update sooner. When you start getting into the routine of things it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have nothing to share. I have in recent months wondered what I could write as an update. I usually look for the heartwarming stories that everyone loves. Those stories are what you cling to when life is less heartwarming and more struggle. Unfortunately, the last four months have been less heartwarming and more of a dichotomy of events. It has been dramatic shifts of opposing stances. There have been shifts of happiness and times when the weight of ministry hangs heavily. There have been times of health and prolonged times of sickness. There have been times of extreme loneliness and times of community. This up and down has become somewhat of a routine here for these past four months since I’ve last written.

So, since May, what has happened? After the kids went back to school things seemed to go back to normal. Things got hard and good in turn. Mid-June I developed a full body rash that I struggled with intensely for about a month. I spent a lot of time with doctors and hospital to find out nothing conclusive about what caused the rash. I didn’t sleep a whole lot that month which caused me to, essentially, lose the plot entirely. After about a month, I was able to get my sleep back although even to this day I still have itching episodes that are vaguely reminiscent of the rash. However, the ability to sleep again makes life a lot easier. My Thai lessons continue to go well. I really am enjoying the language and finding little victories in Thai. Every now and again, when I am able to have a conversation with a shop keeper or tell a story in Thai, I am so encouraged.

I believe I’ve always being an idealist. I look at the world as how I hope it would be rather then what it currently is. However, my idealist glasses don’t start and stop at how the world is, I look at myself and missions through these glasses as well. I think ideally, missions would be hard at times but incredibly fulfilling. I always thought that I’d always have passion and that fulfillment to carry me through the rough patches. The fact of the matter is that being in missions isn’t always a passionate experience. Being in missions is a different kind of hard that I haven’t experienced and things get dry and baron here too. Living in a different context isn’t always as exciting as you would hope. Those you minister aren’t always excited about you being here. God has had to teach me how to let him carry me through and not depend on community, passion or emotions to carry me through.

When things get hard it is difficult to know what to say. I think a year ago when I was preparing to take this trip, I had all these expectations. When things get hard it’s easy to lose passion and perspective. When you’ve been gone from home it’s natural to feel disconnected and after feeling disconnected, it’s normal to feel lonely. The key thing is it’s all by design. I really feel like God has been stripping me down layer by layer. In doing so, there have been many low valleys and desert places. I’ve had to take my expectations to him and lay them down. I’ve had to mourn and even face the times when tears wouldn’t come. Through it all though, God has always provided the manna I’ve needed. He’s given me strength and grace to persevere. It hasn’t been easy but God is molding me and that is exciting! He has taught me so many amazing things that although things have been dry He’s never left me thirsty.

These months have been difficult, but, God has given me such a great friends and family to support me. I just really want to say thank you so much for all of the encouragement that you all have provided in the past months. Thank you for all of the finances you continue to send. Thank you for your prayers and how you have really gotten behind and championed me through. I am constantly blown away by all your support.

I pray you are all blessed!

Joanna

HG Tonight

sreinitz — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 18:01:49 +0000

Hi all – We’ve had a bit of a change in plans and I will be leading tonight on the topic of our blessings. See you then!

Steph

TONIGHT: Change in Location

emily — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 20:31:30 +0000

Team,

Sarah and John Dale’s house generously offered their house to cook out, so we will be changing our location start burgers at 7pm. Come hungry!

Emily

Directions? 512.853.0053

Arrrr! It’s me matey’s birthday!

emily — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:04:45 +0000

Greetings fellow buccaneers!

Captn Wismer survived another pillaging year without walking the plank, and to celebrate, we are going to have a “serious game night,” as requested by the captn himself. Bring your favorite board games and show up at Stephanie’s ship at 8pm SATURDAY, or you’ll be food for the fishies.

Grub will be provided. RSVP at emmianne86ATgmail.com. If you get lost of have questions drop me a line at 512.853.0053.

SAILS AHOY!

HG this Sunday – Beth leading discussion on anxiety

John Dale — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:36:41 +0000

This week, Beth Taylor will be leading a discussion on anxiety, stress and how people find peace when they feel this way. Come and join us Sunday night at 6:30pm to listen and share your thoughts and experiences as well.

Hope to see you there!

Hospitality Request

Matt — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:47:57 +0000

My friends Joe, Vladi, and Vicki (Vladi and Vicki are Russian exchange students) are doing some east coast travel and are in need of a place to stay this Friday and Saturday night. Anyone up for hosting them? They are planning to do a bunch of site seeing in DC and are happy with couches or air mattresses or whatever makes sense.

Love and miss you all so much!!!

Sunday Night HG

jledmiston — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 01:15:48 +0000

I’m leading the content Sunday and hope you’ll be thinking about beautiful things.

Ecclesiates 3:11 – God has made everything beautiful for its time.

What is beautiful to you? And what beautiful things have you witnessed happening as part of the church?

Game Night Tonight!

sreinitz — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 16:06:47 +0000

Hi friends! For those of you not in Pittsburgh this weekend, I’m hosting game night tonight at my place. Feel free to come over anytime after 6 pm. I’m planning to order pizza for dinner, so let me know if you want in on that. Call if you need directions – 612.708.0793.

Steph

Scott & Sasha Send-Off

Lauren Williams — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 04:06:16 +0000

Hey guys!!!

So… Scott and Sasha will be back in town this weekend, and we’d like to give them an official send-off!

Here’s the plan… we’ll all meet at FPC (3846 King Street Alexandria, VA 22302-1993) in the parking lot at 6:30, and then we’ll all carpool over to Guapo’s in Shirlington. If you want to come, but think you’re going to be a little late or can’t meet at the church, leave a comment here, and we’ll know to add you to the tally at the restaurant.

Hope to see you there

We’ll all miss Scott and Sasha, but we sure are glad that we got to know them while they were here!

‘Visiting Matt in Pittsburgh’

JDBorden — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:16:37 +0000

To all,

I don’t know who’s planning on going, but as of right know I am. My plans are to leave early in the day on Friday; to beat out potential traffic and be able to enjoy the trip. If there is anyone who would like to car pool with me or have me haul something for you please let me know; I can take up to 4 passengers and cargo.

Jon

Visiting Matt in Pittsburgh

Matt — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:55:04 +0000

I’m trying to get a headcount for the HG road trip to Pittsburgh: August 13-15. Would you send me an e-mail and let me know if you’re planning to come (and still planning to come if you’ve already let me know)? Can’t wait!

Big Tent Christianity

jledmiston — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:53:57 +0000

This looks like an amazing conference: http://www.bigtentchristianity.com/

Converge Mid-Atlantic Community Gathering

Matt — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:59:01 +0000

This gathering brings together people from communities all over the Mid-Atlantic region to teach, conspire, and dream for God’s beautiful kingdom on Earth. A combination of seminars, practical skill shares, concerts, and plenary sessions will make this a great time together.

Join us at Eden Valley Center (edenvalleycenter.org), a beautiful 100 acre farmland just 45 minutes north of D.C. We’ll be camping out, so bring tents, stoves, rain gear…more info to come on what to bring.

We hope to draw co-conspirators from around the region to share in this wonderful event. We’ll gather at 7 pm on Friday, look for more details about arrival, set up, and departure.

We will have to close the registration at 100, so register today! Last day to register is July 23!

Who’s Coming to VBS Cookout??

jledmiston — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:27:02 +0000

Holy Grounders: Let me know if you’re planning to come to Vacation Bible School (in lieu of HG) this coming Sunday night, July 18, 6:00 to 7:30. (NOTE TIME CHANGE)

Actually, know you are invited all 4 nights. The schedule is below:

Sunday, July 18 (6pm – 7:30 pm) – Love the Lord your God with all your heart

Chip Cagle from Capital Hospice “How to love people whose hearts are broken”.

Monday, July 19 (6pm – 7:30 pm) Love the Lord your God with all your soul

Intergenerational Program: Feeding our soul with music! Kerri Shelfo on bass, Susan Winckler on handbells, and others! Come play and dance!

Tuesday, July 20 (6pm – 7:30 pm) Love the Lord your God with all your mind

Jan Edmiston “Where did we get the Bible?”

Wednesday, July 21 (6pm – 7:30 pm) – Love the Lord your God with all your strength

Cindi Rauert strengthening our bodies w/ exercise and guided meditation.

Have a good week – Jan

Pirate Cruise Anyone?

Lauren Williams — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:28:18 +0000

Hi All!!! Ok, so… this past weekend, I took my family on a “Pirate Cruise” tour of the Potomac (more info @ http://www.potomacriverboatco.com/pirate-cruise.php). While I definitely enjoyed myself, we didn’t get the full effect because their regular pirate didn’t show, so one of the crew members had to step in. Long story short, I now have 8 vouchers to take the tour again for free. SO… if anyone wants one (0r more), or if anyone knows someone who might want one, PLEASE let me know. It’s definitely geared towards kids, but it’s entertaining none-the-less.

The end

Game night at Beth Taylor’s this Fri night

hari.a.rao — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 01:25:08 +0000

Hey guys,

Beth is having some trouble jiggering the web site and asked me to remind you that she’s hosting game night at her place at Foxchase in Alexandria this Friday night, starting at 7pm. Drinks and light snacks will be served. Parking is on the street. Bring a game if you like.

Call 757-652-6656 when you arrive. You can also ask me for more specific directions if you’re not familiar with Foxchase.

-Hari

Good Day All and Happy 4th of july

JDBorden — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 22:03:31 +0000

So have a little story to tell you. Early last week Jan and Hari ask if I could help set up or close up after the 4^th of July Sunday service and I agreed to close things up after the service. Then this morning just after 9am, while I was getting ready for church, I got a call from Katherine Stikkers asking for help. She was to be reading scripture during the service and staying after to pray with anyone who needs it. Well as fate would have it; little Ryan has strep throat and now she can’t make it. Chris Hatfield had already agreed to read scripture, so she was calling to ask if I could stay after the service and pray with anyone who needed it. Of course I agreed and told her I’d be praying Ryan got better and she didn’t get sick.

I arrived for the morning service just before 10 and wondered around talking with a few folks; then as the service started I quietly found a seat in the last pew; to hear the stand in pasture given a great sermon. As the service finished and folks made their way out, I made my way to the front of the sanctuary to see if anyone would come up for prayer. Just getting up from the front pew was Nancy; for reasons at the time she didn’t understand her granddaughter (Elaina) had lead her to the front of the church on this morning; so I stopped and asker how things were going. Not wanting to go into great detail here I can just tell you it was a tearful conversation for her; Nancy is a proud women. She is still trying to save her house and has a lawyer trying to help; which sounds promising. The problem is, she is about $600 short in being able to pay the lawyer to file paperwork in court this coming Thursday. It turns out she had the money but lost it to a family member she thought she could trust.

I don’t tell this story to ask for money; that I guaranteed her she would have by Wednesday night. I tell this story as a witness to how God works in our lives. When Jan first emailed and asked for help I wasn’t inclined to help, and then Hari called and left me a message; I knew it was something I should do. The phone call from Katherine to ask if I would stand in for her at the last minute; which was a no brainer too say yes to; and to be honest I knew the likely hood of anyone coming up front was very slim. (Very selfish thinking on my part I know.) Nancy and Elaina usually sit somewhere in the middle of the sanctuary, but today Elaina lead Nancy to the very front. So as it turns out I was the one to come forward; to be humbled by the plight of Nancy and her strength to keep moving forward. To be reminded of all the gifts God has given me and that they are not mine to keep, but to be shared with those in need.

I pray we all recognize the gifts the Lord has given us and are hearts are open to all.

Jon

HIGH NOON

JDBorden — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 22:57:20 +0000

OK 1/2 price burger fans; Monday is another holiday and with all Monday holidays 1/2 price burgers is at High Noon.

THANK YOU!

Erin Weston — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:13:20 +0000

Thank you again to everyone who took time out of the day to help my roommate and I move on Saturday. Reportedly, it was the hottest day of the year, so I give my utmost thanks and my profoundest apologies all at the same time! We managed to paint most of the house that night and yesterday and should be finishing up tonight and tomorrow as needed.

Thank you–we really could not have done it without you and owe everyone who helped a hand in moving if you need it in the future and a big Coldstone ice cream sometime soon–only catch is you have to eat it with me So let me know when you want to go.

XOXO,

Erin

New Date for Visit to Pittsburgh Aug 13-15

Matt — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:58:43 +0000

Ok, after talking to many of you, I’ve changed the Pittsburgh trip date to August 13-15. Can’t wait to have a bunch of you here. We’ll hang out. I’ll introduce you to the many great people I work with here. We’ll have a party and it would be a complete blast. Let me know if the dates work for you guys and if you’re planning to come so I can arrange sufficient accommodations.

World Cup Viewing Party at Steph’s

sreinitz — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 02:05:25 +0000

Hey all -

Sarah instigated the idea of watching the World Cup at my place tomorrow and I thought it was a fabulous idea. Feel free to come over anytime after 2 pm (game starts at 2:30 pm). Feel free to bring snacks and drinks if you want. See you then!!!

Steph

Girl’s and Guy’s groups tonight

John Dale — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:31:21 +0000

Just a reminder, as discussed last Sunday at Holy Grounds…tonight the girls small group that normally meet’s at Steph’s place Tuesdays at 7pm, will be meeting at Guapo’s in Shirlington at 7:30pm, tonight.

At the same time, Scott, Jon and any other guys that want to join, will be hanging out at Capitol City Brew Pub across the street, enjoying some adult beverages also.

Everyone is welcome, just show up!

Visit to Pittsburgh

Matt — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 20:00:30 +0000

I heard that many of you have been contemplating a visit to Pittsburgh. Wondering if you all would be interested in vising August 6-8? We’d hang out. I’d introduce you to the many great people I work with here. We’d have a party and it would be a complete blast. Let me know if the dates work for you guys and if you’re interested!

Holy Grounds Tomorrow Night

sreinitz — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 18:47:37 +0000

Hi friends -

For HG tomorrow night, I want to have a conversation about Holy Grounds itself – both the community and the Sunday-evening service. Communities like ours evolve and change and I think it’s time to have a conversation about what we are and want to be — and how that impacts things like Sunday nights. Please join us if you can, the more voices speaking into this the better. We’ll start at 6:30 pm (per usual). Thanks all!

Steph

Care to Flex Those Moving Muscles??

Erin Weston — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 16:27:50 +0000

It’s the event of the summer… Erin is moving. And her roommate Brynn too.

But just a dozen streets over.

To say thank you to Erin and Brynn for not leaving DC (like some others we know, ahembridgetmattjoanna), and because you don’t want to miss THE party of summer 2010, come out and join Erin and Brynn next Saturday, June 26 in their exciting moving adventure.

In all seriousness, though, we’d love your help moving. We could really use someone with a drill, and anyone with a truck or SUV for mattresses. Please let us know if you can come, and especially if you’ve got said items.

Many hands make light work… and makes it more fun. Oh, and beer (and more platonic drinks) will be amply available. The fun will start at high noon (12pm for those of you deprived a childhood full of Clint Eastwood’s jawline).

Recapping the short post:

Moving, Erin (and Brynn)
Date: Saturday, June 26
Time: 12 noon
Location: 506 S. 24th St, Arlington, VA 22202
Contact me at eaw12185@gmail.com or 919-609-0702

Much love, peace and happiness from your favorite presbymergent half-Jew,

Sunday, June 6th

hari.a.rao — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 03:14:09 +0000

Hey Everyone,

This Sunday I’m leading HG, and will talk about Loving our Enemies, as I did about a year ago. I will try to put it in the context of everything I have learned in the last year, including my 4-month deployment to Iraq, and my personal struggles with trying to forgive people whom I felt wronged me.

See you then!

-Hari

Game Night!

Lauren Williams — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:56:55 +0000

Alright Kids… Since I’m pretty sure we haven’t been spending enough time together recently, and since Stephanie and John both have birthdays this weekend, and since it seems like a good idea, I think we should have a game night this Saturday (June 5).

For convenience, we’ll be commandeering the basement at FPC. So what I’m thinking is we’ll start up the grill with some burgers and brats at about 6. We’ll have the grill by the back door to make things easy. Come and go as you’d like. We have the meat for the grill, but please bring drinks, sides, or desserts as you’d like.

We’ll have a Wii hooked up, so feel free to bring your Wii-motes with your Miis loaded if you want (if you have a Wii but have no idea how to take your Mii with you, shoot me or Josh an email and we’ll take care of you ). We’ll also have a lovely selection of board games and the like. Feel free to bring along your favorite games too

Ok, I think that covers it. So to review… Saturday, 6ish, basement, burgers, fun.

Let’s Go to a Concert……

JDBorden — Mon, 31 May 2010 21:34:57 +0000

Stephanie and I are going to see Tim McGraw with special guest Lady Antebellum and Love and Theft Tickets, Saturday July 10^th at Jiffy Lube Live. The concert starts at 7pm, but we if get down there by 5pm we can tailgate/picnic; then head in for the great music and a great time!

Lawn tickets are on sale for $41.85 each (ticket and associated fees) and can be purchased at Livenation.com.

Hope to see you all there!

Jon

What can I bring?

-Small purses / bags (12 inches x12 inches or smaller) / backpacks
-One sealed bottle of water, 32oz bottles or less!
-Small, personal (tote-type) umbrellas
-Blankets
-Binoculars
-Personal lawn chairs – seat must be no higher than 9 inches off the ground
-Limited food is now allowed into the venue. Food can be stored in a one-gallon clear plastic bag, limit one per person.

Be Ruthless in the Living of Call (House of St Michael the Archangel)

Matt — Sun, 30 May 2010 13:07:37 +0000

I thought you all might be interested in knowing that I’ll be blogging regularly at the House of St Michael the Archangel. My first post is now available. Here’s a preview:

I have many friends who work in areas where life and death are truly in the balance. There’s always a sense that if I work a little more, one more street child will be safe, one less person will die of aids or starvation, or one more slave will be set free. Even in my pastoral work, there’s a sense that if I just spend a little more time with people it will make a difference. These thoughts are evil! They are a proclamation that you are the one holding the world together, that you love them more than God does. Only when we are confident in our call and the character of our God, can we say no with the peace that God doesn’t need us to save the world, he needs us to do and be exactly that which he has built and called us to do and be, nothing more and nothing less. The Kingdom of God comes when we each, with reckless abandon, fall into submission to God, not when we each pursue that which we think will maximize the work of our hands.

Read the rest…

Game/Movie Night at Steph’s Tonight

sreinitz — Sat, 29 May 2010 19:56:11 +0000

Hey folks -

If anyone would like to, I’m having people over to my place (3813 Florence Dr. #3, Alexandria) this evening for game and/or movie night (depending on our mood). Let’s say anytime after 6:30 pm. Eat dinner before you come…or if people are hungry we can order pizza too. Please bring any games/movies we may want! Call if you have questions – 612.708.0793. Thanks all!

Steph

1/2 Price Burgers – NOON on Monday

sreinitz — Sat, 29 May 2010 19:49:57 +0000

Hi all - Matt Pritchard is theoretically going to be passing through DC around lunch time on Monday so we thought we would do burgers at noon instead of 6 pm on Monday so he can join us. Find us on the 3rd floor of Crystal City Sports Pub Monday at noon! Happy weekend!

Alright people – help me out

sreinitz — Thu, 27 May 2010 23:17:21 +0000

Okay, folks – only 2 of you have said if you’re coming to barbeque Sunday. Help me out – tell me if you’re coming and what you’re willing to bring. Help a girl out!!!

Barbeque on Sunday!

sreinitz — Wed, 26 May 2010 01:48:45 +0000

Hi Friends!

In case you haven’t heard yet, we are going to barbeque on Sunday night instead of have the normal HG evening in honor of Memorial day weekend. My Costco card and I will take care of picking up meat (probably burgers and brats or something) and buns. Let me know if you can come and what you want to bring. Suggestions include: dessert, soda, chips, side dishes, condiments & cheese (although I think we have obsessive amounts of ketchup & mustard), other yummy thinks, etc…

Oh…and we need a grillmaster – any volunteers?

Thanks all – let me know if you’re coming so I can get an approximate headcount!

Steph

Update from Joanna in Thailand

Joanna Geiger — Sat, 22 May 2010 14:28:59 +0000

Hello!

Hot season had descended upon Thailand. With the change in weather there has been a lot going on in Home of the Open Heart. Hot season comes with a furry in April and that co-insides with Thai school summer holidays. In April, we also find ourselves in the midst of Thailand’s water festival, Songkran. Songkran is usually around the hottest time of year (mid-April) and the whole country comes out to have a giant water fight. It is also the Thai New Year and the biggest Thai holiday of the year. Everything from noodle shops to major business close for the entire week. Since it is such a huge holiday for the Thais, Home of the Open Heart sought to give the Thai staff the week off. Therefore, we suspended normal activities with the children and divided the kids amongst the foreign staff. Esther and I had four of the girls. It was really great for me since I usually work with the boys to be able to spend some time with the girls and build some relationship with them. We had a great fun filled week, swimming, throwing water, making pizzas and special breakfasts and sleepovers. One the attached pictures are of me and two of the girls at the pool. Who knew swimming with two 9 year olds on your back would be so tiring?

Summer has brought all sorts of challenges! The children are home from school and so we have had to find creative was to entertain them. We have taken a few trips to the near by waterfall and we closed the office down one day and all when out to Chiang Rai “Beach”. The kids being home have meant many days spent in the office with children on your lap defying you to get any work done. As difficult as it has been to get any work done with such great distractions around, I will miss them incredibly when they go back to school. Attached is a photo of one those moments.

My adjustment to Thailand continues to be an up and down kind of journey. I’m finding that there will always be something to discourage you. Working with boys seems to follow this up and down roller coaster. It is essential to remember that these boys have broken hearts even if they don’t realize it. They get unsettled very easily and when they are unsettled they tend to have behavioral issues. Last week I realized that when there is so much to discourage you, maybe it’s just time to say “no.” Maybe, I need to learn how to say no to being discouraged. I’m finding more and more that joy is a choice and if the enemy can steal my joy and make me feel discouraged and question God’s plan then he has won.

Now that is all easier said then done and I have to remind myself so many things that I feel I should know. I remind myself constantly that all the things that get me discouraged are pretty normal happenings. Moving to Thailand will be culturally discomforting. Working too much will drain the emotional resources tank. The kids will be kids and misbehave and sometimes irrationally and over blown episodes. I’m trying to learn how to accept this and not let it get me down. There have been beautiful moments mixed up in the mess that make it all worth the fight. When the kids confide in you or are affectionate. Those are the moments I try to cling to when it gets hard. I’m finding little gifts that God has given me to cling to; I just need to learn to recognize them. I find more and more that I am so much like the children I minister to. I complain when things are uncomfortable and fail to see the precious things that are set out in front of me. I fail to acknowledge the miracles that happen around me constantly. Please pray for me that I will be less like the Israelites and more like Moses who saw an opportunity to draw close to God and refused to let it pass him.

I have also started learning Thai. Thai is difficult and is nothing like Spanish or English with no tense and many words having multiple even opposite meanings depending on the context. Let’s just say it’s very intellectually stimulating! I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn Thai immensely and get very excited when I hear phrases that I can understand. However, my attempts of communicating still are rather feeble! This has also been a gift. Thank you everyone who have prayed for language graces (keep praying!) and for those who have helped give financially so I could afford my lessons.

Many of you have asked about the situation in Thailand. Up until this past week the situation was largely localized in Bangkok and maybe a very quiet protest in Chiang Mai. Largely, there has been no activity to be of any worry up here in Chiang Rai (the Northern part of Thailand). However, this past weekend as the situation escalated in Bangkok it also escalated quite a great deal in the North. We had a few demonstrations in town and a few tires were set on fire. Therefore, Chiang Rai was declared a state of emergency and there have been escalation in security in addition to a curfew being imposed. While I don’t think I’m in danger and things are still largely localized in the South. Please pray for the situation in Thailand that the country would come to a peaceful resolution and not escalate any further. However, please do not worry, I am perfectly safe.

I cannot thank you enough for all the prayer and encouragement you all have sent over the past 4 months! They have helped me continue on when I feel like quitting. Thank you for taking part in what I do be it financially, with prayer, resources, or encouragement. You make such a difference to me and to my ministry! If you wish to join my intercessor group to receive regular prayer requests please let me know. I feel so incredibly blessed by all of you and pray that you all live in abundance!

Joanna

Moving, moving and more moving!

John Dale — Fri, 21 May 2010 13:29:20 +0000

Hey everyone,

We have one more moving assistance request for the month, for John and I. This Saturday Jen is moving in the morning, next Saturday Tim and Gretchen are moving in the morning and John and I are going to follow their act and move in the afternoon around 1:30pm.

Luckily for everyone involved, we’ve already been taking things over to our new house and we don’t have that much stuff in the first place, so it will be easy, promise. We’re actually not even going to rent a truck because we won’t have enough things to fill it, so please bring your pick-ups and SUVs and we’ll fill them up. Did I mention we’re only moving 3 blocks down the street? Man…this couldn’t be easier

Email me with questions, otherwise we’d love to see you at our place, Saturday, May 29th at 1:30pm. Celebratory drinks in the backyard are included!

-Sarah
sarahedale (at) gmail.com

“Could Your Church Survive if There Were no Sermons?”

Matt — Wed, 19 May 2010 18:01:34 +0000

Don Miller made a post today about. Thought you all would enjoy it!!!

Last Sunday’s Prayer Concern: Thank you God

jledmiston — Tue, 18 May 2010 21:01:06 +0000

We prayed for Virginia last week who was looking for a place to live in Arlington after living in a shelter. She’s found a home. Thanks to all who’ve been helping with this.

Come Say “Bye” to Tim & Gretchen (and eat delicious food)

jledmiston — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:08:15 +0000

Everybody: after the 11 am service, there’s a potluck picnic on the church playground to honor all volunteers and to say “we love you” to Tim and Gretchen – whom some of you know. It’s their last Sunday before moving to Chicago.

Come hang out, bring a dish to share. Drinks provided.

Newseum Tickets

sreinitz — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:04:15 +0000

Hi friends – So it turns out Newseum tickets are good for two consecutive days. My parents and I went today and our tickets (3 of them) are still good tomorrow if anyone feels like going. It’s a pretty cool museum and usually $20 a ticket. If you’re interested – call my cell 612.708.0793 and we’ll figure out how to get them to you!

Leading this week?

sreinitz — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:35:33 +0000

Hey friends!

Is anyone up for leading this week at HG? I am signed up but my folks are in town so I probably won’t be there. I’m happy to switch for someone in the next few weeks if that works for someone…

Thanks all!

Steph

Serve Dinner @ Carpenter’s Shelter This Friday

jledmiston — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 01:30:04 +0000

We’re looking for 2-4 people to serve dinner at Carpenter’s Shelter this Friday, April 30 from 6-7 pm. Dinner will be purchased and prepped on Thursday, but we need people to serve it Friday night. Can you help?

This is a great way to serve the community. The Shelter is located at 930 N. Henry Street in Alexandria (across and down from Slater’s Lane.)

Please shoot Jan an email if you can help. Thanks!

Earth Day at the National Cathedral

Lauren Williams — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:02:44 +0000

Hola Friends

So… as most of you are probably aware, Earth Day is this Sunday (April 25) (yay Earth!). Also (or maybe in celebration), Brian McLaren will be preaching at the National Cathedral as well as participating in/leading a forum entitled “A New Kind of Christianity: 10 Questions That Are Transforming the Faith.” There are two Sunday morning services at the cathedral, one at 8:45 and one at 11:15. The forum will be held at between the two (it starts at 10:10).

Anyway… I’m thinking about going to the first service (at 8:45) (which would give me time to get home and still be ready to roll for the Carpenter’s Shelter Chili Cookoff that afternoon), and I thought some of you might be interested in joining me SO, if anyone wants to go with me/meet me there, let me know!

Want to go to NYC this weekend?

John Dale — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:59:38 +0000

My friend Dawnielle from Casa Chirilagua (www.CasaChirilagua.org) is looking for 7 adult chaperones to help her take 109 high school students to NYC this Saturday. It was supposed to be 48 students, and she just found out today they’re taking double that amount!

The bus leaves at 5 a.m. from TC Williams high school this Saturday, April 24th and returns at midnight. Let me know if you’re interested or email Dawnielle directly. Should be a lot of fun…they’re going to visit the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Times Square among other places.

Dawnielle: dawnielle (at) casachirilagua.org

Sarah: sarahedale (at) gmail.com

Jan’s Vacation

jledmiston — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 23:40:19 +0000

Holy Grounders – I signed up to lead this Sunday on Acts 1&2 which I love, but if I could find someone to take this week, it would be a gift. I’m officially on vacation April 17 – 24 and while I’ll be back in town Sunday night, I really need this vacation time.

Anyone able and interested to lead this week? Jan

Phil and Kim are here!!!!!!!!

emily — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 19:42:06 +0000

Hey everyone! Phil and I are pretty busy with the conference today but really want to see all of you before we leave dc!! We are thinking lunch tomorrow is easiest. We will be at Aladdin’s in Hey everyone! Phil and I are pretty busy with the conference today but really want to see all of you before we leave dc!! We are thinking lunch tomorrow is easiest. We will be at Aladdin’s in shirlington on sunday at 1230 if you can!!! on sunday at 1230 if you can!!!

Rob Bell speaking at HG this week

John Dale — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:43:03 +0000

Hi everyone,

Rob Bell is going to lead discussion this week. Well, he may be doing it from a DVD projected onto the screen, but he’s leading this week nonetheless. We’re going to read the end of the book of John and the first part of Acts chapter 1 together, then watch the DVD “Everything is Spiritual” by Rob Bell. You can catch a preview here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Poi3imQkQsQ

We’ll take a few moments afterward to discuss the video and how it relates to Jesus and what he came to do, and the life and mission he left us with. I’ll start popping popcorn at 6:15pm, and we’ll start the video at 6:30pm (since it’s a little over an hour).

Hope to see you then!

Sarah

TransFORM East Coast Gathering – FREE

jledmiston — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:39:32 +0000

Brian McLaren, Pete Rollins, and a couple other people you might know. Join us for the FREE conference:

Friday April 30 – Sunday, May 2

Wesley Theological Seminary in DC. Let’s go!

Leader for this week and next

sreinitz — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:59:00 +0000

Hey friends!

As it turns out, we don’t have anyone to lead this Sunday or next Sunday and need a voluteer! This Sunday is supposed to be focused on the end of the gospels – what happened after the resurrection. The following Sunday is the beginning of our study of Acts (ch. 1-2). Unless, of course, something else is deeply moving you and you want to lead on that subject. Let me know if you can lead – I would love to but have to work this weekend and I’m going home next weekend.

Thanks all!

Looking for Summer Housing

Matt — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:25:03 +0000

One of my sister’s best friends from UVA (Meikle Paschal) is looking for a place to stay for 1-2 months this summer. He will be working for the Dept. of Homeland Security in Crystal City. He starts work on June 7th and will work til the first of July or end of July depending on what housing arrangement is available; so he is flexible. He will not be able to pay full rent because he will still be paying rent in Charlottesville, VA – anyone want to swap for the summer!!?? lol But he could contribute some on rent; things are negotiable. He is a super fun guy, originally from Boston, very outgoing, runs for the track team and will be a 4th year in the fall. Let me know if you have any suggestions or anything availble for those dates.

If you have space or any ideas, e-mail him at mpaschaljr@gmail.com.

$9 Tickets to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Matt — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:17:02 +0000

Hey guys, just got an e-mail about $9 tickets to Madame Tussauds (usually it’s $20). I want to go sometime in the future, so I’m getting a couple. Thought it might be a fun group activity.

They are only on sale today through this thing called a Groupon which I’ve been using a bunch lately. Essentially you buy a gift certificate for a lot less than the face value.

Take a look at the Madame Tussauds deal.

Dinner Wednesday Night with Matt

Matt — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 03:07:12 +0000

I’ll be back in town for a couple of days this week and would love to grab dinner with you all! I miss you all so much!!!!

Here’s the plan:
Guapos in Shirlington
6:30pm
Wednesday, April 7

Shoot me a text and let me know you’re coming so I can get an appropriately sized table: 434.962.4927. Can’t wait!!!

Northern Virginia Emergent Cohort!

jledmiston — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:22:58 +0000

Matt & I have gone to these informal gatherings. Great people including our friends from Common Table. I’m going for my post-Easter debriefing.

Monday, April 5 @ 8 pm (Look for the “Cohort” sign if you’re new)
Dogwood Tavern

132 West Broad Street
Falls Church, VA

(Parking in the Back)

Buy and Review Brian McLaren’s Latest Book “A New Kind of Christianity”

Matt — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:59:44 +0000

We got to share dinner with Brian McLaren last spring. Brian graciously gave his time to us along with a bunch of books and CDs. We asked if there was anything we could do for him and, after thinking about it a little while, he asked us to read and review his new book “A New Kind of Christianity” when it comes out.

I’m reminding everyone of this request as the book has been out for a couple of months. Jan has a copy and so do I and we’re happy to allow you to borrow it if you want. It’s good stuff!

Once you’ve read it, review it on Amazon.com, your blog, or anywhere else you can.

Love and miss you all so much!

We Need YOU!!!

sreinitz — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:20:12 +0000

Hi all!

At the planning meeting last night, we decided to spend the next few months at HG focusing on the early church – particularly as found in the book of Acts. We’ll start the Sunday after Easter by focusing on the last couple chapters of John (John 20-21) that focus on the empty tomb, appearance to the disciples, etc (fittingly the stuff right after “Easter” in the gospels). Then we’ll begin looking at the book of Acts, taking a couple of chapters a week and focusing on whatever in those chapters speaks to the leader for the week. We filled in a couple weeks with leaders, but we need a lot more, particularly for the two weeks right after Easter (John 20-21 and Acts 1-2). Please let me know ASAP if you’d be willing to lead one of those weeks! Thanks all!

Steph

New Dinner Plan for Sunday Nights

sreinitz — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:10:33 +0000

Hey all! So at the planning meeting on Sunday, we decided to take a break from the traditional potluck on Sunday nights. For the month of April, we’ll going to skip the potluck. That said, we will still gather at 6 pm for a time of fellowship. If yoou want to bring dinner with you and eat then, you’re more than welcome, but you shouldn’t feel pressure to bring food. Program for the evening will still begin at 6:45 pm. We’ll try this for the month of April and then reassess. Thanks all!

2 Opportunities to Serve Carpenter’s Shelter

jledmiston — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:59:38 +0000

Volunteers needed for Carpenter’s Shelter Cookoff! Sunday, April 25 Noon – 3pm @ The Birchmere. For more information, contact Jon Borden or check this out: http://www.carpentersshelter.org/2010/02/carpenters-cook-off/

Volunteers needed to Serve Dinner for the Residents of Carpenter’s Shelter on Friday, April 30 at 6 pm. We need someone to head this up, organize the dinner (who will cook and what we’ll cook). Let Jan know if interested.

Easter Sunrise Service

jledmiston — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:32:10 +0000

What: Celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus followed by breakfast in the park

When: 6:00 am coffee (but we’ll start worship at 6:30)

Where: Oronoco Bay Park (aka The Joanna Geiger Baptismal Site) at the end of Pendleton St., Old Town, Alexandria

Other Details: Music by John Dale, Story by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and/or John

There will be no Evening Gathering on April 4th!

The Return of Hari

jledmiston — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:14:00 +0000

All – Hari returns around May 19 – although this is merely estimated.

The return of the prodigal!

HG Tonight

Lauren Williams — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 17:11:05 +0000

Hello Friends!!!

I know this is a little last minute, but I wanted to let everyone know to not worry about bringing food for the potluck tonight! Steph will be bringing dinner, so take the night off from cooking

Also, make sure to come early for the planning meeting

Update

sreinitz — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:43:56 +0000

Hi all -

Thank you all for your prayers. I am still in DC and I’m staying for now. Grandma is stable in that she’s not getting worse, but they also don’t have any answers and if they can’t get her blood pressure down she will likelyhave a major stroke. She’s still very confused, but she’s happy in her state of confusion so that’s good.

In good news, I got confirmation that we can get into the apartment on Saturday morning. Thank you all for the offers to move me, with or without me I appreciate it and it may still be a real possibility. My hope is that she’ll stabilize and I can get moved, my sister can come and not miss her trip, and I can go home with her over Easter weekend.

Finally, please pray for my mom and aunts & uncles. They’ve been at the hospital constantly and they’re exhausted and trying to make really hard decisions at the same time. Thank you all!

Pray for wisdom

sreinitz — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 02:35:41 +0000

Hey all – I need your prayers for wisdom on what to do right now. My mom just called and my grandmother isn’t doing very well at all. She’s 95 and has been suffering mini strokes. They’ve had her in the hospital since Monday night. My mom called tonight and she’s getting to the point of delusional and they don’t know if she’s going to come out of it or not.

I am having a really hard time deciding what to do. I desperately want to go home, but we don’t know if now is the best time or not, because she’s been really up and down. Plus, I’m supposed to move on Saturday and the apartment I’m supposed to be moving into may or may not be water damaged from a burst pipe and may or may not be ready on Saturday (they say it will be but I’m skeptical). On top of that, my little sister and her boyfriend have a ticket to come here on Monday so it’s not exactly the ideal time to jump on a plane.

Please pray for me to have wisdom about what to do and if I do go, pray I can figure out all the details of what that means for everything here. Pray that if now isn’t the time to go that I have peace about that decision.

Thank you all!

Wendell Berry Speaking in Arlington May 4th

Matt — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 03:22:52 +0000

Arlington Reads 2010: Literary Legend, Farmer Wendell Berry

“The Memory of Old Jack” is featured title
Berry, urban farmer Novella Carpenter to speak
Book club kits available

ARLINGTON, Va. — Our food takes center plate this spring as Arlington Reads 2010 looks at the movement away from industrial mass production back to safer, healthier meals grown through local, sustainable means.

Arlington Reads is Arlington Public Library’s annual one-book, one-community initiative to promote discussion and the joy of reading throughout the County. It is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Arlington Public Library.

This year’s featured Arlington Reads author—literary legend, essayist, poet and Kentucky farmer Wendell Berry, who declared that “eating is an agricultural act,” — is widely credited with inspiring the “food movement.” Making a rare public appearance, Berry will discuss his life’s work and vision of people honoring and reconnecting with the soil at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 4 at Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington. This special event is free and open to the public.

“Wendell Berry actually began the national conversation about food, agriculture, the environment and health decades ago,” Library Director Diane Kresh said. “Without him, we probably wouldn’t have a vegetable garden on the White House lawn or Wal-Mart selling organic produce.”

This year’s Arlington Reads celebrates not only Berry’s “remarkable career as a writer of more than 30 novels, essays and collections of poetry, but his prescience in encouraging readers to ‘think globally and eat locally,’’ Kresh said.

This Weekend: Moving Party Saturday & Planning Meeting Sunday

sreinitz — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:42:15 +0000

Hey friends – Just a reminder that we have a couple things going on this weekend. First, many of you wonderful people are helping me move on Saturday (thank you). We’ll meet at my current place (200 Yoakum Pkwy, Alexandria) at 10 am. Let me know if you can join us so I can plan for lunch!

The planning meeting will be at 4:30 pm on Sunday. There are several things on the agenda – the plan for the next season of HG services, scheduling some service projects, to potluck or not to potluck, and the plan for the sunrise service on Easter.

Thanks all!

PS – Pray that I’m really moving on Saturday. Apparently a pipe broke in the building I’m moving into and there was “damage to the apartment.” They assure me I get to move in on Saturday but I’m a little nervous!

Anyone want to go to the Brad Paisley concert?

sreinitz — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:38:38 +0000

Hey friends -

Jon Borden and I are going to the Brad Paisley concert on May 22 at Jiffy Lube Live (formerly Nissan Pavillion). Anyone want to join us? Lawn seats are $35 and tickets went on sale this morning. If you want to come, jump on the website and buy yourself a lawn ticket! Here’s a link to the website – http://www.livenation.com/event/getEvent/eventId/419676?c=dm-3486207&p=46516059

Care Package for Hari (because we care)

jledmiston — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:58:43 +0000

Please bring whatever you’d like to add to a care package for Hari – to send to Iraq – this Sunday March 21st. I’ll be sending it Monday.

Cornerstone Benefit Concert-this Saturday

John Dale — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:55:49 +0000

Join John and I in Columbia Heights this Saturday if you’re interested in a night out in DC for a good cause! Email me if you’d like to meet up there: sarahedale (at) gmail.com

Cornerstone Benefit Concert

March 13, 2010

7-10 pm

Potter’s House

1658 Columbia Road NW

Washington, DC

Come out to our re-scheduled concert to benefit Cornerstone, a community for homeless men in recovery, featuring the Tim Parsley Ensemble.

Doors open at 7, music starts at 7:30. There will be food for purchase.

About Cornerstone: The vision of the Cornerstone Community is to be a family for homeless men who want to live a substance-free life. We are the ones who will love them, hope with them, and struggle with them until they are able to create a drug free and healthy future for themselves.

About the musicians: Tim Parsley, Brian Gorman, Jesse Cerda, and Nick Garman are coming together in the newly formed Tim Parsley Ensemble. Drawing influences from spirituals, blues, classical, folk, and much more, the blend of backgrounds and traditions creates a unique sound. Check us out in our premier performance!

More about the group here: http://dccornerstone.org/

CARPENTER’S COOK-OFF VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

JDBorden — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:21:12 +0000

The Carpenter’s Shelter is starting the process of looking for volunteers to support their 8^th Annual Cook-Off; to be held Saturday 25 April 2010. This family friendly event will generate funds in support of their Transitional Services program, benefitting formerly homeless children and families. I look at this as a great way to personally support the community and ask for you to join me in volunteering. I have already contacted their volunteer coordinator and have listed the “TENTATIVE” list of volunteers need below; the actual list is due out shortly. My goal is to recruit as many volunteers as I can from the Fairlington Presbyterian Church Community (HG and morning service) and possibly some of our Methodist friends and present us a group of volunteers. Please review the list and if you feel so moved to volunteer for one of the many positions need, I ask that you contact me ASAP and mark the date on your calendar. JonBorden@msn.com

Volunteer Roles:

Set-up (10 volunteers) 9:30am – 12:00pm
Clean-Up (20 volunteers) 2:30am – 4:00pm
Volunteer Check-In Shift 1 (4 volunteers) Shift One: 11:00am –1:00pm
Volunteer Check-In Shift 2 Shift Two: 1:00pm- 3:00pm
Greeters Shift 1 (4 volunteers) Shift One: 11:00am –1:00pm
Greeters Shift 2 Shift Two: 1:00pm- 3:00pm
Information Corner (2 volunteers) 11:30am – 3:30pm
Ticket Sales Shift 1 (4 volunteers) Shift One: 11:30am –1:30pm
Ticket Sales Shift 2 Shift Two: 1:30pm- 3:00pm
Parking Attendants (4 volunteers) 12:00 pm -2:00 pm
Restaurant Runners/ Servers Shift 1 (20 volunteers) Shift One: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Restaurant Runners/ Servers Shift 2 Shift Two: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Drink Servers (4 volunteers)Shift One: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Shift Two: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Children’s Corner (4 volunteers) Shift One: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Shift One: 1:30 –4:00pm
Table Bussers (4 volunteers)Shift One: 12:00 am – 2:00 pm Shift Two: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Raffle & Awards (4 volunteers)Shift One: 11:30am –1:30pm Shift Two: 1:30pm –3:00 pm

Please note that in order to easily coordinate volunteers, the Carpenter’s Shelter has asked that all volunteers provide their top three (ranked) desired volunteer roles. If you would like their descriptions of these roles, let me know and I can send you that information.

PS. There may also be opportunities to volunteer to serve on the advance team to do work prior to the day of the event; I will post that info as it becomes available.

Moving Party!!! March 27

sreinitz — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:24:47 +0000

Hey all -

So in case you haven’t heard, I’m officially moving on March 27 and would love your help. I rented a truck so we should be able to do it in one trip. I’m picking up the truck at 9 am and have the elevator reserved at 10 am so I’m thinking we’ll get started about then. Let me know if you can help – I promise to at least feed you lunch!

Thanks!

Steph

Plan for Easter

sreinitz — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:16:29 +0000

Hey friends – So it was decided last night that we aren’t going to meet on the evening of Easter (April 4). We are going to do a sunrise service of some sort that morning, however, and Jan would love help with an Easter egg hunt for the kids that morning. Details about the sunrise service will follow after our March 28 planning meeting. I’ll keep you posted!

Holy Grounds Planning Mtg – March 28

sreinitz — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:11:53 +0000

Hey all -

We will be having a Holy Grounds planning meeting on Sunday, March 28 at 4:30 pm to plan the next few months of worship. Come join us!!!

Steph

HG Women’s Small Group dinner & planning mtg.

John Dale — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:06:39 +0000

Hi ladies,

I think it’s time for us to regroup and discuss our format, meeting times, and study topics moving forward into Spring and Summer. I suggest we get together and make dinner at my place to discuss these items and just take some time to catch up.

How does taco salad night sound to everyone? I’ve made an evite to track who’s bringing what, so if you’re interested in coming, send me an email and I’ll forward you the evite!

Tuesday, March 9th 7:00 p.m.

The Dale’s house: 3800 Florence Dr. Apt. 4 Alexandria

Hope to see you Tuesday!

Sarah

sarahedale (at) gmail.com

Chirilagua Women’s Group Fundraiser

John Dale — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:48:26 +0000

Hello everyone!

Women from our intentional community, Casa Chirilagua, are holding another fundraiser for our annual women’s retreat for the monthly group, Mujeres de Virtud (Women of Virtue). Last year, 6 women from Chirilagua were able to attend the event, and this year there are 25 women signed up!

All year the women have been working hard to raise funds to be able to go on the retreat, including a tamale sale, a yard sale and a lunch catering event, but they’re still short on funds.

The women came up with their own idea for one more fundraiser: a raffle – Honduran style. This is how it works. There are one hundred numbers (1-100). To buy a number costs $5. On Sunday March 7th, a number will be drawn in Honduras based on the lottery there. We will use that same winning number here (the women pick it up from the internet or from phone calls). If your number is drawn, you win the Power Juicer, worth $100 (also the women’s idea). The goal is to sell all 100 tickets so that we can have a $400 profit.

So… my question is who is interested in supporting the women and possibly winning a power juicer??? Email me if you’d like to buy a ticket or simply donate a few bucks for the event. Cash is the preferred method of donation, but if you really need a tax receipt, we can set that up through the non-profit.

Thanks so much for your support and prayers… we are praying not only that will we be able to raise the funds to cover all the costs, but that God will use this retreat to refresh, renew and strengthen the women.

MUCHAS GRACIAS!

Learn more about Casa Chirilagua here: http://www.casachirilagua.org/

Sarah

sarahedale (at) gmail.com

This Sunday, March 7

jledmiston — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:20:11 +0000

Yes, bring your Potluck Offerings. But Jan’s flipping grilled cheese sandwiches (maybe accessorized with our storehouse of bacon). And please be pondering about moments in life when you’ve felt forsaken. We’ll be releasing them via the Wailing Wall (actually a Wailing Cross) this Sunday. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town Alexandria

JDBorden — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:19:55 +0000

Ok! So we’ve been bottled in with Snow, Snow and more Snow, and a little bout with cold rainy days… It’s now time to get out and enjoy what should be a mild sunny Saturday and here’s what I’m thinking!

“The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town Alexandria on March 6, 2010 kicks off the holiday. The event includes a dog show with judging for everything from the smallest dog to the dog and master who look most alike. The parade begins at 12:30 p.m. with the best bagpipers around. Visit the sponsor’s website <http://www.ballyshaners.org/content.aspx?page=2§ion=1> for more information.”

Details – There is a Classic Car Show at 10am and the dog show is at 10:30. What I’m thinking about, is getting down there by 11:30 and finding a place to hang out, watch the parade, enjoy the sun, then grab lunch!

If you are interested in meeting up and going or meeting up in Old Town please let me know. Jonborden04@msn.com

Matt’s in Town, Crystal City Sports Pub Tonight at 6pm

Matt — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:38:15 +0000

I’m here for a couple of days and was hoping to hang out with some folks tonight at the Crystal City Sports Pub. Hope to see you there. Shoot me a text and let me know so I can get a head count.

Matt

Update from Joanna!!!

Lauren Williams — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:27:17 +0000

It’s about 5:00 PM on Sunday as I make my way across the property to my cottage. The weather has cooled to the perfect temperature and soon will get rather cold but now it’s calm and comfortable. I’m followed by one of the dogs but whether it’s Turner or Hootch, I haven’t got a clue. Actually I wonder if any of us residing here at Baan Nam Jai (Home of the Open Heart) really know which is which. I was just at the girls’ house celebrating a short term volunteer’s birthday. It’s hard to believe that I have already been here for over one month. I love sitting outside at this time but it comes with quite a risk as the mosquitoes start swarming at this time. One of the moms is raking leaves and soon will start burning them. I’ve come to love that scent. It’s a good time to reflect as the sun starts it’s decent and I sit here in my kitchen, which is outdoors and doubles as a back porch, and look at the garden I think about my move to Thailand.

Thailand… Chiang Rai… Baan Nam Jai… It’s a place of tremendous beauty. Located outside of the city I’m surrounded by gardens, rice paddies, smells and feels of the country in Asia. The property itself is rather large hosting three large houses, and then an adjoining property with 5 small cottages and the hospice which is still under construction. One of these cottages is what I now call home. Thailand has riches for all of the senses and while it can delight the sense it can weigh you down with challenges. It’s almost hard to explain how you can be totally in love with a place and totally frustrated at once.

The adjustment to Thailand is nothing and everything that I expected. There have been some things that had I really thought about them they probably wouldn’t have taken me by surprise. For instance, Google has gone from being a verb to a noun. I used to use Google maps for helping me get around any new place. I can’t read the street signs so Google is useless. Getting used to riding on a motorbike has also proved to be a challenge. Traffic here is really crazy, I don’t know where I’m going and I’m SOOOO not an experienced rider to be smart and able to react to my situations around me. All this adds up to, quite literally, a deadly equation. The language has also proved challenging but that was one challenge that I was prepared for. I haven’t started learning the language because I’m not ready to get on the death trap highway. However, all that to say that God’s grace is amazing and have found some things easier then expected. The kids speak English and there are several “farang” (foreign) staff. There have been several lovely short term volunteers come that have eased the transition. However, I have left everything that I do know and many times I feel totally helpless and dependant, which is probably good for me.

Although I still feel like a fish out of water I have hit the ground running when it comes to work! I have used my past Executive Assistant skills to assist Paul, the Northern Regional Director. He is new to the position and I’m helping him get organized in his role and help support him as he provides direction to the 11 ministries here in Chiang Rai. He is also over the whole northern region which includes Chiang Mai and Mai Sai which is much bigger then Chiang Rai. I haven’t even gotten into that portion. I am also managing the office here at Baan Nam Jai and working a little bit in the boys’ home.

The kids are incredibly precious and melt your heart the moment you meet them. One of the youngest boys was very timid about me coming into the house to work with them and was very distressed about my first shift. I came over the night before to get introduced and just get to know them just a bit before I spent the night in the boy’s house the next day. The youngest of the boys cried and cried. He didn’t want me to come and work with them! When I got back to my cottage I prayed that God would give us both grace. As I was praying my heart broke for these kids. It struck me that these kids shouldn’t need to have caretakers in their life. If everything were as God intended it to be they would be with a Mom and Dad in a loving home. But we find ourselves in a fallen world and here I am to help care for these kids who have suffered so much. As I’ve started to work with them more they are very unsettled as several of the caretakers they have had for the past couple years have left and I’ve come in. I try to put myself in their shoes as they get used to me. Please pray for God’s grace and that they will start feeling settled, safe and secure with me. Many of the volunteers have told me that they will keep me at arms length because they worry about how long I’ll be here. It breaks my heart.

Financially, I am still in need of support. I need about $600 USD per month to cover my expenses. Please prayerfully consider supporting me. If you’d like to support me please send a check made out to “YWAM,” with a separate piece of paper indicating it is for me, to YWAM Montana, 501 Blacktail Road,
Lakeside, Montana,59922 U.S.A.

Thank you so much for all of your support of my ministry. I truly could not do this without your prayers, encouragement and financial support. I will send pictures soon!

I pray that you are all blessed richly!

Joanna

If you’d like to pray for me please let me know and I’ll put you on my prayer needs list!

New Mailing Address:

Joanna Geiger

P.O. Box 121

Bandu,

A.Muang,

Chiang Rai, 57100

Thialand

My new mobile phone number is +66.0899.513.044