Hello Friends!
This past week has been a real stretch of energy, challenge to navigation, and growth for our specific intern team. Once we arrived into our specific countries for the summer our first three weeks are devoted to promoting for this summers English camps, so that more students will be aware of the great times to be had!
So, we traveled to five different Polish cities and over 10 Polish schools to teach English lessons as a way to promote camp this summer. Our team of three travels by train or bus to arrive at a new city with a host who is usually a national from that city. Once we arrive, we go into the designated schools and teach a 45 minute lesson [in English] as a way for the students to 'sample' how an English lesson will look like at camp. Usually about 5-9 lessons a day and this lesson is really just three fun games that use their English to get involved with Americans and have fun! At the end a Polish national comes up along side us to give logistical details of the camp in Polish, and to ask if the students have any questions.
In the Polish culture in schools it is usually that the students do not orally practice their language for conversational use, they use it as a way to get grammatical corrections only. So, sometimes when we come in and are ready to just jump into any sort of conversation some classes are very nervous. There have been many really GREAT classes, full of energy, and super ecstatic to be in the room with one another; these are the classes that are a real encouragement to us in the long days. However, there are other classes that are self conscious or 'over it' and these are the ones where we embrace our overly loud and excited American selves!
God has taught me a lot in the past few days that my seemingly small skills such as speaking the only language I know can be used for mighty things in His kingdom. Using my nationality, something I cannot choose or get rid of as a tool to bring people to Christ astounds me! I am so honored to be used in this way, even in the long days I hold tight to 2 Corinthians 13:9, "For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for."
Please pray for students to be led to camp, because redemption and restoration is what we pray for through equipping young leaders. Also pray for our team heading into our last week of promotions, we are all so grateful to be here that we would have continued energy, encouraging one another.
xoxo
Alaina Abroad
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Polska Sila [Poland Power]
Amazing Race, was truly as it sounds...exhausting and exhilarating. As I landed in Munich, Germany all of the other JosiahVenture interns collected and met outside the airport. We were prepared beforehand to have a 'go bag' ready with all necessities for two days of on the road travel. So, after a quick and simple flight across the ocean we all drove in a bus about five hours to Bled, Slovenia then it was go time.
Through the next three days we went around the majority of Slovenia doing team challenges, and beating not only jet lag but also racing the other countries teams. A few highlights were jumping into the river in Lubjliana, Slovenia, eating a GIANT horse burger [exactly as it sounds, although not so bad!], and writing in Slovenian Cyrillic in old style calligraphy. Our team had a lot of laughs and really came together in communication learning one another's strengths and weaknesses. I enjoyed every minute of being on the constant move and backpacking across a beautiful country to our next destinations.
The last check-in point for the race was also where all the interns once again met together and loaded a bus to the training facility in Czech Republic. Arriving on Friday night our countries united again to debrief and talk about the next few days ahead. During training there were sessions in multiple areas for example, how to rest well in the busy times of camp, possible spiritual warfare that will happen, how to prepare English lessons, better ways to communicate through translators, and great ways to stay in reading the Bible each day. This training is preparing us to represent JosiahVenture in each camp to be a leader by having knowledge on as many aspects of camp as possible. This training was well planned, organized, and clearly presented all through much prayer of many people in the ministry here.
I continue to be spoken to by God in the examples of diligence and hard work shown by the many long term devoted missionaries here in Eastern Europe. Be in prayer as my country team and I go into schools to promote camp though games, and teaching English over the next two weeks.
xoxo
Alaina Abroad
Friday, May 2, 2014
The Saga continues...
Hello Friends!,
As some of you may know I have been attending Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas this past year [best college around!]. I love the 12th man, and the dedication the student body has not only to one another, but also to the traditions that make us close as a massive school. For a few examples we have yell leaders, silver taps, and one of my favorites Muster; this tradition of Muster happens once a year and it is a ceremony to honor all of the Aggies who have passed away in this past year.
Beyond my fantastic school, I plan to continue the relationships I have been building in Eastern Europe this summer for a twelve week stint. This is something I have been excited for, for a few years now. During these twelve weeks I will be living with a wonderful family that are missionaries there. I will also have other interns along side and we will work together in promoting our goal of English camp! We will be teaching English each day, along with other camp activites like games, songs, swimming ect...
This is a passion I have found to continue to grow inside of me, and I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for my extended time this summer!
I will leave in about three weeks, and return the second week of August! I will be posting many photos to Instagram. and also to this blog along with antidotes from the weeks activities. If you would like to see the Instagram photos [which will be prominently where I share] my name is alainaharrelson, and the hashtag is #alainabroadjv14...let's be friends on social media :]
As I am in the midst of finals week, and excitedly awaiting my extended stay in Europe this summer I hope you all are just as expectant to see amazing works be done! If you would like to join me in prayer this summer I would be honored, because the power of prayer is no doubt stronger than any force. This week please pray for clarity and peace through exams, but also for the JV conference that is happening in Czech this week for the full-time missionaries.
xoxo
Alaina Abroad
2 Timothy 4:2 "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
As some of you may know I have been attending Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas this past year [best college around!]. I love the 12th man, and the dedication the student body has not only to one another, but also to the traditions that make us close as a massive school. For a few examples we have yell leaders, silver taps, and one of my favorites Muster; this tradition of Muster happens once a year and it is a ceremony to honor all of the Aggies who have passed away in this past year.
Beyond my fantastic school, I plan to continue the relationships I have been building in Eastern Europe this summer for a twelve week stint. This is something I have been excited for, for a few years now. During these twelve weeks I will be living with a wonderful family that are missionaries there. I will also have other interns along side and we will work together in promoting our goal of English camp! We will be teaching English each day, along with other camp activites like games, songs, swimming ect...
This is a passion I have found to continue to grow inside of me, and I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for my extended time this summer!
I will leave in about three weeks, and return the second week of August! I will be posting many photos to Instagram. and also to this blog along with antidotes from the weeks activities. If you would like to see the Instagram photos [which will be prominently where I share] my name is alainaharrelson, and the hashtag is #alainabroadjv14...let's be friends on social media :]
As I am in the midst of finals week, and excitedly awaiting my extended stay in Europe this summer I hope you all are just as expectant to see amazing works be done! If you would like to join me in prayer this summer I would be honored, because the power of prayer is no doubt stronger than any force. This week please pray for clarity and peace through exams, but also for the JV conference that is happening in Czech this week for the full-time missionaries.
xoxo
Alaina Abroad
2 Timothy 4:2 "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
Friday, September 7, 2012
Ciao Bella! 8.19-24.12
Hello Friends,
We have safely come back to Germany after our month long vacation filled with traveling, and what an experience it all was! Rome was our next stop after coming back from Poland. Our trip to Rome was filled with a sweet reunion, ancient sights, and plenty of gelato!
We arrived to the Rome airport mid-afternoon greeted by our mom. It was definitely the highlight of Rome for both Paige and I. The day we arrived happened to also be our 18th birthday. What a way to spend our 18th! We were so privileged to spend our birthday in Rome with our mother who for the past 18 years has input Godly wisdom into our lives while also setting an example for us.
She was kind enough to bring us cards, and gifts from our wonderful friends! We thank ALL of you who wished us the best, and those who were kind enough to send along cards.
After research of what we wanted to specifically see in Rome we set out a small list of things to see. The week started with Piazza Navona, where mom reminded us of the times we swam in Italian fountains the summer we lived there. It goes without saying that along with Navona, shopping and walking were necessary everyday. Later, we moved to visit the Pantheon which was relatively close to the old convent we stayed at [a great find by mom!] The hostel was close walking distance to Vatican City which we did on Tuesday and took a detailed tour of. Not only did we go into the Vatican Museum, but we also saw the Sistine Chapel and St. Peters Basilica. It was a very enlightening tour. The spectacular detail and talent displayed on the walls, ceiling even floor was breath taking, there was so much to take in that sitting and staring for hours wouldn't have been enough! We found out a lot about Vatican City and how it is actually its own country! Containing its own currency, post office, and about 900 workers.
Over the next few days we had the immense blessing of being able to see in person the ancient ruins, monuments, and history of Rome. Including Roman Forum, the Spanish steps, the Colosseum, and one of our personal favorites the catacombs. The colosseum is a great reminder of how persecution is real and alive not only today but also throughout history. As we slowly strolled through the Roman Forum there was a palpable energy from the original happenings within those buildings. The idea of meetings, shops, and venders haggling with customers is so exciting to think about how that influences their current culture. At the very back of the marketplace behind one of the big meeting rooms is one of the more personally touching buildings. We had the chance to see the prison where Paul and Peter were taken after proclaiming the name of our Lord! What a surreal moment to see just how true Gods word is when you see the place where the bible has lived.
Our week was jammed with as much touring as possible, in between we made sure to leave time for refreshing stops of gelato :] By the end of the week we all had some sore feet, but even more present was the reality of leaving each other yet again. However this time it was a lot easier on both ends we agreed. Our stay in Germany is still being used in our lives, and both Paige and I felt like are not done making and impact in Germany yet. There is more to come yet!
Off to find adventure -xoxo
We have safely come back to Germany after our month long vacation filled with traveling, and what an experience it all was! Rome was our next stop after coming back from Poland. Our trip to Rome was filled with a sweet reunion, ancient sights, and plenty of gelato!
We arrived to the Rome airport mid-afternoon greeted by our mom. It was definitely the highlight of Rome for both Paige and I. The day we arrived happened to also be our 18th birthday. What a way to spend our 18th! We were so privileged to spend our birthday in Rome with our mother who for the past 18 years has input Godly wisdom into our lives while also setting an example for us.
She was kind enough to bring us cards, and gifts from our wonderful friends! We thank ALL of you who wished us the best, and those who were kind enough to send along cards.
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| The Spanish Steps |
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| Inside the Pantheon |
After research of what we wanted to specifically see in Rome we set out a small list of things to see. The week started with Piazza Navona, where mom reminded us of the times we swam in Italian fountains the summer we lived there. It goes without saying that along with Navona, shopping and walking were necessary everyday. Later, we moved to visit the Pantheon which was relatively close to the old convent we stayed at [a great find by mom!] The hostel was close walking distance to Vatican City which we did on Tuesday and took a detailed tour of. Not only did we go into the Vatican Museum, but we also saw the Sistine Chapel and St. Peters Basilica. It was a very enlightening tour. The spectacular detail and talent displayed on the walls, ceiling even floor was breath taking, there was so much to take in that sitting and staring for hours wouldn't have been enough! We found out a lot about Vatican City and how it is actually its own country! Containing its own currency, post office, and about 900 workers.
Over the next few days we had the immense blessing of being able to see in person the ancient ruins, monuments, and history of Rome. Including Roman Forum, the Spanish steps, the Colosseum, and one of our personal favorites the catacombs. The colosseum is a great reminder of how persecution is real and alive not only today but also throughout history. As we slowly strolled through the Roman Forum there was a palpable energy from the original happenings within those buildings. The idea of meetings, shops, and venders haggling with customers is so exciting to think about how that influences their current culture. At the very back of the marketplace behind one of the big meeting rooms is one of the more personally touching buildings. We had the chance to see the prison where Paul and Peter were taken after proclaiming the name of our Lord! What a surreal moment to see just how true Gods word is when you see the place where the bible has lived.
Our week was jammed with as much touring as possible, in between we made sure to leave time for refreshing stops of gelato :] By the end of the week we all had some sore feet, but even more present was the reality of leaving each other yet again. However this time it was a lot easier on both ends we agreed. Our stay in Germany is still being used in our lives, and both Paige and I felt like are not done making and impact in Germany yet. There is more to come yet!
Off to find adventure -xoxo
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| Clearly its hot, and we've been waiting for the Colosseum a while:] |
Friday, August 17, 2012
Greater Th>n: Poland
We wanted to give a special shout out to those who supported us through finance and prayer in our mission trip to Poland these past couple of weeks. Thank you very much by supporting us you provided the opportunity of God's everlasting love to be shown to teenagers who have never been told of the true personal relationship that we all can have with our Heavenly Father.
Being a part of Josiah Venture and the "Greater Than" english camp in Bielsko-Biała truly blessed us, as we were able to connect with our Polish peers (even if we don't speak ANY Polish...) and renew our relationships with the amazing missionary families that we are lucky enough to call "Aunt" and "Uncle" as we are as close as family. We praise God as there were 10 decisions made this past week in response to testimonies of personal change, and the gospel being presented.
[Alaina and some of the Polish girls on Olympic night]
[Prancy Nancy, and White-boy Mike leading warm-ups]
Each day consisted of a different theme a few days include: Military day, Circus night, Olympic Night, Medieval Night, and a day long scavenger hunt. There was always something for everyone to look forward to and dress up for! We even had some made up characters come to Olympic Night as guest judges, Prancy Nancy, and White-boy Mike did an amazing job of being enthusiastic and staying in character. They were a great way for all the campers to get silly, and comfortable with the crazy American games planned for that night.
This year was a bit different than last year as there was added responsibilities for our camp involvement, Alaina taught her own english class this year (oh my!), Paige was a wonderful assistant to a teammate from Colorado. Before camp we had plenty of time to prepare for each day of class with fun english games, candy, vocabulary and LOTS of idioms. There were 10 students in Alaina's class, and she had a great time speaking with them about what Americans like to do. Also specific pop culture things such as "The Peanuts", large American public school system, and questions like "Does Hannah Montana live in Texas?" and "Because you live in Texas do you have a horse that you ride to school?".
Overall we each personally grew in different ways including relationships being built with the Polish nationals and our hope is to return for a visit before we leave Europe. Thank you for your prayers and continue to pray for the Polish youth group as they follow up with campers that may have questions or want to know more about our Lord.
Off to find adventure!-xoxo
Being a part of Josiah Venture and the "Greater Than" english camp in Bielsko-Biała truly blessed us, as we were able to connect with our Polish peers (even if we don't speak ANY Polish...) and renew our relationships with the amazing missionary families that we are lucky enough to call "Aunt" and "Uncle" as we are as close as family. We praise God as there were 10 decisions made this past week in response to testimonies of personal change, and the gospel being presented.
[Alaina and some of the Polish girls on Olympic night]
[Prancy Nancy, and White-boy Mike leading warm-ups]
Each day consisted of a different theme a few days include: Military day, Circus night, Olympic Night, Medieval Night, and a day long scavenger hunt. There was always something for everyone to look forward to and dress up for! We even had some made up characters come to Olympic Night as guest judges, Prancy Nancy, and White-boy Mike did an amazing job of being enthusiastic and staying in character. They were a great way for all the campers to get silly, and comfortable with the crazy American games planned for that night.
This year was a bit different than last year as there was added responsibilities for our camp involvement, Alaina taught her own english class this year (oh my!), Paige was a wonderful assistant to a teammate from Colorado. Before camp we had plenty of time to prepare for each day of class with fun english games, candy, vocabulary and LOTS of idioms. There were 10 students in Alaina's class, and she had a great time speaking with them about what Americans like to do. Also specific pop culture things such as "The Peanuts", large American public school system, and questions like "Does Hannah Montana live in Texas?" and "Because you live in Texas do you have a horse that you ride to school?".
Overall we each personally grew in different ways including relationships being built with the Polish nationals and our hope is to return for a visit before we leave Europe. Thank you for your prayers and continue to pray for the Polish youth group as they follow up with campers that may have questions or want to know more about our Lord.
Off to find adventure!-xoxo
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Heidelberg, Fireworks ,Oh MY!
Hello friends!
Thank you for taking the time to read about our life right now as we are learning new things and excited to share them with you, please feel free to ask questions, leave comments and the always needed prayer that we can see how we can honor God in what we are doing!
Having time throughout the day while the boys are in school has given us much needed time to prepare for our mission trip coming up very soon to Poland! We will be teaching (ah!!) a group of students from ages 14-19 English for a week. Working with a team from Colorado to spend time making relationships with these students and looking to share, serve and act out the love of Christ in everything we do. We are praying for opportunities to start conversations that stir up questions within these students hearts, that we will be able to teach english in a comprehensive and fun way so that they will learn english finally, that our team would be cohesive and have the same goals in mind in order to do what is best that glorifies our Lord.
So, a couple of weeks ago at church we had heard a rumor about a outstanding firework display in Heidelberg within the next few weeks. Intrigued we decided to do some further detective work and found out that indeed there was a firework show to remember the 3 times the Heidelberg castle burned down a long time ago (kind of ironic since they used fireworks to remember a fire it but never the less sounded awesome!).
This past weekend we took a train out to the beautiful city to visit the ancient castle and witness this amazing fire display along with our group of friends from church we were set for a great day. Starting out we climbed up the steep and seemingly never ending staircase toward the huge Schloss (castle), after walking around and perusing the ancient but beautiful grounds of the monument we walked back down the stairs (way easier than going up!) and to the cities main street.While having fellowship over lunch and ice cream we took our seats next to the river and across from the castle. Having an excellent view of both the city and castle with the lovely river as our reflecting spot to see the fireworks we watched in amazement at the stunning light and colors presented before us. The show was definitely worth the wait, effort and build up that had been given to us. We enjoyed all of the time spent in Heidelberg and getting to know our new friends even better while there.
Off to find adventure today!-xoxo
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| Paige and I at the top of the Heidelberg Castle |
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| Heidelberg castle from the side bank of the river where we watched the fireworks. |
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| Paige and friend Meleia on the train towards Heidelberg |
Sunday, July 15, 2012
City Dwellers-Cologne, Germany.
Hello from many cities!
These past four weeks have been some of immense change for us. Today marks the one month we have been with our host family in Stuttgart, Germany. These past four weeks are ones that have brought many tears of homesickness, laughs with new friends, and the excitement of new places. We are so grateful for the family God has placed us in while we're here in Germany. After speaking with a few past Au Pairs and their experiences of work, we have come to learn how God has His angels truly watching out for us so we can have the most fun here in Europe. We are still excited to see how He will use us to bring Him glory in the family, at the new church, and in Stuttgart.
Last weekend we drove with the host family to Cologne, Germany (they have extended family there, and we got to go site seeing )! Our two favorite parts about Cologne were The Dom and the Lindt chocolate factory.
Paige enjoying watching the chocolates being made.
One of the workers who made 'special ordered' chocolate bars for museum goers.
In the chocolate factory there were many stages displayed of the beloved chocolate bar. First we got to see in what regions cocoa beans are grown, what regions produce the most cocoa, and how they are harvested. Then we moved onto the advertising history of Lindt chocolate, their old molds for chocolates, and antique chocolate boxes. We also got a taste of the chocolate fountain they had running that day! And in the end caved into buying some compelling sounding truffles (raspberry mango, cappuccino, and champagne). After a delicious pizza from a local restaurant and waiting out the downpour of unexpected rain underneath an umbrella we headed towards The Dom in Cologne.
A very eventful day in Cologne with so much that we saw, we were very tired that night. The atmosphere in Colognes downtown area is vibrant, and jammed with lots of people enjoying the environment. We loved being able to just walk around and take all of that in all while enjoying some ice cream :]
Much more to write about to come and more adventure to seek out as well.
Off to find adventure!-xoxo
These past four weeks have been some of immense change for us. Today marks the one month we have been with our host family in Stuttgart, Germany. These past four weeks are ones that have brought many tears of homesickness, laughs with new friends, and the excitement of new places. We are so grateful for the family God has placed us in while we're here in Germany. After speaking with a few past Au Pairs and their experiences of work, we have come to learn how God has His angels truly watching out for us so we can have the most fun here in Europe. We are still excited to see how He will use us to bring Him glory in the family, at the new church, and in Stuttgart.
Last weekend we drove with the host family to Cologne, Germany (they have extended family there, and we got to go site seeing )! Our two favorite parts about Cologne were The Dom and the Lindt chocolate factory.
Paige enjoying watching the chocolates being made.One of the workers who made 'special ordered' chocolate bars for museum goers.
In the chocolate factory there were many stages displayed of the beloved chocolate bar. First we got to see in what regions cocoa beans are grown, what regions produce the most cocoa, and how they are harvested. Then we moved onto the advertising history of Lindt chocolate, their old molds for chocolates, and antique chocolate boxes. We also got a taste of the chocolate fountain they had running that day! And in the end caved into buying some compelling sounding truffles (raspberry mango, cappuccino, and champagne). After a delicious pizza from a local restaurant and waiting out the downpour of unexpected rain underneath an umbrella we headed towards The Dom in Cologne.
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| paige hiding from the rain |
A very eventful day in Cologne with so much that we saw, we were very tired that night. The atmosphere in Colognes downtown area is vibrant, and jammed with lots of people enjoying the environment. We loved being able to just walk around and take all of that in all while enjoying some ice cream :]
Much more to write about to come and more adventure to seek out as well.
Off to find adventure!-xoxo
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