Confessions of the ending year...

I have a confession to make....I'm not very good at this blogging business. I find it hard to choose the words to write and the time to put it up. Now that it's been 2 months since my last post I figure I should change that. So here it is. I had a Christmas blog written but never posted because I didnt find time to go on an actual computer to adjust the font.(iPad won't let me) This time I shall just post and not care about the font.
Here is what is on my heart: I'm thinking the new year is about to approach. I'm thinking about how I have heard that missionaries take a year to raise their budget and frankly I don't want to wait that long. I want my faith to grow. I want to leave for the philippines so badly in July or August. That is so close when you consider the amount I have to raise. If you ask me in person I'd be glad to discuss it with you. I just am going to choose to not post it on here. I've thought much on how I will raise my budget. Nothing seems like a 1+1=2 method. I don't find myself the bold type to ask for money. I don't find myself the successful type with the best paying job as I would probably keep my current job if they told me tomorrow it had to be a volunteer position now instead of a salary one. I love beng a preschool teacher and feelng like I am helping mold these kids at their prime years....even if they won't remember me. I think about the missionaries I have seen at my church and seen how the Lord has blessed them when they have been humble. At the same time I know I must ask. But how? My heart is so not wanting to offend anyone by asking for support. I want to spare them the shame if they can't or decide they would rather not. This is where I need more faith!!! I'm praying for an increase of that this year. I feel the pressure of the question of how is your goal of budget raising going? At the same time I feel no pressure because it's all in God's timing. It's different than a summer missions trip with a deadline. I know the Lord will provide. I have wanted to wait until after the holidays to really ask for the much needed support. I know that Christmas brings more stress than needed. I don't desire to be associated with that. I would love to be associated with the real meaning: Christ but it seems that since we are human we often forget and get caught up in the spending and silly traditions. So I wait for it to pass and pray that the Lord will stir hearts to remember what it's all about. Now that we face a new year we can realize what it's about and exam our lives to see what more we can do to make a difference this year. That is what I do. Right now I'm being stirred to remember my calling and having faith to be bold and yet walk in humility to ask for provision to get back to these beloved kids that I would adopt all myself if I could.
So please pray with me. What is it that you need to do this year? Pray that I get provision and my budget will be met for me to go when God wills. Pray if you should support me monthly(needed most). Pray that these kids in the Kings Garden Childrens Home will know how much God loves them.

Thanks for reading this and for your prayers:)
Ames trying to keep on the way.

Episode 2 of my visit!

        The next morning I woke up hearing little children singing. It was such a beautiful thing. I couldn't quite figure out where it came from. I knew they had children's devotions every morning though. After I got ready I went down for breakfast. They were all so cute in there white tshirt and blue bottoms uniform. And of course they all had flip flops to wear. To get ready for a meal they all gather around the tables. They stand behind the chairs. The house mom says "are we ready?"  and the children reply "yes we are."Then they say "let us pray"...then they pray for there food. Possibly one of the cutest ways to pray that I have seen. They eat with a fork and a spoon. You don't usually find knives they use spoons for that. After breakfast they all finished getting ready for school. They left shortly after. The staff gathered for morning devotions. Each morning a staff morning would lead and they would also have worship. Then Monica addressed anything on the agenda. Then we dismissed to go about our day. I spent a lot of time with the preschool aged kids. In the mornings they had 3 little ones ages 3-5 roughly. They went over normal education stuff they would learn here, had lunch and napped. When they woke up the elementary kids would be back for lunch. The schools do not provide lunch and not every family can send lunch so all the kids go home at lunch time. Our driver goes to pick the kids up and brings them back to eat. When the elementary kids are done eating 2 of the preschoolers go back with them to school. They don't come back until dinner time. It's a long day. When the kids come back around dinner time they shower and get ready to eat. After dinner they have study period. This is probably one of my favorite times. I got to go around and see what the kids were working on. The schools can't afford books so the kids copy everything. A lot of the children wanted to read to me to practice their English. I really loved this. If the kids didn't have work they could read or draw. Most kids there are obsessed with angry birds. However it's more of an icon not an app game on there phone. They had no idea what the game was when i showed it to them on my iPad. A lot of the kids are very good at drawing. After study period they get ready for bed. Lights out at 9. And yes I would be in bed then. The sun goes down really early and the heat and humidity wears you out. Sleeping is not a problem...except for the jet lag:).

That is roughly what the day looks like around the Kings Garden.

More to come!!

Orphanage Visit: Episode 1

        I now can officially say I have been in the King's Garden Children's Home. This is the orphanage I have been desiring to go to since I was a little girl. The whole trip was impactful. From the Kids to the bugs!! God spoke in so many ways I cant even tell you them all. So please ask me questions whenever you would like to!

         I was about to check-in and ofcourse there was something wrong...I am thinking it was the young worker who didnt know what he was doing. I was thinking I definitely payed a lot of money to get on this flight. It eventually worked out. I was traveling for 28 hrs. It was a long time and yet it flew by. I couldnt believe I was going to be walking through the doors of this home soon.

When I finally arrived in the Philippines Monica Jarvis, Director of KGCH, and Kim Snow, Missionary to KGCH, both greeted me. We stayed the night in the Assemblies Missions Home. When morning came I met more missionaries. Because this was the headquarters for missionaries to check in I got to meet a few. I even met someone who almost lost his arms from a machete attack. He was robbed. The interesting part is because the people in the town knew and loved him so much they "took care of it." What an impact this missionary had on his mission field.

           We drove out to KGCH that morning. The Philippines is such a beautiful place. There is so much to look at. There are cabao,chickens, goat, horses, dogs, cats and kids all running around and in the streets. The home was pretty much at the end of the road. The road was bumpy, narrow and just dirt. We pulled up to this home and it was so surreal. We got there before the kids were home from school. Monica led me on a tour. They are truly blessed and steward all that God has given them.

          One of the biggest moments of impact was when I was sitting in Monica's office as the children arrived home from school. In walks this high schooler. She needed to make copies for school. They dont get their own books. I fought back the hurricane of emotions inside of me. I have been to an orphanage before. I have seen the babies but this is a high schooler. I couldn't believe how hard it hit me. I work with youth the same age in America. This was a defining moment for me.

          After this impacting moment I wandered around after being introduced time and time again. I felt a little awkward as the new white woman. I love to listen to people and get to know little kids, but this was hard because I didnt understand their first language. They are learning english but dont speak it regularly. I eventually got to know the kids and felt more comfortable.

         The first night in my room I spent a lot of time getting aquainted with it. The water heater was tricky-but I was extremely grateful for it. The water pressure and my long hair battled it out. There were 2 fans and an aircon (airconditioner). I never used a fan in the US. I dont like the noise. However I slept with it because of the weather and to help keep bugs off of me. It also wasnt that noisy I use to sleep with a tv on because I couldnt go to sleep with my mind racing. However the windows are open with a theatre of outside noises. It was so beautiful. I slept wonderfully. I went to bed at 9 my first night and woke up at midnight. The Lord has a serious conversation with me that I am still praying through. I was experiencing some jet lag!!

There is sooo much for me to share about my trip. This is just part. I want to be able to give it to you in pieces so you are not overwhelmed and can experience as I did.:) So I will share another episode of my adventure at a later date!! Stay tuned for my first morning as I awake knowing Im really here in this orphanage.:)

       

          The time has come and I will soon be on the other side of the world! I have longed for this moment for most of my life. Even when I went to China I saw the Philippines on the map and secretly wanted to go there as well. This time the map will show the Philippines as the target goal. I couldn't be more thrilled.

            I am so thankful for all the people in my life that God has used to help me get to this point. The thing that has blessed my heart most is Mrs.Frontera's Kindergarten class at Westwood Hills. This is the classroom across the hall from me at work. They adopted me as their class missionary. I was able to come in and speak with them about what I am going to be doing. They in turn have being bringing in their money to put in the piggy bank. Now every time I see one of the little girls she says, "You're a missionary!" It just blesses my heart. I also have the prayer of impacting one of their lives like Monica Jarvis, director of the orphanage I will be going to, impacted me when she spoke to my youth group. God truly plants seeds at a young age. It's such a beautiful thing to see it bloom.
          I am ready to have my life changed by God's little ones. I've always had such a love for kids. But I can't help but know that there is going to be something deeper that will shift in me as I get to care for these orphans. I know they have such different stories. They also hold such a precious place in God's heart. I know I will not be the same when I return. I also know that God will speak louder the calling over my life. I am so ready to start this journey. All the prophetic words and visions will come to pass! I'm reminded of when someone spoke in a small group setting. She said had a vision I was overseas as a missionary loading kids onto a school bus. She knew I was a preschool teacher but had no idea I longed to go overseas to go work with orphans. What a gift from God that he uses people to encourage us not to give up on our dreams. He has a perfect plan for us. We must set our lives up in such a way that it directs us toward that. We must set ourselves apart from the rest so that we may be prepared when our time comes. Now my time is coming. Thank you Jesus!
    I leave the 12th!!!!!

          In less than one month I am hoping to be on the mission field. I am praying that God will provide and that I wont need to change my dates because of financial reasons. I believe I am learning so much to rely on God. I really have to trust if He wants me there, then He will help me get there.

      I have been very encouraged by the love and support of people in my life. I've been able to do some bake sales, speak to coworkers, dance classes, lunch sales and more at my work. I have a coworker and her sister who have donated some items to take to the kids. Heather Scott donated her time to teach the dance class to raise funds. I also have some one who has donated a wii to raffle off for me. The raffle will be starting Monday August 22nd. $3.00 for your chance to win  Wii!! Wonderful things have happened. And I am trusting that it will be enough to buy that pricy ticket to get me on the other side of the world!

     I go back and forth with thoughts of giving up because it's not easy. Then I remember that I am called to do this and I need to walk it out. I need to remember that it is NOT about me. It's about God's kingdom. In that kingdom are these precious children that I have been praying years to meet and love on.

      In addition to these things I will be making and selling bracelets. If you would like a bracelet at your missions donation then I will make you one! Please email me at Ameshaynes@yahoo.com your contact info and desired colors and size! I have made these as gifts for people. Spread the word and let me know.

    If you have any jobs needing to be done as well let me know. I love to babysit or clean. I am willing to do whatever it takes to get to the Philippines september 12-24! Help me get there. I am also trying to do a yard sale sept 3rd if there is anything you would like to donate to sell.

    
    I have been reading Revolution in World Missions by K.P.Yohannan. It is truly changing my view on my needs in America and my needs as a missionary. Here is a tidbit, dont get offended, "God did not shower such great blessing on this nation for the Christians to live in extravagance, self-indulgence and spiritual weakness." I need to do whatever it takes to do the will of God. I got the book free online if you are interested. He works with Gospel for Asia.

In final notes...Contacte me if:
       You want to enter the Raffle for the Wii $3.00 per ticket, no limit on tickets. Aug 22nd- Sept 4.
       You would like a bracelet made for a donation.
       You have a babysitting or cleaning or any kind of job. I love mowing lawns! Just dont have a lawn mower:)
       If you would like to just make a donation.
     
Thanks for your love and support. Please continue to pray for provision. Thank you to those who have posted this on their sites and spread the word to their friends as well. May God bless you as you make a difference with me.

Ames on the Way.... to buying a plane ticket!!



our welcome sign!



Yes I bought a shirt!



I'm back from Pre-Field Orientation. This means I am looking at going for a year long stay after my 3 wk September visit. PFO was to prepare me if I go for a year long stay. It was 2wks long and packed full of many things.



The Howards and I...They are going to the Philippines too!



     I loved getting to know other missionaries. I heard many stories of how they where called. Many people repeated the saying " you all cried somewhere" meaning that something tugged on our spirit so much that we cried. I really related to this missionary saying. I remember many services,  big or small, that I would cry when they spoke about kids. I thought it was just me. Instead it was something deep inside that God was doing. So pay attention to the stuff you cry over that most people aren't as bothered by...God could be calling you!



       We had many teachings:

 I learned about how the Asia pacific region's culture. The Filipino culture and American culture are very different. For example they don't say no. It's all about "saving face" and never embarrassing someone. If I invited you to come over but we were in a group, you would say yes, even if you were NOT coming. This is so I am not embarrassed in front of the others since you don't want to come over. Very odd. All through out these teachings we would keep getting books. I brought back over 10 new books! 

Other teachings were on budgets, investing in missionary kids, history of AGWM, support raising, principles of compassionate outreach, visa/travel, insurance, code of ethics, managing conflict,  missiology theology, destructive emotions, Holy Spirit ministry, live a devoted life, and many others!

  I had lots of extra activities with other:



"Caving"



            James River Assembly &Central Assembly services, nature walks seeing ground hogs, ducks, geese, turtles and baby skunks, caving (sorta),   hiking, $3 movie, shopping, pillow fights, bed bugs, yummy meals- one at lamberts where they throw rolls at you, celebrated birthdays at ihop(pancakes not prayer) dance off...and much more great memories!

    Its a wonderful place to be when you are able to surround yourself with followers of Christ who desire to go all over the world telling others about Jesus! I was really stirred up. Something in my spirit was changed. It was like a second family. They knew about my nephew David Allen Haynes and his story. Then during the first week my Aunt Joyce also passed away. They all surrounded me with prayers and support. They helped me get through an emotionally rough time. I stuck it out and was so grateful I did. The result being another change for the better in my life.



       On the flight home I was delayed in Atlanta. The weather was very bad. We finally boarded the plane but had to sit longer in the plane. There was a line up of over 20 planes waiting to take off! And we flew off in the storm. I prayed so hard.  I finally made it home safely.





Sara and Stehenie are the best!



   The next day was my 21st birthday! I felt the love of God so much through my family and friends. Most of my beloved friends had served all week at Gainesville outreach. That is when they stay at the church and do ministry to gainesville all week alongside the youth in our town. My friends still celebrated in the tiredness. It was so beautiful to me to see the tangible love that Christ has for me, shown by these people I respect so much.



the crew that stayed a little later than the others

Thanks for all the prayers, support, and birthday wishes. You are helping change the world as you support me on my journey to the Philippines!





I am currently in Springfield, Missouri for 2weeks. I am doing a pre-field orientation because I am interested in going long term to the Philippines as well as my short term trip in September.
It was really hard for me to even want to come to this orientation. I know I had to but I wanted to be home. It has been hard for me to stay focused on my calling to the Philippines. I am getting a lot of support but life gets hard. My baby nephew David Allen Haynes was born into heaven June 1st. You can read about my lil fighter at his blog- the link is on the pg below. It's called Davids Fight. I really hated leaving my family in this time. I know they will be alright without me but I like to be the one to step up and handle things. I like to think I can keep my emotions under control, in a healthy manner, so others can release and I can listen. I don't get to do that this Thursday at my nephew's celebration service. I don't get to be there for my brother and sister-in-law. They are more than family, they are my best friends. I don't feel much like a good friend. I tried to fly into Missouri later but they were going to charge me too much. I felt like I couldn't fix this and it should be fixable. My brother Aaron and his wife a.k.a. My best girl, heather are so gracious that they support me 100% on being here. God is really teaching me to trust Him. It has been a painful lesson for me. Please pray for my family as they are still dealing with the loss of their child.
God wanted me here and I am here in missouri. It's already been stretching. My flight got delayed 2hrs in atl which caused me to almost get here late. If I got here too late I, a 20yr old single lady, would have to find a way to hotel and stay. Then check in The next morning. But praise God for time change! I have a roommate but share a bathroom with 2 other ladies. They just got back from a 10 month stay in Africa.
I went to dinner by myself and quickly got spotted. Andre and Kelly will be going to stay in the philippines for 2 years and recognized me from our book with our picture and place we are going. We had dinner together and great conversation. I received some good tips about the Philippines. Kelly informed me not to put my purse on the floor there, that's what the harlots do. I will be getting a book they recommended that tells me other taboo things to be careful of. They said they will probably see me there since they are working with children as well. I am going to attend church tomorrow with my roommates but then don't start any sessions until Monday.
There are so many people here. Singles, married, married with kids, etc. I love the "mk's" that run around. They are the missionary kids. They will be going with their families on the mission field too. I am truly nervous about getting to know people. For anyone who knows me you know I tend to be quieter. I don't usually walk up to random people and make conversation, unless you are a child. I do love being surrounded by missionaries. I know any conversation I have will be inspiring and encouraging.
So pray I deal with things well and make the most out of every opportunity.


So pray I grow a lot and handle every situation well. Talk to you soon!

Missions Mart

   A couple weeks ago I had the honor to set up a booth at my church. They called it "missions mart" because a few people going on mission's trip were able to set up a booth to raise awareness and funds. I was surrounded by a good group: summer internship @ First Assembly, Project Rescue (India), Kenya, House of Hope(Gainesville) and Middle East. It was great to be next to them. When I got there to set up I was so nervous. I previously had been on crutches for over a week. I was told 2 more weeks on them until I was better. I did not want to be hindered by those things on this day. I was able to walk without them that day....and was done with them in fact. Praise God for that!  My oldest brother Aaron worked really hard to make my wonderful business cards. Aaron, Heather and the fam was going to help me out but Heather wasn't feeling well. My brother Austin helped keep me calm, as I tend to freak out a little when the focus is in any way on me. I was continually reminded it's not about me but God. So true! My wonderful microchurch leader Karina also showed up to help me with my bake sale. My wonderful microchurch also baked goods to help sell. I was ready to share about what God is calling me to do!
     After each service let out the people came. Some bought yummy treats but a lot just donated money. I loved having conversations with people who didn't want sweets but to hear my story. Each time I would share it was like God reminding me of his preparation and will for me. One of my favorite moments was when a mom walked up with her son. She gave him money to donate. She took the time to explain to him that he just helped other kids that don't have a mommy or daddy. What a discipleship moment and a glance into a true Kingdom moment. Overall people donated about $325.00!! Praise God!
       I had a lot of baked goods left and no idea what to do with them!! I didn't want to waste what people donated for the cause. I decided to ask my boss if I could sell the rest at the preschool where I work. They allowed it. What a wonderful place to work when they support you in your dreams. I brought the prices way down just to sell but I sold about all of it.

     I felt so encouraged to see the support of those who knew me and didn't know me. 
Thanks so much for all the prayers and encouragement. Please continue to pray for my spiritual walk as I prepare  for this trip.
       God is faithful and the Body of Christ is so beautiful when it works together!!


Ames on the way!

How to PRAY for me.

Thanks for all the support! I wanted to put a prayer list up and invite you to pray as I continue to prepare for my trip.

Please pray in the following ways plus however the Lord leads you.

• Pray for finances to come in to help cover my trip. (donations, babysitting jobs and other jobs too!)
• That my heart will be prepared to travel alone. ( I wont have a team lead like most missions trips.)
• That my heart will be prepared to see the orphans and how they live.
• That I will be sensitive and obedient to the Spirit wherever he leads.
• For boldness in using the authority God has given me.
• Pray against confusion, doubt, and lonliness.
• Pray that I will be equipped to do the work with the kids.
• Pray for my interaction with the staff.
• Pray for protection as I travel. Pray against fear of man.
• Pray that I will encounter God's love for this place.
• Pray for Confidence in who I am in Christ.
• Pray for good health.
• I also want to take toys and gifts for the kids..pray that those donations will come. This will be addressed more later.

Sunday April 17th First Assembly of God is having a missions mart after the 9AM and 11AM services. I have the opportunity to be apart of it. Please come and/or pray that people will come and have a heart for this cause. I will be selling baked goods. Pray they all sell! Pray that donations are made but also that I make contacts with people that are willing to have me do jobs. The jobs I mean are like babysitting, cleaning, running errands..anything really!

Also I sprained my knee playing volleyball. Pray its healed soon in Jesus name! I want to be able to do any work needed as soon as it comes up.

Thanks for all the support!!!
AMES : )

Thanks for all the support!!!

Ames On The Way...Why Now?

   In October of 2010 I had the honor of going to pickup my adopted cousin Jonathan Davis(on the left) from China. I visited for 2 weeks. I was able to see many adoptive families and hear there stories. I also was able to visit 2 orphanages. This apparently happened rarely when adopting in China. I never felt so close to God, and the calling he gave me, then when I was in China experiencing this adoption. On the LONG plane ride back I prayed about what to do next. My heart and prayers changed but my actions lacked the push.

     Then one afternoon I went out to lunch with 2 of my friends. I really respect what each of them have to say which made it hit home even harder. One of my friends joked about her future husband (which lots of girls do) to which my other friend replied how do you know you will get married? I flipped before I even heard his words. I honestly cant wait to start a family and didn't want to hear what he was about to say next. He went into explaining how he constantly checks his thinking. He said things like if we are so focused on getting married all the time then we are not focused on living our single life to the fullest to serve God. BAM! There was that push into action I needed. It was as if God told him to say it just for me...yup one of those moments. It reminded me of  1 Corinthians 7:32-35 "³² I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. ³³ But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— ³⁴ and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. ³⁵ I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. " I knew I wasn't serving God with the undivided devotion that can come from singleness.


      I decided I would look into college courses for the Summer to start in that direction. I researched what I wanted to do to make sure I was going to steward my finances and time right in college. I didn't want to be in college, I wanted to be on the mission field! I emailed Monica Jarvis asking about what I should go for in college. We had never previously chatted or met. She replied asking about me and then next thing I know she is inviting me out to the Philippines. We met a couple of times and I make the decision to go on a short term trip in September to see where else God leads me. Now I am here. I am raising support and suiting up my spiritual armour to go love on these orphans.


     I can't even begin to explain how it feels to be ON THE WAY to what God has been telling you  he will send you to do for years! I have had so many people even prophesy(speak something God puts on their heart as encouragement for someone;sometimes very specific)  over me about it. It got to the point I was like Ok God I get it but WHEN? He has been preparing my heart and growing me. I have so much experience now and I can be used more adequately. He truly is faithful.


    Also,  come visit First Assembly of God @2925 NW39th Ave. Gainesville ,Fl on April 17th. There are two services: 9am and 11am. There will be a few missions booth, including mine, set up after church. Come ready to buy some baked goods, maybe get some babysitting coupons, donate and learn more about how you can support me or others that you may feel called to.


     Thanks for your support,

     Ames : )