Mission Training...

Well... we have been in Stoney Point, NY for 3 weeks now... training and taking classes to prepare us for mission!

One more day to go and then we will attend the UM General Board of Global Ministries board meetings on Monday and Tuesday!

Tuesday evening after a very long journey to become a missionary, I will finally be commissioned as a missionary! 7 p.m. at the FUMC in Flushing, NY!

Give us courage to invest in peace...

On Sunday, I worshipped at St. Andrew's Church of Scotland in Jerusalem.

One of the songs they san was a new hymn by Ian D. Cunningham who is a minister for the Church of Scotland in Carluke, Scotland.

I would like to share the words with you, as they are so poignant.

Give Us Courage to Invest in Peace

Lord Jesus, you wept for Jerusalem -

city that failed to live up to its name

you longed to hold its children in your arms

they turned their backs on all that makes for peace.

And still the walls of hate and fear divide

suspicion and mistrust on either side

so that both hope and justice are denied.

Lord, give us courage to invest in peace.

In love you chose to take the uphill way

confronting bitter hate and enmity

to draw together those once far away

till through your cross you paid the price of peace.

When we are tempted by the careless way

of hasty prejudice and bigotry,

awaken us from all complacency

and give us courage to invest in peace.

Prayer:

Open our eyes lord, to see thee more clearly, and to love you more dearly.

Help us to have eyes to see the reality.

May we have the courage to stand up for peace, justice and reconciliation!

Amen.

In Bethlehem, the place where Jesus was born...

Today, Bethlehem is located in Occupied Territory of Palestine...

What does it take for a person to visit the place of Jesus' birth?

In order to travel the 6 miles from Jerusalem to Bethlehem can take up to an hour...

The other week, a group of women staying at the Augusta Victoria Lutheran guest house wanted to go to Bethlehem. I agreed to travel with them.

We took a bus into the Old City of Jerusalem, then changed busses in order to travel the 6 miles... only we went past Bethlehem to Beit Jala in order to by-pass the Bethlehem checkpoint. Beit Jala is one of three primarily Christian communities in the area. Almost one hour later we were in Bethlehem and walked through the souk on our way to Manger Square and the Nativity Church.

It was a hot Saturday... and when 10 women walked through the souk, market place, it was a long journey! One stopped here... another there... now where did she go? Some purchases were made along the way! All is good!

In the Church of the Nativity, as there were many groups, wanting to go into the cave and see the place where Jesus was born, we too joined the line. At long last, our time arrived and we descended into the cave. For me, I had been here several times, I feel the sacredness of the place, for others there was a moment of awe and amazement as they were finally standing in the cave and place of Jesus' birth. It is a pilgrimage of faith to arrive at this place.

After some ice lemonade with mint, and something to cool down, we took the return journey back to Jerusalem. On the bus, going back through Beit Jala, at the checkpoint, all local people had to leave the bus to have their passports checked... we were allowed to stay on the bus... 15 minutes later, they rejoined the bus and we were able to continue the journey.

In writing this, I am challenged, next time, I will get off the bus as well... if one is checked, all should be checked!

This week, people were detained at the airport and not permitted into entering Israel... not permitted into the country, means they were not permitted to go to Bethlehem and visit the place where Jesus was born... and sooooo much more.

Why is a place where the prince of peace was born is there so much unrest?

It was a Wendesday night the other week...

I was invited to go on a night safari at the Jerusalem bird observatory to watch the birds, the eclipse and for hot chocolate!

I went with Erica, a ministry student from Scotland, who is an avid birder... 3 of us went from the guest house! It was an experience I will not soon forget!

On this safari we heard frogs, Rhona actually saw one, saw an owl in a tree of a grave yard, saw some ants, and the solidified projectile of an owl! The hot chocolate was not that great! But the best part was watching the eclipse.

It was a red eclipse because of the ash in the atmosphere caused by the eruption of the volcano! I was able to take some good pictures of the progression of the lunar eclipse! Although I have not really had a chance to look more clearly at my pictures!

One never knows what experiences they will have in a given day. The people of Palestine and Israel were given a treat that night in watching the lunar eclipse!

In Jerusalem...

Thanks for your prayers... I am now in Jerusalem for a couple of weeks now!

I have been learning many things... including how to log into my bolgspot in Hebrew!!! So I should be keeping you posted more frequently from now on!

I am staying at the Lutheran guest house on the top of the Mount of Olives... each day on my way to the office, I pass this way and am able to look over the Old City of Jerusalem. It is a good reminder for me to pray for peace and justice in the world!

We have had 2 OK VIM teams visit since I have been here... and that is always great for me to see some familiar faces and hear some familiar voices!

I am continuing to learn and meet people.

In the coming days, I will take some time to post pictures and share about the experiences I have had so far.

May God continue to bless you!

The Journey continues...

Well, we have passed through Lent, Holy Week, and have celebrated Easter!!

Christ is risen!!! Christ is risen indeed!

March was filled with speaking and preaching engagements in Oklahoma, Missionary training in NYC, and a wonderful gathering of clergy women of the South Central Jurisdiction in New Orleans! I have made many wonderful contacts.

April has been filled with preaching engagements in Oklahoma, traveling to see friends and family around the country.

Many miles have been driven in my little car! I will pass a mile stone sometime tomorrow as I drive back to Oklahoma... I will have driven more than 100,000 miles!

May will prove to be busy as well I am make final preparations and head for Jerusalem in June!

Ash Wednesday Blessings...

Ash Wednesday Blessings...

As the seasons change... so do our relationships...

Always we are in God's hands.

I am preparing to go to NYC for missionary training next week!

I hope to have more answers and a greater understanding for the days, weeks, months, and years ahead for me.

It has been a blessing to be home and close to my family as I prepare for the next stage of my life.

It has been a blessing to travel to churches across the Oklahoma Conference meeting people and growing the support base of God's mission!

Thanks for your prayers and support,

Kristen

Itineration

Well, I am in a time of itineration... I have been to several churches around Oklahoma and I am booked through the middle of April... Word is going out for support. Thank you.

Today I went to Ft. Gibson FUMC and worked with the children and youth in an interactive program. We made passports and gave idinities to each person, then the children had to go to school, some were arrested and others were allowed to go to school, some of the teachers were allowed to go to school while others were not, sadly that is the reality for people in many countries around the world.

I will be going to NYC for missionary training in March. I hope to have more answers and understanding of missionary life after the training! I am not asking too much am I?

I go to OKC tomorrow for a BOM meeting...

I will be preaching at Leland Clegg UMC in OKC on Sunday.

blessings,
Kristen

Well, after a few years I am back to my blog!

In the absence I have applied, prayed, interviewed, been offered a position and accepted the position as a missionary to Sabeel in Jerusalem!

I am still waiting. It takes time to process paperwork etc.

We continue to pray and be in God's hands.

The good news is that I will be working with Sabeel, and you can check out sabeel.org for more information about them! Sabeel meas the Way in Arabic and was also the name given to the first followers of Jesus, they were know as people of the way! Sabeel is an ecumenical liberation theological center. I am excited about the possibilities which the next three years will unfold!

In the midst of the snow in Oklahoma, there are many things to do in order to prepare for this change in my life.

I covet your prayers.

Christian Pilgrim

After crossing into Jerusalem last Friday and again on Sunday with our group, the atmosphere was and is different.  Now, we are in a large city with the abundance of life all around.  We could be Christian pilgrims with relative ease.  Of course, the cost of everything was that of a large city... much higher!

The top picture is of the Lord's prayer in Cherokee.  After our mission in 1998, one of the team members who is Cherokee inquired about how the Lord's prayer is placed in each of the languages, after talking with the people, it was relatively easy, first one must raise some money, and then provide the Lord's prayer in the script of the language, so that was accomplished through the Cherokee people and now, since 2000 it has been on display at the Church of Our Father on the Mount of Olives.  Each time I see it, I am pleased to see the Lord's prayer in so many languages... and each time there are some new languages displayed.

The second picture is at the Church of Mary's birthplace.  Mary's parents lived in Jerusalem at one point, and this is the place traditionally believed to be here home.

The third picture is an old olive tree in the garden of Gasthemi where Jesus asked the disciples to say awake with him and pray...

The last picture is the entry to the empty tomb!!!  Jesus is not there, for he is RISEN!!!  It was taken at the garden tomb just outside of the walled city of old Jerusalem.

It is important for Christian pilgrims to be present and walk the journey of Jesus, and it is even more important for Christian pilgrims to meet the people, talk with the local people and learn from their stories how important it is to them to be Christian living in Palestine and in Israel.

It is my hope that during my time here, that is what I am doing.  Through learning the language, the culture, and living with a family... through engaging people in conversation, worshipping with the local Christian community etc.

Passing through the check point

Leaving Bethlehem to go to Jerusalem takes some planning and more time that you would expect, because one never knows how much time will be needed in order to go through the check points.  Yesterday I went to Jerusalem with a fellow participant.  This was the first time I have gone to Jerusalem on my own, i.e. not with the organized group.

Parts of the day were challenging and frustrating, other parts were very plesant.

Going through the check points one sees how people are treated.  Based upon the whim of the soilders doing their jobs... to the people wanting to go to Jerusalem for work or whatever is on their schedule for the day.

For us, we were pilgrims going to see the churches on the Mount of Olives, but first we had to pass through the check point.  It makes one feel as though you were in prision, or a rat going through a rat maze.

Life in Palestine

Life in Palestine...

In the evenings we have different types of gatherings, sometimes to learn more about the current situation. This week we saw a video about the life situation of a women whose husband was killed in 1967 shortly after the 6 days war when their village was forced to flee to a refugee camp... it was very powerful and very sad.

The next evening, I was invited to spend the evening with a friend's family. The traditions here when someone marries, several days before the wedding there is a gathering of family at the grooms home to welcome the brides family, including food, music and dancing. If someone in the close family dies, then the wedding is postponed by at least one month.

Last night we gathered at a place which used to be an Isreali military camp, now it is a park and a gathering place where people can have cookouts at watch sports on a big screen with friends etc. We gathered at the park to watch the European Cup for football/soccer, last nights game was Russia v Spain 0-3!!! It was a good game, especially for Spain fans... there are two games left. Russia will play Italy to determin 3rd and 4th place, and Germany will play Spain to determin 1st and 2nd place!!! All will be over on Sunday night.

Friends and family are very important for the people of Palestine. The people are very resiliant. Despite the current living challenges and difficulties of the day, they care greatly for each other and when there is a chance to forget about some of life's challenges through sports, music, laughter, they come together.

Arabic lessons

Ahlan wsahlan,
Ahlan wsahlan fiikum,

Welcome one and all,
We have Arabic lessons 4 times a week Monday through Thursday. This week we have learned 7 letters of the alphabet, how to write our names, how to count to 10 and the days of the week. We have learned greetings and responses, some verbs, and words which we hear during the day. Slowly we are learning.

There are about 15 people in the class from the USA, England, Scotland, Austraila, Italy and Switzerland! It is fun and very challenging.

Volunteer Work at Al Basma Center

The volunteer work I am doing is at the Al Basma Center for Special Needs youth and young adults from ages 15-35. The center was established in 1987 when a need was acknowledged and acted upon for the people with special needs.

The center currently works with 30 young people. They learn how to take care of their basic needs, they learn how to interact in society, they learn a trade and can earn a little money for themselves and their families. The clients make recycled paper to be used as Christmas cards, in many languages, and they are currently adding other market options through the cards with wedding invitations and sympathy cards. (I am helping design the wedding cards and sympathy cards!)

The clients use a loom to weave some beautiful rugs, purses and pillow covers. They also make olive wood cross neclaces and olive wood ornaments.

The Al Basma Center recently received funds from Germany to begin a green house where they hope to grow some vegtables, herbs, flowers, etc. for the local area.

Recently an engineer created a gadget to produce recycled paper and olive wood shavings into chunks to be burned which can be used in winter to heat people's homes as an alternative to coal.

The clients participate in group therapy through drama. The are learning "Little Red Riding Hood" I have seen their skit a few times, and always it brings a smile to my face, and of those around as well!!!

They are always looking for ways to reach both their clients and the local people of the community. I have met some great people. God is using their lives to make a difference in the world. Al Basma means to smile, it is a center where there are many smiles and encouragements.

Hard Day

Sunday was an emotionally hard day.

We visited several sites today.

We began the day by going to the wall. We visited a house which is surrounded on three sides by the wall. The family is not allowed to open the windows or shutters of the second floor. I walked around the house. We were told that if the family opens the shutters, they will be shot, or the house will be demolished. As I walked, I was in tears. This is no way to live, and it is so hot here.

We then visited the Greek Orthodox housing project, new appartment homes given to members of the Greek Orthodox church. The place has been there for more than ten years. In the past three years a new Israeli settlement was built very close by, and now the Greek Orthodox housing neighbourhood is in jepordy of being demolished. Our friend, Elias, is completing this appartment, it is in the final stages as he will be married on Sunday. It breakes my heart to know that all his labours could be demolished at any time.

In the afternoon we visited the Daheshia refugee camp. We learned that Daheshia means croweded in a language (I don't remember which language!), someone passed by the area in Bethlehem many years ago and commented upon the number of trees located there, it felt croweded. Today after 60 years of being a refugee camp, there are more than 11000 people living on less than a square mile area, talk about crowded! As we walked around the camp, my heart was crying because of the conditions people are living in. After ten years of living in tents, the United Nations helped the people to have 3m x 3m x 3m box rooms for houses... many times more than 12 people would live in the room/house together with no bathrooms, no electricity, and no kitchen... the restrooms were in areas where more than 100 people would share two toilets! Today, after 60 years, they live in bigger places, but this is not human diginity.

I have pictures, however, I am not able to post them at this time as they are on my laptop, and I have not found a place where I can have wireless access. The famliy home has a great computer with internet access, so I am able to post and check e-mail, etc. When I figure out the picture thing, I will add some to go along with the story.

I am now connected to the internet with my computer!!!  So I have loaded a few pictures to this update.

blessings,

Arrived Safely

After a long journey, I have arrived safely in the Holy Land, Palestine, Israel!

I am staying with a wonderful family in Beit Sahour, the shepherd's field, near Bethlehem.

I have not been able to post until now, as the log-in parts of blog spot are in Arabic, and though I am here to learn Arabic, I have not had a lesson yet, and I'm sure reading will come much later...

Diane helped me this morning.

This morning we had pancakes, the children of the family were very excited to have some pancakes!!!

Yesterday we finally gathered together with the group and met all the participants and the people of the Holy Land Trust. This is the fifth year for this emmersion experience.

Today is a free day, tomorrow we will have a tour around Bethlehem area, then on Monday we will begin with our volunteering in the mornings, and in the afternoon we will have Arabic lessons. The evenings will be a time to learn about the country, the culture, including dancing and cooking!

Thank you all for keeping me in your prayers.

Preparations for Travel

As the days draw near, the preparations become more hectic!
Have I done all that I needed to do before I leave?

This morning, when I woke up, I experienced big pains in my lower back and in my neck!
I called the chiropractor, and was able to obtain an appointment! Thank God for small towns where people know you and are able to work you in!!! Now, I hope I will not agravate my back any more...

Last minute shopping, packing, sermon writing, and a hair appointment before I can leave Weatherford...
Monday, campus ministers will have a meeting in OKC... then in the evening, I will board the airplane for Houston, London, then Rome, and Tel Aviv... and then on to Bethlehem!

blessings to all,

Why Woman at the Well?

Last year, when I visited Jacob's well, I encountered the well in a new way.  John 4 relates the story of Jesus coming to Jacob's well with his disciples.  Jesus has a conversation with a woman, not unlike any of us, a sinner who has fallen short.  Jesus gives her the "living water" and asks her to go and tell the people of the "living water."

To this day in the city of Nablus, formerly known as Schechem, there are churches and part of the Christian Community.  We all have the same challenge, to go and tell the people of the "living water."

As I prepare to return to Palestine, I am reminded of my call...

Woman At the Well

Greetings,

In 10 days I will begin a journey towards Bethlehem for a one month study leave.

There are many things to do before I can leave. One of them was create a new blog site!!!

I will be posting reflections, observations, and pictures of my journey.

please keep me in prayers,