One mile turns into ten

This was on my door this morning.

Last night I was hanging out with my friends and I had an idea. Before I could think it through, I said it out loud.

"I think I'm going to run 10 miles tomorrow."

I heard myself saying this and I thought "who am I?"

I can't explain this enough: I NEVER thought I would be this person. Actually, I never thought that I COULD be this person. Someone that can run ten miles. Someone that can have self-discipline like this. Someone that other people could ask about how to lose weight and be an encouragement to them.

I was the big girl. I was the secretive eater. I was the lazy friend. I was the one that would make other people feel better about how much they ate because I always ate more.

Now, I am embracing the fact that I am someone people can be encouraged by, because I have been able to do something I never thought possible. God has rescued and redeemed me, saved and sustained me, healed and helped me.

So today I hit the Tobacco Trail with my friend Cameron to hold me accountable. I told the Facebook world that I was going to do it so I had to report back. Five miles in I got the mother of all blisters on the inside of my arch. Seven miles in I had rocks in my shoes. Eight miles in I hit the most annoying steady incline that lasted forever. Nine miles in, I shook my head the rest of the way because I couldn't believe what my Nike GPS was telling me.

May the force be with you.

Last year at this time I was marveling at the fact that I could run a mile without stopping. Can I remind you that you are new? That you can conquer that thing that has been a struggle for you your whole life? That you will find people coming around you to support you through your darkest hours?

But here's what's awesome. Your smallest steps will be celebrated by your biggest fans. And if you fail, you can always try again tomorrow. So celebrate your victories, but also celebrate your shortcomings. And keep trying. Before you know it, one mile will turn into ten.

-Liz

Accepting you for you

Another great friend of ours, Cameron, who has been to Jamaica with us twice, and soon to be a third time, had these thoughts on his heart. It's his first time to publicly be so bold, which is a blessing for us because that kind of risk always means great reward. Enjoy!

I've never written a blog before so this is a little bit weird to me, but here it goes. Last night while on the phone with my good friends Liz and Dee I came to the realization that I am in fact my own person and I shouldn't live my life being compared to others. My whole life I've felt that I've always been compared to my two older brothers, whether I was being praised for being “better” than them or I was being put down for “failing” to live up to their lives. I know this seems absurd, but for me its something that has always loomed over me and caused a great deal of stress in my life. Whether its trying to do as well in them at school or just trying to act and look like them, I struggle with inadequacy and feeling of being inferior compared to them.

 However last night I realized that I am in fact my own person, and I shouldn't compare myself to them because I am in fact NOT them, and that I am being unfair to myself and ultimately selling myself short of the life God wants me to live. After all God made me “perfect” and in his image, so why should I ever feel inferior? Today I've really realized that everything I do I need to do to the best of my ability to praise God, but I have also realized that if I try my best and put forth everything I have I cannot fail in God's eyes, which makes me feel so much better about life in general. This may seem silly to you guys that something this small could have such a big impact on my life, but after this “come to Jesus” last night my life has been much easier for me to accept. One of the dangers that comes with comparing ourselves to others is that it will lead to envy and jealousy, which are both vile in God's eyes.

Romans 12: 6 says it all: “Let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be; without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't. If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else.” (The Message).

I hope this will help someone reading to realize that you are not what the world says you are, but what God says you are, and he says you are perfect, and redeemed, and that you are filled with the spirit of God.

-Cameron

There is no Plan B.

This picture was taken in December of 2010. You are looking at it, and it's unbelievable. Maybe, if you know us, you have seen it before. And most of you know the story behind it. But Dee shared something with me a few days ago, an update to this photo, that has still rocked my world, and it's something I will never forget.

This picture was taken in December of 2010. It was our second trip to Jamaica, but our first trip to the infirmary. The infirmary is more like, a home for the forgotten. Some are elderly, some are handicapped, all are people that have no other home. No family to care for them, no person to hug them, no home to die peacefully. So here they are, in an infirmary: a long room, lined with rusty beds and dirty mattresses.

We arrived empty handed. Our purpose was just to talk to the men and women there. Our mission was to show Jesus Christ to them. Not in our words, but in our touch. For me, it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I felt like my feet were glued to the floor. I was supposed to just go up to these people and pray for them? To hold their hands? To comfort them in their pain? How do I do that when I can barely take a step?

I was deep inside my own insecurity when I turned around to see this scene. My friend doing one of the most courageous things she has ever done. Kneeling beside the bed of a man that was gnarled up from years of pain and disability, praying for him. And 15 minutes later, still praying for him. And as she prayed, his arms and legs unfolded and stretched out in his bed, as if he was able to release the pain and torment of his failing body. What you can't see in this picture, is the tear coming out of his eye and rolling down his cheek. Maybe it was his response to pain, but I think it was his response to someone sitting with him and staying with him and being the hands and feet of Jesus to him.

It was something I can't explain.

But the other day, I asked Dee if, when we visited that infirmary again last month, in December of 2011, she saw that man she prayed for because I sure didn't. She had asked Penie that same question. Where was he? Penie informed Dee that he had passed away, not long after our visit in 2010. And we are left knowing that Dee was one of the last people to be with this man in such a powerful way. She was one of the last people to sit beside him in the last days of an excruciating illness. She prayed for him and brought him into the presence of His Father, His Daddy, the One who loves him eternally and took away his pain.

May we all go through this day and spend it with someone who needs a hand, a touch, a prayer, a conversation. Our words have power, and our God has plans for us that involve the people around us right here and right now. Remember, you are God's plan, and there is no plan B.

-Liz

An international confession

The following was written by one of our friends that came on our last Jamaica trip. It was his first time, and his honest account will hopefully encourage you to take a big chance, like he did. Enjoy!

It is almost the end of my time here in Jamaica, and I can truly say that I might come back a little different than when I left. I have experienced a lot of things – that - I’ve honestly heard about or seen through pictures for years now that I’ve never truly experienced. I have learned the difference between seeing something on a screen, and being so close that you can feel it.

Never before coming to Jamaica, could I smell the burning trash in the ghettos, or see the scars on kid’s arms, legs and chest, because of old metal sitting in their front yard. Never before have I seen such a small and crowded hospital that I had to squeeze by doctors and nurses -trying to help patients. Never before have I seen so many elderly people crammed into rooms, likely to stay there tired and forgotten. Never before have I been so lost for words that I was stuck frozen to the ground in terrible awe. Never before have I held the hand of a girl with no name, hospital sheet, or family around to be with her… Never before had I felt so helpless…

That was how I first saw Jamaica. We drove straight passed the fancy resorts and the tourist cities to the country torn in pain and despair; a sight seen by too few Americans. I regrettably admit, I saw no point in trying to help what I thought to be a lost cause. We have been here for a few days and I didn’t think we accomplished anything really. I felt our efforts were falling short, I lost my focus, and I felt defeated. In the morning we had time every day to read the bible or sit and talk with each other about how the previous day was, or what we wanted to accomplish that day. I found this time to be perfect to go to the roof, sit by myself, and just think away the hour until breakfast. I took about six days of my spirit being beaten and tired to the point of exhaustion that I finally found what I was looking for. It was not what I thought it would be at all.

I thought the reason why I was going on this trip was to help solve Jamaica’s problems - pure and simple. I now see how naïve I was to think I could instantly heal the wounds of years of turmoil in a just a few days of labor and prayer. This is my first mission trip and I knew nothing about what it really means to be a missionary, but I wanted to give it everything I had. Before this trip, my faith could be described as “shaky” at best, and one could call me agnostic without much fault.  It wasn’t until we went to a place called “Petersville” that I finally had my outlook changed.

Today wasn’t our first trip to Petersville, but it was definitely the most powerful. The first day there our only goal was to gain the people of Petersville’s trust. We carried gallons upon gallons of water from the only spigot located in the middle of the village to all houses spread out sporadically among the hills. Being a YMCA counselor for almost a third of my life made it easiest for me to bond with the kids of Petersville. I have never seen so many kids appear seemingly out of nowhere, just to see a bunch of white people equipped with only water jugs to carry and tennis balls to play with. Their positive attitude was really eye opening… How could these kids with nothing be so happy just to toss a ball with a stranger? This feeling filled the air and consequently lifted my spirit as well. It was in Petersville that I met Hubert, an 11 year old boy that I instantly connected to even through our language barrier. Ill spare you the details, but basically it took me three days of playing and teaching him math and reading that I finally got him to smile. It made me happy to know I had made my first friend in Jamaica.

I went home today and thought again of why I was here. I came to a much different conclusion that I did a few days earlier. I realized that I had looked at everything all wrong and gained a new perspective.

I now see that the awful smell of the burning trash was just their best way to get rid of waste without a trash system that comes to your house and empties your barrels for you. I now see that the cuts and bruises on the kids are just a mark of their determination to play even in such a harsh place, and never think about trying to grow up too fast. I admire that about them. I now see the honor in working as a doctor in such a crowded hospital and will never know the perseverance it must take to be there every day.  I now see that when I was so lost for words earlier this week in the old folks home that holding a women’s hand and sitting next to her in silence was the best thing I could have done. I now see that the girl in the hospital with no name at least had me around even if just for a few minutes to pray over her and just be there for her even if she wasn’t conscious. I now see that when I thought my heart was being torn open by such sad sights was actually the complete opposite. I now see that God was not tearing down my heart but opening it up to let in more love than ever before. I now know that what I was praying to find, finally revealed itself. I wasn’t helpless all along, but was helping the communities every day and in doing so, God was helping me.

I’ve learned a lot about myself, and about the world thanks to this trip. I finally learned the meaning of “one love”. I’ve learned to believe someone when they look you in the eye and say “please”. I’ve learned that giving something away feels a million times better than receiving it. I’ve learned all the things my grandpa used to tell me all the time, was and still is true. I understand the true meaning of “money can’t buy you happiness.” What they really mean is that everybody can afford to happy. I’ve learned you can find out what the “TRUTH IS”, a lot easier if you search within yourself, than if you try to find it on facebook. I’ll never forget where I came from, and I now have a clearer sight of where I wanna go… I love Jamaica... I love the team I’m here with, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

One week to see God?

It’s amazing how one week can change you. I left the US on December 26^th skeptical of religion and faith.  While I am no stranger to philanthropy and service trips, a mission trip was a completely different story.  When Dee asked me to come on the trip to Jamaica I was excited at the opportunity. She told me that it was a mission’s trip, so I should expect to pray. I was nervous but eventually decided that just because everyone else was praying didn’t mean I had to.

To say I was out of my comfort zone in the first two days of the trip would be a huge understatement.  I was an agnostic on a missions trip in a foreign country with a bunch of strangers…yeah that sounds about right.  The second night when Dee asked me how I was feeling I said I was on “Jesus overload”.  Even in the first two days I had been exposed to more prayer than I had in years.  I was skeptical of faith, and felt uncomfortable praying to a God I wasn’t sure existed with people who were so sure He did.

After hearing Jim and Penie’s passionate stories about how God had come through for them when they needed it most. After talking with other members of the team and the staff about faith and how drastically different their faith was to how I perceived faith.  After interacting with the children of Petersville and Gully Bank and seeing the joy in their faces as the pickup and van pulled up, or how proud they were when they got a math problem right. And after visiting the infirmary and hospital where patients asked me to pray for them, something was changing.  By the middle of the week I began to have a curiosity about God and Faith and by the end of the week caught myself praying with the group.

Something happened during that week that I cannot explain, so I won’t even attempt to.  I can’t claim that I am now a great Christian with an unwavering faith in God, because that would be a lie.  I can claim that, in all likelihood, I wouldn’t have any curiosity about faith if I hadn’t gone to Jamaica.  Maybe I’ve been feeling my life being pulled towards philanthropy and helping others because God’s at the other end of the rope. Who knows?

All I do know is that the week I spent in Jamaica was one of the most eye-opening and happiest weeks in my life.  The people of Jamaica stole my heart, and they impacted my life just as much as I hope in impacted theirs.  I hope I can keep my mind and my heart open to the possibility of God and faith back at home.

Until next time Jamaica, I know I’ll be back.

- Nicole (Nickels)

“What I do you cannot do; but what you do, I cannot do. The needs are great, and none of us ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.” – Mother Theresa

A letter of encouragement

I got an email last night from my best friend. She knows me better than anyone, and she knows I was struggling. What I love MOST about her, is Christ in her. I read this email earlier today, but it just came to me that, it is a PERFECT letter of encouragement for most of us that are weary and tired of the weight loss journey. Please insert your name all over it, and know it is from God to you. Enjoy!

Today is a new day.

Today, you might have annoying temptations like yesterday. But today, you are new. God created you for more. And the devil exists so that he can steal your joy. Think about this: when you are focusing on the curses of what you can't have and how it's not fair that you can't do what other people are doing like eating whatever they want, you're letting the devil win and consume your time with potentially good opportunities to bless people and encourage yourself. I know you want that crappy food, but you see that it's not what satisfies people, and even you.

It might seem annoying, but keep your focus on the good things that are coming from this journey. You are changing aspects of your life you never dreamed of! and you're inspiring people that are watching your progress, people that you don't even know their last names. YOU CAN DO THIS. and when it feels like you can't, give it completely to the God that created you and knows your deepest struggles. Because while you can't eat that meal at El Dorado, someone is struggling with even bigger life issues. that we can't even fathom. God gave you a beautiful body that He wants you to treat with respect. You know better. I believe in you so much. Keep going, you're SO CLOSE TO 50!! its a HUGE DEAL!!! keep up the amazing work, and changing lives while you're doing it. So proud to call you my best friend.I FREAKING LOVE YOU!!

NOW KICK ASS TODAY!!!!

You heard the woman. Go kick ass today! JUST today. And tomorrow, we will deal with it when it comes!

-Liz

Coming Soon...

Flew in from Jamaica last night. I have so many thoughts, it's ridiculous. My biggest thought right now is that we have a project this month to ship a container to the families in Jamaica that need clothes, mattresses, and bibles. Here is a little teaser video I did for that project. PLEASE pray about donating $50 towards a family that needs it. Each family has a container that you can shop for. Watch this awesomeness from our week in Whitehouse, Jamaica:

Jamaica tomorrow. Not a cruise. A mission.

Tomorrow I am leading a team of 16 to Jamaica to work with My Father's House ministries in Whitehouse, Westmoreland, Jamaica. I am feeling...unequipped.

I am not sure why God, throughout history, has used broken people to change the world, but He has. All through the bible I read about people who weren't ready, who made huge mistakes, who were outlaws, outcasts, and ousted by others, but God chose them.

And on this day, over 2000 years ago, God chose to walk alongside us as a baby, of all things. And a baby to an unwed mother. Not in an elaborate king's chambers, but in a manger. In a barn, surrounded by donkeys, filthy and cold.

Right now, I sit on a king size bed in my parents' house in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania surrounded by beautiful things. Tomorrow, I will stand in the middle of an impoverished country surrounded by beautiful people.

"So the last will be first, and the first will be last."

I would love your prayer for our week in Jamaica. I would love your prayer that I would get out of the way and let God use me. I would love your prayer that I would choose God and His will above me and my will. Because my will is freaking STRONG and I tend to make situations all about me, even when I don't mean to.

That's how deep my pride goes. Good thing God runs deeper.

-Liz