I have arrived

Just wanted to send a quick post that I have arrived and so far everything is going well. The trip over couldn't have gone any smoother. All of my flights were on time and my luggage got here without a problem. Today I mostly just got settled; unpacked, had orientation, went to the store, played with the kids a little and now its only 7:40 but I think I am going to head to bed. I am really tired.

Thanks for everything! I will try to post again soon,
Alyssa

The Day Has Come

Well, today is the day. The ticket is purchased, passport and visa are in hand, the bags are packed, my goodbyes are said and just a few short hours I will board a plane only to be changed forever.

As I think about this day ahead of me and all that has lead up to it my mind is flooded with special people that have held my hand and helped me get here. I know I can’t possibly mention everyone that God has weaved in and out of this journey, thus far, but I am going to try.

I think about my youth pastor from High School, Matthew and Lori Munn. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God used Matthew and Lori’s hearts for mission to steer my heart in the same direction. It was because of Matthew’s inexpressible joy, passion and longing for the lost nations to know God that I too have become passionate about the same thing. Matthew and Lori thank you for your zeal for the Lord and His people. Thank you for the investment that you have made in my life. I am forever grateful.

I think about my Mission professor at Grace, Dr. Peugh. The countless hours that I sat in his classes learning about God’s heart for the nations and the countless times he prayed over me and with me seeking the Lord’s will, together with me, for what China might look like in my life. He was always there to give me advice whether it was what I wanted to hear or not. Thank you for guiding me these past few years in what many times seemed like a dark and lonely path. You gave me wisdom when many times others couldn’t

I think about my friends. I have the most amazing friends! They listened to me in the beginning stages when this dream seemed crazy! They helped me keep my head out of the clouds on all the many days I was ready to buy a plane ticket and just get up and go, they cried with me on the days when this heavy heart was too much to bear alone, and they are now rejoicing with me as I begin to live out my dream. Thank you girls for being the best friends I could ever ask for!

I think about my mentors Brad and Amy. When you met me 9 years ago I don’t think you ever could have imagined the journey that you were in for. Thank you for sticking by me through thick and thin. Thank you for praying for me and speaking truth and love into my life time after time. I could never begin to express to you how thankful I am for your influence on my life and how grateful I am to know you.

I think about my China girl, Xin Yue. God used you in my life in more ways than I can even understand at this point. You are an angel. Know there hasn’t been a day since I left you that I haven’t thought about you, longed for you and dreamed for the day I would hold you in my arms again. You grew my heat to love the orphans even more than I already did. I love you sweet girl.

I think about my family. My grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters. You guys are amazing! I love you more than words could describe. Your never ending love for me is such a gift. I know at times my dreams probably seemed crazy but you never outwardly questioned me you only kept loving me and encouraging me. Thank you for being you!

I think about my parents. Mom and dad there are not enough words in the dictionary to express my gratitude and love for you. Thank you for raising me to Love the Lord with all my Heart, Soul and Mind. Thank you for instilling Christian morals in me. Thank you for walking with me on this dream each step of the way and always being there with a listening ear and loving arms. Thank you for letting me Go! Thank you for knowing that God loves me even more than I do and thank you for, on this day, trusting Him to take me half way around the world. I will miss you terribly but know in YOUR hearts that it is because of YOU that I am able to walk out this calling the Lord has given me. Every minute of everyday of your training and loving and praying for me has prepared me for this moment and time in my life. I love you!

My Great and Might God You are EVERYTHING to me! Thank you for saving me. Thank you for opening the ears of my heart to hear you and answer your call when you rescued me so many years ago. Thank you for this mission that you have laid before me. Thank you for enabling me and giving me everything I need; I have the strength, peace, and courage to walk forward with this calling because I know that it’s not my calling its really yours! And I know that just like you have held me for the past 23 years you will continue to hold me right in the palm of your hand. Thank you for the PRIVILEDGE of SERVING YOU!!!

Flight Itinerary

Hey all! Here is my flight itinerary so you can be specifically praying at these times. Thank you so much!!! The times listed are central standard time

Tue, Jan 27, 2009

Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Depart: 09:59am
Arrive: 2:45pm
San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, CA
Depart: 03:50pm
Arrive: 03:55am
Beijing, China

Beijing, China
Depart: 06:00am
Arrive: 8:35pm
Fuzhou, China

I Feel So Blessed

This past weekend has been amazing. I feel so blessed with the friends and family that God has surrounded me with.

My brother and his wife and kids came on Friday night. Saturday we spent the morning at the Children's Discovery Museum with my brother and sisters and all the kids. It was so fun! Saturday night we celebrated my brother's birthday. Followed by a family prayer time. I was so thankful for this sweet time to come before the Father's throne with my family.

Today, we all went to church together. This was such a blessing to be able to worship with my whole family and some of my closests friends, my last Sunday here in the States. At the end of the service my family and church family commissioned me to this work the Lord has called me to do. I feel so very grateful for the church God has placed me in. They are so supportive of the work He has called me to do and so excited to see what He will do.

This afternoon my family had leftovers for lunch and just relaxed all together.

I think we will all remember this weekend for a long time. It was such a gift to spend these last days with those that I love the most.

2 more days...

It feels weird that...

- In 4 days I will be saying goodbye to everything I know and love
- In 4 days I will be on a plane all by myself flying to China!
- There is a whole other life waiting for me on the other side of the world
- Every time I eat something, go somewhere, or see someone I wonder if it will be the last time
- My life is about to drastically change and while I can try to imagine what life is going to be like over there I really have no idea.
- Life here in the States will go on without me
- My life will go on without those I know and love to experience it with me
- This is what I have been dreaming of for years on end and I am just days away from living it!
- From the begining of time God knew that on January 27th, 2009 He would comission me to this work He has called me to
- That everything feels weird

That was a close one!

God answered our prayers quickly :) A friend suggested that I call the airlines this morning and see if I can check my luggage straight through to the final destination. When I call the lady said "oh, no problem!" For some reason I had the thought in my head that since my airline to China was different than my domestic flight I would have to re-check in .
God is so good isnt he? I LOVE how He always provides for our every need.

Start praying now!!!

Tonight I was looking at my flight schedule to make sure everything looked good. I noticed I have a small problem! When I arrive in San Fransisco I will need to get my luggage and re-check in because I will be flying a different airline to China. I don't think I realized that I was going to have to do this when I purchased the ticket because I only have a 1hour and 5minute layover!!! This is not good. Sometimes it can take 30 minutes just to get your luggage and by that time I would need to be boarding my next flight already. Would you please join me in bringing this subject before the throne of our Father.

This is NOT a surprise to Him! He knew this was the case when I purchased my ticket and in His perfect plan He already has it all worked out. Please pray that

- My flight out of O'Hare would be ON TIME. This is not common at this airport

- I would be able to locate my luggage quickly when I get to San Fran.

- The check-in line would be short

- The walking distance from gate to gate would also be short.

I wasVERY worried and concerned when I discovered this tonight. This is the last place the Lord wants me to be. He wants me trusting Him with this matter. Thank you for joining me in bringing this before Him.

Love, Alyssa

It's the small things...

A few weeks ago my friend asked me "what are you going to miss the most about America?" As I thought about it the first thing that came to my mind was the conveniences of the USA. I was thinking about all of the things that are easily done here that I take for granted. Somethings can take twice or even three times as long in other countries. And while this is true, I will miss the "easiness" of America, the more I thought about this question the more I realized that what I will miss the most is the small everyday moments of being with those I love.

- Over Christmas break I was rocking my nephew Mason to sleep and it dawned on me that there was a good chance that would be my last time to ever rock him sleep. I will miss watching these babies grow up!

- I will miss Clare, Chloe and I's "girl band" that we have every day on the way home from school

- I will miss walking in the door after a long of day of work and my dog Essy being right there at my feet so excited to see me.

- I will miss being able to just hop in the car for a weekend visit with my friends

- I will miss my sweet little preschoolers who, I'm pretty sure, teach me more about life than I teach them

- I will miss laughing with my brother and sisters about our inside jokes.

- I will miss my parents and the love and comfort I feel from being in their presence

There are so many everyday moments that I have taken for granted all of my life. In the past weeks as I have been preparing for China God has opened my eyes to the fact that I won't get to experience all of these things on a daily basis, like I do now. While this thought makes me so sad God has also opened my eyes to the fact that there is a whole new kind of everyday moments that are about to begin. Moments with the kids I am going to serve, moments with the brothers and sisters in Christ that I will be serving with, moments with Him. There is so much that is going to take place in these next 24 months. And while I am sad to leave these times behind I am excited to embark on this next adventure...

16 Days

It's hard to believe that in 16 days I will be on a plane headed to China. I will REALLY by on my way! Sometimes I sit back and think about what is about to take place and I can't believe it! I can't believe all of the amazing things that God has done in my favor. All of the ways that He has been evident and real in my everday life. I am so in love with Him right now. I feel so close to Him. I feel like it's just me and Him and He is inviting me to embark on one of the greatest journeys every.

I'm excited for sure but i won't lie I'm a little scared too. I think I'm scared of the unknown scared of the things that "could" happen and scared of the things that will happen. Scared of failing, scared of disappointing Him, scared of being too weak. I know these thoughts are from the devil. He prowls about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour and this is the perfect opportunity for him to prey on me. I will NOT allow that though.

Even in my fear and uncertainty I CHOOSE to trust in God. I CHOOSE to look to Him for my strength. He is my shield and defender I will rest in the shadow of the almighty! God really spoke to me through the passage we studied at church today

Isaiah 41

9 I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
11 "All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.
12 Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.
13 For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

God has called me, He will strengthen me and in His power I have the strength to FEAR NOT. In His power I have the strength to walk forward in confidence knowing that I am His and He's got this, He's got the Whole world in His hands, from Hudson, IL to Fuzhou, China HE HAS THIS!

Visa

My Visa has arrived!!! I recieved it in the mail today and feel so grateful to have my passport back in my hands! Awesome praise... They issued me a visa that requires me to leave the country every 90 days instead of every 60 days. This is HUGE as it will save a lot of money and hassle. God is good and continues to pave every step of this adventure.

Until next time...

Alyssa