God is Sovereign

We serve a Good and Mighty God and many times He works in ways that we can't see or understand but what a comfort to know that He is always good.
I would like to preface this post by praising Loaves and Fishes Intl. for the work they are allowing God to do through them. The favor they have been granted is something that only the Father could provide them with.
I am writing this post from the USA. I know this comes as a shock to everyone reading. I thought that I would be staying in China for 2 years but the Father had different plans. From the first moment of my journey on Jan. 27th the peace that I had for so long vanished. During my days at Hidden Treasures I never regained that peace and after many agonizing hours, day and night, after much time in the Word, much time in Prayer and much council from those who know me best I felt the Father's release from this calling, at this point in my life, and I knew it was time to come home.
As you can imagine this was the hardest decision that I have ever had to make. I feared that I was disobeying God, I feared that I was walking away from what He called me to and I feared that I was dissapointing all of those that had supported me in going.
I arrived back in the US on Thursday Feb. 5th. I am now in the process of working through all of the thoughts and emotions that come with this kind of major life decision. The more I am in the Word and Prayer and the more I process what has just happened to me the more Peace the Lord grants me that I made the right decision.
I would not be exagerating to say that the past 10 days have been the hardest days that I have walked so far. I have hit rock bottom in every area; spiritual, physical, mental and emotional and God is in the process of restoring me in each one of these areas and making me more complete in Him than I have ever been.
I know many of you have questions that I didn't address in this post. Please email me at alyssa.m.garvin@gmail.com and I will try to answer them to the best of my ability. Thank you for your love, prayers and support. To God be the Glory.

Love, Alyssa

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

A Visit to the Chinese Consulate

Today was interesting. I woke up excited and enthusiastic! I was headed to Chicago to file for my Chinese Visa. My mom, Milly, and Alyssa (my friend) all came with me. Since the Consulate is open from 9-12 and 1-2:30 we left around 8:30 this morning anticipating a smooth, easy going day hoping to arrive around 11:)

When approaching the city, still on the highway, we were dumped off the highway due to a unmarked T in the road. We found ourself smack dab in the middle of the city, although we still had a few more miles to go on the highway. We tried to manuver our way through the crowded streets, full of people. After an hour of trying to find our way we spotted a rainforest cafe and decided to take a break and get some lunch.

If you have never been to Rainforest Cafe it is an adveture. SO much fun!!! We enjoyed a good lunch with safari food and even a few rainforest thunderstorms. After we finished lunch we rushed back to the parking garage so that we could get to our car before the price went up $10.00. We made it! Phew!!!

We finally located what we thought was the consulate. My Mom dropped Alyssa, Milly, and me off at the building (she was going to drive around and then come back to get us so we didnt have to park the car again). When I walked up to the door I found that it was locked. I was thinking "oh my gosh you have gotta be kidding me after all this hassle they are closed!!!" I then noticed that there was a call button to the left of the door. I pushed this button and found an english speaking chinese woman with a VERY thick accent. After living in China for 4 months I feel like I got pretty good at understanding this accent but I was having NO luck with this lady. With the help of Milly we finally figured out that we needed to turn around and walk 3 blocksW and it would be on our right hand side. So 3 blocksW we began. And what do you know there it was!

We walked inside and asked in the lobby if that was where the Chinese Consulate Visa office was. He told us to go to the 5th floor. We got on the elevator and rode our way up. When we entered the office I took a number and waited patiently for my turn. Meanwhile I decided to make a copy of my Visa application and of my passport since I was about to hand it over to some stranger that I didn't know. Well, me a stupid American couldn't get the copy machine to work. So a chinese kid helped me figure it out!

Next thing I knew my number was being called. I walked up to the counter extatic at how quickly I had been called. I handed her my application, my photo and my passport. She looked it over and said:

Consulate Lady: come back on tuesday. pick up

Me: oh. I need you to mail it to me.

Consulate Lady: pick up on Tuesday.

Me: I really needed it mailed.

Consulate Lady: you need money order

Me: okay where do I get that

Consulate Lady: Post office!

Me: Where is the post office? (she just kept pointing out the window and saying post office.)

Me: I stood there waiting, expecting to get a recepeipt

Consulate Lady: POST OFFICE!!!

So.... we left the left the building, asked for directions and headed to the post office. Did I

mention that it is almost 2:00 at this point and they close at 2:30! Yea i was starting to freak out a little! When we entered the post office there was a line of probably 10-15 people. I finally got to the front of the line and the first lady I went to told me she couldn't do money orders. So i had to go back to the line and wait for the next clerk. When I got to her I purchased a money order and a prepaid envelope. I paid and we took off running the 3 blocks back to the Consulate. We got in the elevator... got off at the wrong floor! Got back in the elevator... arrived at the right floor. I went up to the counter to give her my money order and envelope. She looked it over and said

Consulate Lady: You need "To" and "From"

Me: I did fill in the "To" the (address spot)

Consulate Lady: NO "To" and "From"

Me: Okay what is your address?

Consulate Lady: No! you "To" and "From"

Me: You want me to use my name and address in both places?

Consulate Lady: Yes!

I finished filling out the envelope, she gave me my receipt and told me they would mail the visa on Tuesday. I got my things and was outta there! By the way they were closing the doors right as we were walking out!

Whewwww that was a close one! What an ordeal. Our day was anything but smooth and easy going. That is for sure! I had good company though and we managed to have a good time amidst all the stress :)

Here I Go...

I sit in awe as I type this update. God has moved mountains right in front of my eyes. He is an amazing, awesome God and I feel so BLESSED to serve Him!
Several weeks ago (around Thanksgiving) God began to prompt my heart to purchase my plane ticket. At that point I was only at 30%. I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say I thought HE was crazy!!! I didn't think there was any way I was ready. There was still so much money that needed to come in. I quickly ignored this promting and moved on. Well, He was persistant. He continued to tug at my heart asking me to take this leap of faith. We had many conversations. I was so worried that it was ME talking. ME getting ahead of HIM. ME wanting this and holding on to it so badly that I was starting to mistake HIS voice for MINE. As I began to pray "not my will but yours" I realized that it really was HIS voice. He really was asking me to take this leap of faith. He told me over and over again "You don't recieve because you don't ask" He was wanting to move mountains in my life if I would only let Him.
As of Tuesday of last week I was at 40% of my monthly need and still feeling God's leading, now more than ever, to take this leap of faith. After seeking the council of one very wise man, my dad, I took another look at my budget. In doing this I realized that there was almost $500 per month worked into my budget, for taxes, that I didnt need in there. I also saw that there were a few other changes I could make. After doing this I realized that I was at 70%. I was extatic! I sought the council of a few other people, who's opinion I hold very high. They too agreed that if God was asking me to take this leap faith that I should follow Him in obdedience.
In the past 3 days I have recieved 4 substabtial gifts that have brought me even closer to my goal of 100%.
Today I bought my ticket! I will be leaving for China on January 27th, 2009. I have been praying for January ever since August of this year. Many people warned me that I wouldn't be ready that soon. I too thought it was soon but knew God was asking me to pray this way. I know those prayers were not in vein. I know God had me praying for January specifically so that on this day He would get ALL the GLORY!!!
As I sit back and look at the Journey of the past 5 months I am in awe! 5 months ago today I was just starting to feel the Lord's voice saying "It's Time! It's Time" I was just starting to consider preparing to return. Never did I guess that 5 months later I would have a ticket in hand. To GOD be the GLORY.
I thank each and everyone of you! It wouldn't be in this place if it wasnt for your support both financially and prayerfully.
Let's continue to seek Him and praise Him as He lays out His perfect plan piece by piece.

Much Love, Alyssa

That feeling again...

Well, its one of those days. One of those days when I'm even more homesick for China than usual. I miss the smells, the sounds, the feel of the air, the commotion of the busy streets, the feeling in my heart that feels at home and feels at peace.

I don't know exactly what makes me long for these things on some days more than others. It's a funny thing when God calls you to do something. In your head you kinda think its crazy and it really doesnt make any sense at all but in your heart you KNOW its right! It feels good and perfect.

China is all I can imagine doing with my life. I can honestly say that this is what I feel I was made for. It's a passion and fire that burns so deep with in me that certain days I feel like I might explode because of it.

It might sound crazy that I know this number but it has been 375 days since I came home from China. I can say without a doubt that there hasn't been one day since then that I haven't thought about China or thought about getting back there. I dont know how many days it will be till God takes me back... it might be 42 (I'm praying for this date!) or it might be another 375. I just know that support raising has been one of the most faith stretching experiences for me. God has brought me this far I know He will complete His work. But on days like this when I feel especially homesick for China I feel like I'm stuck behind a glass wall... so close yet so far away. I have to remember that He is in control He is in the process of taking me back... it's all in His timing!

Thanks for praying!

Thanks for praying friends! Little Andersen is doing a lot better. Each day is an improvement. http://andersenzechariah.blogspot.com/

Please Pray

Friends, please pray for my sweet little nephew. Andersen was born last night (dec. 8th) he has been experiencing some difficulties and was transfered to Peoria (about an hour from us) they have a good childrens hospital that was more prepared to deal with his needs. Here is his blog address with more info http://andersenzechariah.blogspot.com/

Thank you!

Alyssa

One Time = 100%!!!

It's been a while since my last post. Things are going well. Little by little the Lord is providing and bringing my support in. I am currently at 35% of my monthly need and tonight I reached 100% of my one time need. God is so faithful! What a blessing. I am still praying that I will be able to leave in January of 2009 so that leaves 65% of my total monthly support still needed. In my eyes it seems like an impossibility but I know in God's eyes He has it all figured out. Would you please pray about how God might want to use you to make a difference in the lives of orphans?

In HIS love,
Alyssa

Gladys Aylward

This week had many challenges. I found myself discouraged wondering what God was up to, wondering where HE was in the midst of my confusion. This week God showed me that HE is always here. He never leaves me and never forsakes me no matter what is going on around me.

This week I found out that one of my applications for missionary support was rejected, One of the reasons being that I wasn't qualified enough.

A friend reminded me that Gladys Aylward was rejected. The China Inland Mission told her that she was unqualiefied and refused to support her financially.

Gladys didnt get the financial support that she was counting on but God still provided and took her to China and I feel confident the same will prevail in my journey; even though the support I thought I might get isnt going to come through I know God will. He will not leave me hanging He will stay right by my side paving the way.

I found a couple quotes by Gladys that encouraged my heart and I wanted to share them with you...

"I wasn't God's first choice for what I've done for China…I don't know who it was…It must have been a man…a well-educated man. I don't know what happened. Perhaps he died. Perhaps he wasn't willing…and God looked down…and saw Gladys Aylward…And God said - "Well, she's willing."

“If God has called you to China or any other place and you are sure in your own heart, let nothing deter you….Remember, it is God who has called you and it is the same as when He called Moses or Samuel.”

"My heart is full of praise that one so insignificant, uneducated, and ordinary in every way could be used to His glory for the blessing of His people in poor persecuted China."

God has called me to CHINA and if this is HIS will I know I will GO. Nothing can stand in the way of HIS plans. What a joy and excitement to be on this great adventure with HIM.

Much Love, Alyssa

P.S. Update on my China girl. I got in contact with the CCAI this week and they basically told me that it was a pretty hopeless situation. It is very diffucult to locate and request a specific child. Initially I was frustrated by the news but I know that God is still in control. That news doesn't change anything. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Please continue to pray with me that HE will work a miracle and bring her home to a family that loves her.

I will not leave you as orphans

You know God is funny. He does things that we will never understand and just when we think something is hopeless or impossible He reveals Himself in new and amazing ways.

10 days into my study abroad last year God impressed it upon my heart to pray for 1 little orphan girl to love on during my time in China. I prayed for this little girl for several weeks while I was waiting to volunteer at an orphanage. It seemed like all the doors where closing and I wasn’t going to be able to volunteer. Just when I thought there was no hope and I was about to give up God made a way. When I finally arrived at the orphanage I laid eyes on the tiniest little girl I had ever seen. It was love at first sight. She was beautiful and I knew within minutes of looking at her that she was the angel I had been praying for the past several weeks. As the weeks went on and I saw her time after time, the love in my heart for her grew stronger and stronger. I was hooked! I was committed to finding a momma for Xin Yue. I came home from China and my mission to find her a family continued. I thought of her everyday. I prayed for her all the time. I met her in my dreams quit often. Well the days turned into months and there was still no one that wanted her. So in my frustration I quietly gave up. I told myself it was hopeless and the best I could do was pray she would still be there in 7 years when I’m old enough to adopt and maybe just maybe she could be my little girl. Well, like I said above just when something seems hopeless God reveals Himself in amazing ways…
Over the course of the past weeks He has brought me into contact with someone else that feels the same heart connect with Xin Yue that I do. Someone that I believe is supposed to be her momma, that same momma that I started praying for 13 months ago. Only God can orchestrate something this wonderful!

Now the catch! I need you prayer warriors to be hard core right now… we need to find her paper work! I have contacted the CCAI to see if we can locate Xin Yue’s paper work. I called today and left a message. I am praying that I will receive a phone call back from them on Monday so that the search can begin. This is urgent friends because without her paperwork she can’t be adopted! Would you please join me in praying?

I will keep you updated as I hear more. Thank you so much for bringing this little angel and her situation before the throne of our Father.

Much love,
Alyssa

"I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you."
John 14:18

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!

Friends, I can't thank you enough for the financial and prayer support that has come in over the past week. It has absolutely blown me away. Thank you for allowing God to use you. I feel so blessed to have all of you on my support team. There is still a huge need before I will be ready to go so let's keep praying together to see how God will continue to provide.

In Him, Alyssa