busy woman

Hello my lovely readers, I promise I have not forgotten you.

Lesbe honest...

I have not purposefully forgotten you. My mind has been busy with lots of hecticness and leaving places so here is the overview:

Goodbyes to Colorado and the wonderful cross-cultural and language training. Those were phenomenal, but nothing compared to the wonderfully awesome, hillarious, and joyful people that were in my life for four weeks.

Chao chaos to Tennessee and the Orphanos family, the Sullivan family, Braircrest Highschool (and public speaking wheew), and the friends. Thank you for listening to me and for showing me your beautiful passion for justice and orphans.

HELLOS to my crazy awesome family, supporters, and this town full of Southern food. Sweet tea. Here I come.

 PS. I updated the blog. If you like it- boo yah thanks! If you don't like it- that's sad. And you should go jump in a puddle. Maybe it will make you happier. But if you are nice, you can comment about things that I should change. Be nice. I am a bit technologically challenged.

PPS. HUGE shout out to Eric for giving me an iphone :) It was a wonderful surprise and I think it has already saved me many times now. It makes me happy knowing my phone has some intelligence.

Love and lovely fall leaves,
keri

привет ....

I have decided to just show a picture of my journal from the last 2 days of language learning.  

Language learning.  I bet as some of you are reading this, you even cringe just a little (or hey maybe a lot) at those words.  I was right there.  I remember the countless hours both studying or sitting in Spanish class....

tengo

tienes 

tiene           etc. etc. etc.

Grammar.  Memorization.  That was life.  That was how the language would be learned.  Just one Spanish lecture at UNC pretty much slammed my lack of Spanish skill right in my face.  I had absolutely no idea how to speak the crazy language.  Later, I found myself immersed and loving life in Peru-- finally learning how to converse, because it was my means of survival.  However, I still struggle sometimes with words, phrases, particular accents, or just mind burps.  

In one of our classes today our professor said, "Language is a creative production."

"Language is a creative production."

 I actually envision a conductor and then this beautiful symphony of language being heard.  I have never thought language to be creative.  It has always been that super boring, annoying, or frustrating thing at the back of my mind.  Something that I always desire to do well, but never seem able to master or develop.  However, my thoughts on the matter are changing.  I am seeing some amazing techniques to learning---and I have started to actually become curious about language.  

Wonder about language?!???? 

I know.  I used to think the same.  Now, I can see how in just two days, I have been able to retain and speak various phrases in Russian.  A language with an alphabet so strange and foreign to my eyes, I cannot even attempt to describe it.  I sometimes wonder how the training here works....but it just does.  Learning is not just about written memorization.  I now am aware of the possibility to learn new languages.  I have hope as I see the way that my little brain is activated.  I am excited as I learn to lead my own learning and I see the goodness in language.  It is the wonderful ability we have to express and communicate in this world.  Language is almost like a little key helping you to enter into the door of someone's world--so that you can build those wonderful relationships.  It is one of my tools to go out and love like God loves.  Oh, what a crazy, lovely thing. 

How is language learning for YOU??? Leave some comments :D

Пока! (Goodbye in Russian),
Keri

Missionaries, mountains, and mafia

I have officially been here at training for a week and a half.  And that seems a little crazy.  So much time, but so little time. There is no way to cover the last few days in a short post, but I will try.  

This past weekend, a friend invited a group of us to visit Mt. Evans.  The car ride began early in the morning, but within what seemed like moments, bright yellow aspens flew by us in every window.  I am honestly surprised we did not drive off the side of the cliff in our amazement at the colors.  Giddiness in the beauty ranged from jumping up and down to evil laughs.  My eyes were entranced with the greens, oranges, reds, and yellows, and the snow-capped mountains  as we climbed up, up, up into the atmosphere.

Mt. Evans.  Snow.  Lakes.  Towering above miles and miles and miles of other mountains and other lands.  It made me feel so small.  In our Growth groups here at training, we have discussed how that is such a wonderful thing- recognizing that we need to realize who we are and how grandiose this world is.  How often do I get stressed, anxious, preocupada, when I get caught up in "my world" rather than remembering I am just a part of "the world"?  I am so thankful He has got this.

The weekend ended with a Sunday night of mafia.  Mafia with missionaries.  There were spouses turning on spouses, debates that lasted minutes, narration at its finest, and laughter that never ever stopped. If I wasn't so focused at trying to prove my innocence every round (apparently getting excited about the game will give everyone a reason claim your guilt for the rest of eternity), I would have just loved to sit and watch.  I cannot explain my love of this simple silliness and togetherness.  The people here are amazing, and it has been so wonderful connecting with people that so easily understand some of your deepest losses, fears, and loves.  

I have oh so much sleep that is needed, and oh so much mafia strategy to plan.  Look out.

Love and blue birds,
Keri  

Goo goo gaa gaa. Muu muu maa maa.

"I cannot make my lips move like that."

"The tongue needs to do what?!?"

"You want me to make the letter m come out of my nose?"

These were all just some of the questions the last few days in world language training.  I honestly do not remember if they were questions in class or ones that just popped into my head throughout the day.  We have gone over sounds, voice stops, and other phonetics-- leaving my mouth feel like it just went to the gym to do some hardcore workout.  I am not kidding.  Russian, Hindi, Mandarin, Jeh, Spanish, Swahili. These muscles are sore at the end of the day.  Goo goo gaa gaa. Muu muu maa maa.  

It has been crazy, but really good.  I am excited for how this will prepare me for Spanish, Kichwa, and any other languages that might pop up in my life.  

For those that I forgot to inform or those that have simply forgotten, I am currently at Missions Training International in Colorado.  It has been amazing.  I definitely arrived the first day and felt like I flashed back to middle school.  My awkward self desiring to make friends, but not knowing how to speak to others.  BUT this amazing thing happened (in addition to the majority of my inner awkwardness going away).  Community.  Community that happened in a few days. Something I have been desiring desperately for the last year in the jungle.  I love little joys.  

I also cannot believe this joy of beauty that is right outside my window.  I have decided to name these beauties green mountain majesties and gargantuan rockin rocks.  There is even beauty on the inside of the window. Honesty.  Authenticity.  Laughter.  Amazing love of parents for their adorable children.  Wonderful words of wisdom.  Conversations about struggles and fears on the field.  Excitement for the ministries of others all over this whole wide wide world.  

All of that mixed with the hope of mastering (or better yet just developing) language and cultural learning makes all the small challenges seem just that-- small.  Even the challenges where I am learning to to say Achmed, "A" "C" "PHLEGM".  Oh, so much phlegm.  

Always in wonder and laughter,

Keri

Vanna White to Superman

Painting walls, making tables, moving chairs, decorating classrooms, tearing down walls, lacquering wood.  Oh, don't forget avoiding those poisonous caterpillars.  Put it all together and what do you get? Snazzy school ready for the new school year in the jungle.  

This past week we (all the teachers that is) have been getting ready for the new year that starts next week.  I will have to say I am pretty excited.  I mean this year our school actually looks like a school.  Last year, not so much.  Giggles.  The transformation is pretty crazy. 

We had parents' night last night and I was a bit nervous.  I will be the English Coordinator for the school this year, teaching primero, segundo, y tercer grado and planning each curriculum.  In this lovely position, I had to tell the parents about our new curriculum and all the magnificent plans for English next year.  In each class, I felt a bit like Vanna White showing off the new books and and activities we will be doing.  However, I changed character when I got to segundo grado. 


I taught English to primer grado last year, so I am fairly close to the parents of these kids who will now be in segundo. Before stepping into the classroom, a teacher accidentally misinformed the parents that I would not be teaching their children this year.  There were sighs.  I come rushing in the door.  No happy faces. "First of all, I want to tell you that I WILL BE teaching your lovely children."  Complete change in those sad facial expressions.  There was even applause.  So much hand clapping, that I thought bowing was the only appropriate response.  I felt like I was superman and I just saved Lois Lane from some fire.  No, not just a fire, an earthquake.  No, not just an earthquake, an earthquake in the middle of erupting volcanoes and fire explosions.  So long Miss Vanna.  

That Superman moment made me realize something.  There is such sweetness to encouragement.  My Superman moment made my heart leap.  And not a kind of immature heart hop because of a need for attention or validation, because I know Who gives me validation.  It was a mature and giant heart LEAP powered by the encouragement from others.  A LEAP that gets me excited for this year, my students, their parents, and this little town.

Compassion.  It seems so simple a word, but I think it is more often so simply forgotten.  It challenges me.  A me that can be so unkind, busy, impatient, and just plain selfish with people (and objects for that matter).  How often do we forget to encourage?  I hope my superman moment will remind me of the greatness of a little consideration and love. 

Loads of encouragement, jungle joy, and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18,
Keri

July endings

Well, I cannot believe it is August.  The beginning of this month signifies quite a few things.  First of all,  August commencing means July terminating.   El fin de school, various short-term missions teams, VBS groups, and other July activities.  We were very blessed this summer to have teams from various parts of the states come to serve with construction, VBS, community outreach, school projects, and just loving like Jesus.  There was so much beauty in all that July love.  Here are a few pictures.

Look at all that hard work and those lovely faces.  Buckets and buckets of thankfulness going to Tennessee, California, Atlanta, and oh so many other places.  

Second of all, the beginning of awesome August means rest time.  While the lovely Coyle family is in the states I am watching over their house in Quito for the week.  Mountain breezes, beautiful sunshine, diving into the Word, catching up on random work, exploring forests, and wearing shorts and not worrying about the attack of mosquito armies. 

Life is good :)  

Thirdly, I have failed to put this on my blog, but as of recently I started working as a missionary under the Orphanos Foundation.  They have provided me amazing support and resources as a new chica on the field.  I am still located in Misahualli and working alongside Jungle Kids, I just now have much needed support especially in times when I have felt absolutely overwhelmed.  Please go here to learn more http://www.orphanos.sitewrench.com/products/kericarpenter

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Oh.  And best thing about Quito?  Look above.  CHUNKY PB PARTAYYY.

Love and beauty and Mark 6:31,

Keri

Greater than Simba meows

I figure if you know know me or know be by reading my blog, you have probably seen the Lion King.  Do you remember the part where the hyennas have Simba trapped and they are giggling back and forth? What happens next? MUFASA and his boo-yah roar happens next. 

I think that particular ROAAAR can really describe something that is going on in Ecuador right now.  For those I have not informed, Charmai and I felt led to form a youth group for some of the awesome teens we know in Misahualli.  Charmai and her beautiful passions for dance + me and my crazy love of all things artistic = BOOM.  Obsesionados por Cristo- Obsessed for Christ youth group.  I will admit at first I was nervous.  The majority of the group does not know Jesus and we have had resistance from some townspeople, but I know this is what God wants us to be doing.  Little by little I can see the mysterious ways God is working in each teen’s life (even though they may not see it).  We meet up to practice dramas and dance like David,  we love and have fun in our little youth community, or we throw cake at each other after eating competitions.  I am constantly amazed by their RIDICULOUS skills in art, song, dance, etc.   Oh! How amazingly God has gifted them.  And all of that is just a Simba meow.

My hope is that they may know Jesus for who He really is.  Not some misrepresented Christ, nor some faith that exists just to get a free piece of bread at an evangelical event, but Christ who wants to wrap them with grace and mercy.  Christ who is all powerful, mysterious, and artistic.   

Last week, strangely and mysteriously God got me in contact with a Christian rapper in Ambato, a city about 4 hours away.  Ismael is a guy on fire for God, passionate for young people, and ridiculously gifted artistically. When I met him I actually thought “Dude.  He is Ecuador’s Lecrae.”   I sat at the event trying to capture each moment: graffiti for Christ, amazing raps about struggles and redemption, and a hip- hop dancing crew .  Crowds came.  Crowds witnessed such creativity, authenticity, and passion for the Father flow from each individual and artist.  Then, youth pastors started telling me about all sorts of youth events happening around Ecuador.  Youth are on fire for God and they are using their artistic passions to get His name out.  The Holy Spirit is moving.  Get pumped for Ecuador.  

Now, you can start to hear Mufasa right? My heart is still beating from excitement thinking about all the roaring He's got going down.  

“Let love explode and bring the dead to life

A love so bold

To see a revolution somehow………

My God's not dead

He's surely alive

And He's living on the inside

Roaring like a lion”

God’s Not Dead – Newsboys

 “They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall come trembling from the west.”
Hosea 11:10

Love and Mufasa roars (none of that wimpy Simba stuff),
keri

"Cristo" Work by Ismael and another awesome guy

Finding joy in the boring.

I am a horrible updater.  I apologize.  So I am not going to talk about that anymore.  Here is the 411:

I wake up.  I wash the dishes.  I read la Biblia.  I go to school.  I come home.  I kill a tarantula.  I brush my teeth.  Rinse and Repeat.  Rinse and Repeat.  Finding          joy in the boring can be so hard sometimes.

I did not climb any mountains today.  I did not dance a jig.  I did not start a revival or revolution.  I did not invent something new.  And I did not change someone's life for the better. I did not. I did not. I did not.

I sometimes feel this pressure here.  As I live in the deep, green, mysterious rain forest  how could amazing exciting things not happen to me?  Shouldn't I battle anacondas?  Constantly play with adorable happy and beautiful children?  Eat amazing organic fruits and veggies?  Save lives?  Battle horrible jungle diseases? Swing from vines and meet Tarzan? 


Number 1: Tarzan lives in Africa.  Come on people.

Number 2: Sometimes life is normal.  Slow.  Irksome.  Ho-hum.  Even in the rain forest of Ecuador.  Describing that to people can sometimes be hard.  


I have been extremely blessed this last week.  I skyped many amigos and had fantastically wonderful conversations with fantastically wonderful people (my community that is half-way across the world).  You know what we all had in common?  Life being just life.  Nobody became president, but we all recognized this need to live life full of love despite the normalcy of it.  It can be so hard, because of my great desires of adventure and sprightliness.  

Allison gave me this quote from Brother Lawrence that seemed to so perfectly describe my feelings

"Lord of all pots and pans and things....Make me a saint by getting meals and washing up the plates."

I am totally taping that next to my frying pan.  I hope it reminds me to find love and joy despite days that I find boring.  I hope I can have grace, mercy, and patience on days where the highlight is doing the dirty laundry.  Because the excitement or adventure in doing something crazy?  That moment is fleeting.  It won't bring me joy.  

Well, I am off to joyfully scrub dirty bean pans.  Or I might possibly try to search for Tarzan on this continent.  

Love and monkeys.   

This on the other hand was a super duper exciting moment.  Mixing all of Miss Keri's games together to create a mega-awesome banana-monkey-animal barrel of fun.

Who AM I?

What is your identity? Do you ever think "I am a mechanic", "I am a doctor", "I am a mother", "I am divorced", "I am a teenager", "I am an extrovert", "I am a lover of fried chicken"? These things are not our identity if we know Jesus.  

They define our life, not identify it. 

I may be single, I may be a 22 year old chica, I may be a new missionary, I may have suffered in my past, I may teach, I may struggle with sin, I may love serving children, and I may love peanut m&m's and coffee late at night.  These things describe me, but my IDENTITY- it is in Christ.  How often do I forget that fact? How often do we forget that fact?  How often do we forget that our identity is not in what WE are doing each day, but rather in what He so graciously, and beautifully did for US? When we recognize what He did and who we are, then we can go out and live this crazy life. 


Stop trying to find that one thing that makes you YOU- your job, your personality, your friends, your passions, your successes, or your failures. Jesus is that THING.  He wants to be that THING that makes you YOU. Isn't He awesome enough to be it? 

Isn't He AWESOME enough to be your identity?