Martinya

I just can't get that name out of my head. They said once you go to Africa you will go there every day in your heart. I do.

It is inevitable that when you go to a Carepoint in Southern Africa, you will fall in love with all of the children. You will hug and love on and play with every one of them. But it is also inevitable that there will be just one that you connect with. Your eyes will me and you will just know. This is the one who will follow you for your entire stay, who you will give a little extra candy to, who you will make sure has eaten each day. Ask any 2006-07 full time Elevater who that was and they will each give you just one name. That was their kid.

Mine was Martinya. She is the girl with me at the top of my blog. Every day I meet her again on the dusty road leading up the HPC Mozambique Campus. Every day I hold her hand as she stands in line for her only meal of the day. And Every Day I get to hug her and watch her laugh uncontrollably as I tickle her ... because every day I travel back to africa in my mind. She reminds me what this is all about.

It just is a great application to the quote:
"We do it for the one, to bring glory to The One!"

Double short: The new Grande

So I have always been a local coffee shop girl. Trying to stay granola and support the townies. Some of my favorites were: Steep and Brew, Michelangelo's, ANCORA (try the white zombie!!), Perks, and CC's. But somewhere in my transition down here in Baton Rouge, I don't know if it was the non-walker and biker-friendliness, the lack of hippies or simply the abundance of Starbucks shops... I became a starbucks drinker. At first I was just doing the chai and frappacinos but then I started to venture out... it all started last christmas with the PEPPERMINT MOCHA. I had moved from the simply grande peppermint mocha, to a grande peppermint white mocha (2 shot peppermint, two shot white), to the grande non-fat no whip 2pump white mocha extra hot.

I started drinking two a days and got addicted. I didn't like how much I spend on coffee, all the sugar I tasted, and how much I was drinking in milk. What I liked about coffee was the rush of energy and that you didn't have to drink a lot to get that...

That's when the double short entered my world: This size is not on the menu so automatically they know that you are a regular. Then when you order the double shot, they know you are a SERIOUS REGULAR. Finally you confirm it: "I'll have a double short, non-fat, no-whip, one pump white mocha, extra hot,...oh and please make sure it's stirred." That's it. Not only does the barista know that you know what you are talking about but everyone else in line is trying to figure out where that item is on the menu and how long it took you to find your specific starbucks drink.

All this is to say that I stopped drinking starbucks after I got to this point. I am going insane I realized. I never knew I would be this routine about coffee. Today I made a mistake though. I finally got over my addiction so I decided to treat myself to one for old time's sake... and that double short has me up at 2:45 in the morning!!!

Just be careful. Support Local when possible. And when you can't just stick to the frappacinos. High Sugar. Low Coffee. Easy to Order. And unlikely to get addicted to.

Springform Pans

So I really like birthdays. If someone tells me there birthday I do my best to remember it becuase I love it. I have not been the best about getting gifts or cards to the person on the day of (but they will get a gift or cake) and I try to at least call that day. Anyway, one of my favorite things is to bake a cake for the person. I will ask for favorites and I always love when I get a challenging one. Some of my cakes include: cupcakes, red velvet, duck shaped, triple layer chocolate, and confetti. But I have just been given the new latest challenge: cookies and cream ice cream cake. Many would just fold and go buy one but not me. I am up to the challenge. I looked up some recipes and noticed a necessary supply that I don't own. This so called springform pan. I bought one for a friend in college but I never got one for myself. I recall that you use this pan for cheesecake but I never knew any other recipes for which you would need a springform pan. Well, now you know. i will let you know how this cake goes and show you a picture as soon as it is made. And if you see any cheap springform pans let me know. I will have to go purchase one because this cake shall not defeat me.

I am not very good at this blog thing...

I don't know if I just have nothing to say or don't know what is writing worthy or what, but I really have trouble keeping up this blog thing. I also don't know how many people are actually checking this blog so I don't feel the burden to write all the time. But that should really inspire me to write because I like the idea of using this more as an inside look into all that I am thinking. I just read other blogs and their lives seem so interesting, and their stories so funny. That being said, I find these brief moments of time that I can write and it is just self motivation to do it then. That tends to happen with a lot of things that I want to do but just don't make time for. Like writing letters. The other day I got locked out of my house with nothing but some stationary and some envelopes. For lunch today I am working phones and don't have access to my computer, so this is my time to blog.

No Greater Reward

I have the privilege of working in the missions dept at Healing Place Church. One thing I get to do is read over the newsletters we get in from missionaries we support. Today I was reading one from a missionary in Asia and he said something that hit me like never before:

"You go each time we go, you share each thing we share, and you preach each time we preach. Your reward will be the same as ours on that day. Pretty cool."

I guess I always thought that those people who are actually on the field roughing it would have bigger mansions and more crowns to offer than those of us who JUST support them, but the truth is that the reward is no different. What makes the difference is that you are living the life and doing all that God called you to do. Whether you are a missionary in Asia or supporting one from your cubicle in Louisiana, the important thing is that you are following the calling that God has for YOU!

I told these thoughts to a local missionary and he replied in one line what took me three paragraphs: "If we’re doing what God wants us to do there is no higher calling." Amen.

4th of July = Holiday = Blog Time

It has been a while since I have posted pictures on my blog because it takes so long to upload (mostly because I don't know what I am doing). I wanted to share some pictures with you of some people that are important to me here in baton rouge that many of you don't get to meet or see often.
First and foremost, this is... Robert.

You may have seen the video of him from a while back but this is him. He is on staff at Healing Place Church working in our Creative Team with Video Graphics and Editing as well as helping to plan and pray for the details of our new arena that we are in the process of building. He is incredibly intelligent, funny, and the perfect complement for me.

Next, this is the 2007 graduates of Full Time Elevate.

Some of the funniest, most diverse, crazy, radical men and women I know. I had the privilege of spending 24/7 with them for the last nine months. They are like family to me so you are sure to meet them one day.

Hopefully you have been able to go to the Children's Cup website to see the pictures from the mission trip FT elevate took to Mozambique in April. Below are some of my favorite pictures from this trip:

This is of a bunch of us playing red light green light.


Below is when I had the opportunity to teach at a kid's club in the church. Mashalayla (I spelled it phonetically) translated for me and all I could think to say over and over is "Jesus loves you!".



Next is a cool picture of Brandon, Isaac, Charles and Barton. So cool to think that three months ago we were all together and now... Brandon is working with our kids camp at HPC:Highland Campus, Isaac is pastoring the HPC:Mozambique Campus, Charles and his wife Kristen are working with Children's Cup in Swaziland, and Barton is serving at HPC: Danville Campus in California for the summer. Talk about Going Global!



Finally are a series of pictures that Dan Ohlerking took of my favorite (you always have a favorite) Martinya (pronounced Mah Teen Yah) and me. If I could have brought her home I would have. She is too cute!

Hope you enjoyed the few photos. There will be more to come. Have a happy 4th!

Wisdom from Bro. Pete

I have been reviewing my notes from the classes of Elevate this past year and I encountered this great thought from a class Bro. Pete Wunstel taught us: "Jesus doesn't want you to speak FOR Him. Jesus doesn't want you to minister FOR Him. Jesus wants to speak THROUGH Him. Jesus wants to minister THROUGH you.
If you ever have the opportunity to spend some time with Bro. Pete (or his remarkable wife Ms. Paulette), I would HIGHLY recommend it. He is incedibly wise and has spent many years walking hand in hand with Christ. He has a great heart for the poor and missions and... well you should just go talk to him. Or rather go LISTEN to him. It will be time well spent, I promise.

A few months later... and finally pictures

I have been meaning to put my pictures from the trip we took to Mozambique in April but I just never make the time to get around to it. But Dan Ohlerking and Jarred Ray (who took all the photos) have so generously uploaded all of the pictures to the Childen's Cup website. You have got to also check out the incredible video the creative team made! Thanks so much to everyone who supported me on this trip: financially, prayerfully, and emotionally. It meant the world to me to be able to travel to a place that is near and dear to my heart and to be the hands and feet for Jesus by hugging on, loving and playing with the kids of Mozambique and Swaziland.Thank you.

Elevate ended... and so did my friendships

Funny how life is different now that I no longer spend 24/7 with 13 of the craziest, most diverse, fun people. I am learning all over again that friendships in the real world take effort, energy and lots of time. I no longer have 5 lunch options and 13 people who are always in for any crazy idea.

This has been a recently thought on my heart. I really want to make more of an effort to keep up with friends and family. I want you all to know how valuable you are to me and how often I think of you even though I may not call or write. There is this funny thing that I do- if I have a friend that I haven't spoken with in a while, I tend to put off calling them even longer because I want to talk to them for a long time but never make that much time in my schedule just to sit down and call them. So then more time passes and they think I don't care because I don't just call them. I should just pick up the phone even if I only have 5 min. At least to let you know I care.

I want to work on making relationships a priority in my time. We did this "living your strengths" test and half of mine were work focused and the other half were people focused, so naturally I am torn between my to do list and my relationships.
But now I have recognized this, I will be working on it.

The Real Robert Conti

Okay, so I have been delaying writing a post about my boyfriend because... well, how do you do that without being tacky or overly gooey?... neither of which anyone wants to read... But then I discovered the way. I will just show a video of him making a fool of himself thereby taking the focus off of the relationship and turning it to the focus of how funny he is.
For those of you who are reading this and haven't had the privilege of meeting him yet, you will have an entirely different perspective of him than those who already know (or at least think they know)my boyfriend. Click the link to view the true Robert Conti.

Perspective

I think a lot about perspective and how life is really just as you view it. When one person sees a road block, another see the chance to see what your SUV can handle off road. When one person sees a broken computer, another sees the chance to slow down in life and not be driven by technology. When one person sees an impossible circumstance, another sees the chance to see God move. I don't have anything more on that, I just think it is interesting. What's the view look like from where you are standing?

Happy Mother's Day

Well, it's mother's day and I am blessed to have the most fantastic mom in the universe. She is wise and fun and just so selfless- I hope when I grow up I can be just like her. So today I honor her. Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Mother's day is just a fun day when everyone seems happy and life is good.
Today I will not be able to spend mother's day with my mom :( but I will be able to spend it with another incredible mom, Ms. Barbara Conti :) Robert and I (with his brother Pat and Mr. Bruce) are going to cook her dinner tonight- pork chops and asparagus. So pumped about that.

To all the mom's out there, have the best mother's day ever!

Something New in You

So it has been a while since I have done any deep thoughts but for some reason I think that one can hear God's voice more clearly on the mission field. I don't know if it is just that I am away from the normal routine, distractions, and typical "busy-ness" that I allow myself to get caught up in or that it is just more clear when you are worlds away...
We were asked to do quiet time every morning (which we should be doing anyway) but for some reason on the trip I have been much more pumped to get up early and seek the face of God. It has been incredible. He has really given me a rhema (right now) word for the day and it always seems to apply.
Wednesday's word was: confidence, courage and command. When we have confidence in Christ and who He is and who we are in Him, we will have the courage to obey His word, and the ability to command on His behalf. I just think that's super cool that as we grow more confident in Him we can do and be more like Him and live in Him.
Thursday's word: Peace. We need to walk in God's Peace. Man's peace ends when conflict begins but God's peace surpasses all understanding and endures regardless of the circumstances we are in. This is the peace we should be offering.
Today's word: New. Purpose. I read Isaiah 48 and 49 today and God really spoke that He was going to do a new thing in us. Before He has told me all that He was going to do in my life- I would travel, be in Africa and teach- and He has fulfilled all of these, but He is about to do something new. Something He has never told me before and never done in or for us before. He is doing this for one purpose and one purpose only, for the same reason that He created everything and for the same reason He does anything- for His Glory to show that He alone is God. Because of this he gives us purpose. The purpose to make Him famous for His glory.

I know that is a lot to soak in. This trip has been incredible. No words can suffice. I have learned and seen so much and feel so humbled. Wow. Today I saw some kids use a sink for the first time in their lives. They filled water from a pipe instead of a well for the first time ever. I am speechless.

In Mozambique

I am in Mozambique and life is good. Had a great time today painting some bathrooms at the new campus and playing with 200 kids. Dinner was good at the hotel and now we are off to bed. For more details check out elevatemozambique.blogspot.com for more details and I will try to write more tomorrow but we have limited time on the internet (better than no internet) so keep looking for more updates this week! God bless and thanks for your prayers.

Greetings from South Africa

Hello Friends and Family,
I am writing from our hotel (City Lodge) in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is currently 8:30pm here and we are seven hours ahead (6 for those of you in EST). We left New Orleans for Washington DC at 12pm CST yesterday and after an on time departure from DC flew non-stop 15 hours to Johannesburg or what many call JoBo or Jburg. This flight was wonderful and much easier than last year's 5 stop flight to Manzini.
On the long flight, we had dinner and I watched one of my favorite movies, The Holiday, and then fell asleep. I seriously think I slept 11 hours because I woke up for breakfast and then started "Stranger than Fiction" but had to stop mid-way through because we were landing. Customs was easy as pie and so far there have been no complications (other than the HUGE tip I gave the man who helped us with our bags- some call it a blessing, others a lack of sense and no smaller bills). Thank you so much for all of your prayers. We can truly feel them. The team is doing well and other than some swollen ankles (from no circulation on the long flight) and exhaustion from jetlag, we are all doing well. Tonight we had dinner at a local grill (though some opted for the faster and safer KFC). Now we are going to hit the sack and get ready for our 3:30am wake up call before a 5am flight to Maputo Mozambique. I am not sure how often we will get to blog, email or call but please know that I thank every one of you for your prayers and support. It is so good to be "home" again.
This is going to be an unforgettable trip and I am so thankful that you each have helped me to be a part of it. You are all here with me!
Next Stop: Maputo, Mozambique and the newest HPC Campus!!

Mozambique... Here I come!

Right Now. At this moment. Currently. I am at the Annex with all of Elevate packing and stuffing supplies to bring to Africa... Now we are loading the bags. In just a few moments we will be getting on the van to head to New Orleans Airport with one destination in mind: Maputo, Mozambique. Please pray for us as we embark on this Amazing Adventure. See you in May!

FYI

Just wanted to let you know that in my infrequent updating I had neglected to post some saved drafts, so check out the past few months for some extra freebies of insights from the life of Colleen. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more soon (hint: I leave for "my second home" in just 6 days!)

Doing the Laundry

So as you probably saw (or can see by checking some other elevate blogs) we had the privilege of serving at the Delirious Concert this past Tuesday. It was an incredible event and a great cap off from the win of Easter weekend services. We hosted Rebecca St. James, Delirious, and Vicki Beeching all day Tuesday. It was so fun.
But now to the most fun. We often joke in Elevate about some of the interesting tasks we do or are assigned to do. We have done thing you would never think of: collect trash, cook jambalaya at 5am, sort clothes at 3am for a garage sale, go on starbucks/smoothie/lunch runs, babysit, Christmas Card mailouts, etc (Elevate family, feel free to add more in the comments section). But by far this was the most unique thing I have had the honor of doing in elevate.
I got to do Delirious, RSJ, and Vicki Beeching's laundry! How cool is that! I love to do laundry (I think a secret joy of mine is cleaning lint out of the dryer container), so I had the best time ever. It is so cool to learn other people's methods of laundry doing (ie: how do you separate clothes? I do reds, whites, darks, towels/bedding... do you put everything in the dryer? if not, what do you leave out? feel free to comment. I would love to hear your methods)
Meghan Matt and Ms. Romaine were such troopers helping me out and total we did 8 loads of sweaters, jeans, and kids clothes. It seriously was way fun and I think this may even tie Ps. Mike's lawn mowing duties in the early years of the church.

So FT Elevate all have blogs

It has been a while since I have blogged but I needed to write because of the recent events. Many of my full time elevate co-workers have signed on to blogs, so to the right you will see their blog links. Check them out. Most are funny, all are fun, and this will give you just a small glimpse of the people I love and live with 24-7 for these nine months.

Staff Retreat/Extreme Makeover

We had a staff retreat this weekend and it was awesome. Healing Place Church Staff is just the best staff ever and it is such a privilege to serve with such an amazing group of people. I really feel like they are my family and we have so much fun together all the time and this retreat was no different. We laughed, we cried, we prayed, and we played.

At HPC, we are in a series called Supernatural Makeover. God is in the business of making over lives and we are learning about health, finances, and faith in a new light. So we decided to tie into that theme at the staff retreat and give two people extreme makeovers. We did the "what not to wear" and picked two of the worst HPC staff dressers. Turns out that I was pickes as the what not to wear girl. So while everyone wat outreaching on friday I was made over. Definitely Extreme change in hair and clothing style but totally fun.

From November to January...

So I finally decided to sit down and recap on my blog only to realize that it has been TWO MONTHS since my last entry. Wow! How do you recap that?

Mom and I celebrated an "alternative" holiday season (my craisin and pear stuffed porkloin replaced the traditional turkey dinner at Thanksgiving and serving at a soup kitchen on Christmas Day). I went home for both holidays and this was the first time that I really felt excited to come back to Louisiana; it is finally becoming home to me.

Meanwhile back in Louisiana, things in my life started breaking down. In one week my cell phone, computer and car all had issues. Praise God, I was blessed with a new cell phone. My computer is done for but this great guy I know got all of my documents and information off of it so it was not a huge loss. My car started having trouble and long story short without going into too much detail, my 2002 Nissan Altima, more commonly known as Cool Runnings, has died for good. The motor is no longer running... but thanks to the generosity and kindness of my friends I have nothing to complain about (all my rides have been provided).

2006 came and went and 2007 is already well underway. I brought in the new year at home in Pennsylvania with my mom and best friend Jennifer Reidy(pictures will follow...eventually) and came back to Baton Rouge to start my second semester in the Elevate Internship.

Elevate has been going incredibly and I am learning tons. I definitely enjoy full time ministry and am excited for all that God has in store this year.

Two months passed and yet there is not that much to talk about. Life is good, God is great and let's just say love is in the air.