First of all, it was just a super cute name so I knew that I needed to go, but was very unsure about what to expect. It was actually really awesome. First of all we brought our own mugs and the ladies provided the tea and muffins. We then had a guided discussion about the role of women and the four women on the “panel” basically just shared some of their life stories and the different roles that they have played in them. There was so much that stuck out to be so I’ll just share a little bit.
One was that love is a choice. It is not the fantastical picturesque romantic comedy type of love where all conflicts
perfectly resolve in the end, but rather it is real and takes work. It is not always easy to love people especially when they have hurt you or you just do not feel like loving them anymore, but in that time there is a decision to make. To love, to hate to attempt to become indifferent, but in these times I pray that I am always able to make that sometimes difficult choice to love.
Another was that there are different paths that we can take in life. Sounds simple right, but there are times when even after tons of praying and listening there may be a few paths that feel right and good. So we can make a choice. God will walk with us down which ever path we have chosen and hold us close.
The last and point of the most poignant was a “forcing of your eyes outward”. I think that image of this lady scooping her hands in this motion will be forever ingrained in my mind. As she talked about this she told the story of how her mom died suddenly in a car accident and one of the best and hardest things she did was to force her eyes outward and not look to how it was hurting her and focusing solely on her pain, but rather looking to see how it was affecting the rest of her family and how other people also had tragedies and hardships. This image was so powerful and life applicable. Yes, I may be hurting, sad, confused, upset, but you know so are so many other people in my life. My goal is to “force my eyes outward” and to look beyond myself, not denying what I feel, but rather not making that my focus.
I am so thankful for the openness of these women and their willingness to share such important life principles.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
RECAP
RECAP:
Yes, I was home, but now I am back in Lithuania. Sorry it’s been a crazy week and I haven’t posted in a while. I have a lot to fill you in on so feel to scroll through and read what sounds interesting!
FOOD:
I have tried a lot of food since being here. One of my life motto is go big or go home, right?! These are just some of my favorites so far:
Curd cake- curd, flour and sugar. Baked and topped with sour cream.
Kepta duona- rye type bread fried. Mixed with cheese, garlic and mayo.
Potato pancakes- fried potatoes that have been almost mashed with meat inside served with a special white sauce
Cepelinai- potatoes that have gone through a special machine. Mixed with pieces, green color. Inside has meat. It is fried and topped with sour cream.
I have also eaten lots of sausage, potatoes and a dill type spice.
CULTURE SHOCK:
What?! I thought I was pretty fine and didn’t really have culture shock at all. I found this was not the case. We have groups called TriS groups where they break up our Study Abroad group into 3 different groups that go to different North American professor’s houses for Soup, Sustenance and Spirituality. We had tacos and hung out with an awesome family. They were so sweet and have 2 of the cutest little girls. We talked about what culture shock was, symptoms and ways of working through it. Some of the symptoms are boredom, confusion and short attention spans were definitely prevalent. We discussed how the first four weeks are more of a honeymoon phase and just loving everything about it and then the feelings go downhill and start to get better around week 12. Now this makes me a little nervous because, let’s be real, no one really wants to hear that for the next few weeks we’re going to get pretty bad and be more sad and irritable. I’m not sure exactly what to do about it because I feel like some points are more inevitable. I’m trying to stay grounded and just keep going and continuing to enjoy myself and all the amazingness of this country!
LANGUAGE:
I’m not yet fluent in Lithuanian. Now, this may not surprise you, but this fact has become quite frustrating for me. I know that I have been here for 1 ½ months, but in my mind I should be a lot better than I am at Lithuanian. I just want to be able to speak and to know words and vocabulary. It takes so much effort to try and form sentences when I need to figure out verb endings that are not like ar/er/ir verbs, but you just need to memorize them. There is no way to know the endings and all the declensions and how to use them properly. This is especially hard at the orphanage because I have so much I want to say to the kids but it’s so frustrating not to just be able to speak to them. I haven’t lost all hope though. I am beginning to understand some of what the kids say and we are able to communicate some especially when Alina translates for us. It is a hard, but good lesson in patience. I’m generally pretty patient with others but it’s hard to be patient with myself. I’m learning to give myself time and not being frustrated with how I think I should be doing.
WOAH:
I know, that’s what I said too! So, I’m at the orphanage one day and it is dinner time. Alina had offered food to the children who said, “Ne, aciu” So she offered some to me. My initial response (in my mind of course) was oh, please, no, I’ve made it a month and a half without having to eat it. But, my motto is the same as I told my groups last summer “You need to try everything, but you don’t have to like it.” So after this momentary inner debate I said sure, I’ll try some. As I raised my spoon to my mouth I told myself I only had to keep it down, one bite Chrissy, one bite. And you know, I really enjoyed it. And it was…
…soup. For those of you that know me well this is a huge deal! I don’t do the whole soup thing. It’s been years since I have had a bowl of soup. I have grown to realize that it was not that bad. Actually, I really like it, who knew? I don’t know what it was that gave me this strong dislike, but I think it may be because I would usually ate it when I was sick as a small child. So then I decided it was a no go I guess. So now I eat soup! But this got me thinking beyond the soup a little. I started wondering is there were other things that I have been so strongly against that I do not really have a strong base in reality. Are there more important parts of life than open that I am not being open to. Hmm, I don’t know. I’m not sure, but I thinking still thinking about it.
SHMELT:
What are you talking about?! Yea, that’s what I said too! Last weekend we went to the Shmelt Festival in Palanga, LT (it’s just a bus ride from Klaipeda). Shmelt is a pretty small fish and this festival is all about them. It was basically all on one huge street leading down to the beach. We walked around, hung out, looked at all these cute crafts and trinkets that were setup in little tent ordeals. There was also a lot of hot wine and hot beer. It was really interesting and actually a lot fun. I did try a bite of smelt and realized I still don’t like fish, but it’s all an experience right? We spent a while talking along the pier which was also a lot of fun.
LOVE:
I have definitely fallen in love with some of the greatest kids on the planet. They are absolutely amazing! Even though the language barrier has been a little bit rough I would not go back on my decision of doing my practicum here. They are so sweet and precious. I know that we are definitely opening up to each other and getting to know each other better. Each time I walk in the door I get a bunch of hugs which is so happy. We play games, talk (sort of), have dinner, clean up and just chill. I feel so blessed to have to opportunity to just love and hangout with these kids. This week we had a lot of celebrations for Lithuanian Independence Day which was tons of fun! On Tuesday I got to spend most of the day there since we did not have school, it was awesome. We had pancakes and kepta duona, we hung out and made decoration for the celebration on Tuesday. On Thursday was the actual celebration and the kids performed different dances and songs. They were adorable. On Friday they actually had another celebration and I was able to go and hang out. All the kids were dressed up and it was a lot fun. I’m so excited to just keep getting to know these kids and just have tons of fun with them and show them how much Jesus loves them.
Coming soon…
Classes
Weekend
Mug N Muffin
P.S. Ask about an intense cleaning if you want to hear a good story :)
Yes, I was home, but now I am back in Lithuania. Sorry it’s been a crazy week and I haven’t posted in a while. I have a lot to fill you in on so feel to scroll through and read what sounds interesting!
FOOD:
I have tried a lot of food since being here. One of my life motto is go big or go home, right?! These are just some of my favorites so far:
Curd cake- curd, flour and sugar. Baked and topped with sour cream.
Kepta duona- rye type bread fried. Mixed with cheese, garlic and mayo.
Potato pancakes- fried potatoes that have been almost mashed with meat inside served with a special white sauce
Cepelinai- potatoes that have gone through a special machine. Mixed with pieces, green color. Inside has meat. It is fried and topped with sour cream.
I have also eaten lots of sausage, potatoes and a dill type spice.
CULTURE SHOCK:
What?! I thought I was pretty fine and didn’t really have culture shock at all. I found this was not the case. We have groups called TriS groups where they break up our Study Abroad group into 3 different groups that go to different North American professor’s houses for Soup, Sustenance and Spirituality. We had tacos and hung out with an awesome family. They were so sweet and have 2 of the cutest little girls. We talked about what culture shock was, symptoms and ways of working through it. Some of the symptoms are boredom, confusion and short attention spans were definitely prevalent. We discussed how the first four weeks are more of a honeymoon phase and just loving everything about it and then the feelings go downhill and start to get better around week 12. Now this makes me a little nervous because, let’s be real, no one really wants to hear that for the next few weeks we’re going to get pretty bad and be more sad and irritable. I’m not sure exactly what to do about it because I feel like some points are more inevitable. I’m trying to stay grounded and just keep going and continuing to enjoy myself and all the amazingness of this country!
LANGUAGE:
I’m not yet fluent in Lithuanian. Now, this may not surprise you, but this fact has become quite frustrating for me. I know that I have been here for 1 ½ months, but in my mind I should be a lot better than I am at Lithuanian. I just want to be able to speak and to know words and vocabulary. It takes so much effort to try and form sentences when I need to figure out verb endings that are not like ar/er/ir verbs, but you just need to memorize them. There is no way to know the endings and all the declensions and how to use them properly. This is especially hard at the orphanage because I have so much I want to say to the kids but it’s so frustrating not to just be able to speak to them. I haven’t lost all hope though. I am beginning to understand some of what the kids say and we are able to communicate some especially when Alina translates for us. It is a hard, but good lesson in patience. I’m generally pretty patient with others but it’s hard to be patient with myself. I’m learning to give myself time and not being frustrated with how I think I should be doing.
WOAH:
I know, that’s what I said too! So, I’m at the orphanage one day and it is dinner time. Alina had offered food to the children who said, “Ne, aciu” So she offered some to me. My initial response (in my mind of course) was oh, please, no, I’ve made it a month and a half without having to eat it. But, my motto is the same as I told my groups last summer “You need to try everything, but you don’t have to like it.” So after this momentary inner debate I said sure, I’ll try some. As I raised my spoon to my mouth I told myself I only had to keep it down, one bite Chrissy, one bite. And you know, I really enjoyed it. And it was…
…soup. For those of you that know me well this is a huge deal! I don’t do the whole soup thing. It’s been years since I have had a bowl of soup. I have grown to realize that it was not that bad. Actually, I really like it, who knew? I don’t know what it was that gave me this strong dislike, but I think it may be because I would usually ate it when I was sick as a small child. So then I decided it was a no go I guess. So now I eat soup! But this got me thinking beyond the soup a little. I started wondering is there were other things that I have been so strongly against that I do not really have a strong base in reality. Are there more important parts of life than open that I am not being open to. Hmm, I don’t know. I’m not sure, but I thinking still thinking about it.
SHMELT:
What are you talking about?! Yea, that’s what I said too! Last weekend we went to the Shmelt Festival in Palanga, LT (it’s just a bus ride from Klaipeda). Shmelt is a pretty small fish and this festival is all about them. It was basically all on one huge street leading down to the beach. We walked around, hung out, looked at all these cute crafts and trinkets that were setup in little tent ordeals. There was also a lot of hot wine and hot beer. It was really interesting and actually a lot fun. I did try a bite of smelt and realized I still don’t like fish, but it’s all an experience right? We spent a while talking along the pier which was also a lot of fun.
LOVE:
I have definitely fallen in love with some of the greatest kids on the planet. They are absolutely amazing! Even though the language barrier has been a little bit rough I would not go back on my decision of doing my practicum here. They are so sweet and precious. I know that we are definitely opening up to each other and getting to know each other better. Each time I walk in the door I get a bunch of hugs which is so happy. We play games, talk (sort of), have dinner, clean up and just chill. I feel so blessed to have to opportunity to just love and hangout with these kids. This week we had a lot of celebrations for Lithuanian Independence Day which was tons of fun! On Tuesday I got to spend most of the day there since we did not have school, it was awesome. We had pancakes and kepta duona, we hung out and made decoration for the celebration on Tuesday. On Thursday was the actual celebration and the kids performed different dances and songs. They were adorable. On Friday they actually had another celebration and I was able to go and hang out. All the kids were dressed up and it was a lot fun. I’m so excited to just keep getting to know these kids and just have tons of fun with them and show them how much Jesus loves them.
Coming soon…
Classes
Weekend
Mug N Muffin
P.S. Ask about an intense cleaning if you want to hear a good story :)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
From Malden
I am writing this post, not from Klaipeda, Lithuania but from Malden, Massachusetts. Yes, I am home.
Everyone including me always says God will bring good out of a bad situation. You know, that is awesome and true, but it is a lot easier to see when you are not actually in a hard situation. But I decided to try and find some good. First, Papa is no longer in pain. He’s not suffering, hurt or sad. He does not have to live without his beloved wife any longer. So that is good. He is with Jesus now whom he loved so much. I know that he is glad to be with his Father. He got to be here for 88 years, so Jesus must be really happy to have him back.
But, what about me, what about everyone else that is left behind. What is good for us. To honest, I don’t know. We have amazing memories of Papa and for that I am grateful. But, even in those memories there is still some sadness. For now I’m holding onto the fact that “right now, in the good times and bad He is God alone” I am so thankful that I could be home. I know that’s God’s hand was totally in that and preparing my heart for what happened. As I was leaving on Saturday morning I saw a note outside my door. Jess had written it to me and wrote a verse on that bottom that was actually one of our staff verses last summer. “Whom have I in heaven but you and earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:25-26 I don’t need to be strong, I don’t need to be well because God is the strength of my heart and I’m holding tight to that truth.
Everyone including me always says God will bring good out of a bad situation. You know, that is awesome and true, but it is a lot easier to see when you are not actually in a hard situation. But I decided to try and find some good. First, Papa is no longer in pain. He’s not suffering, hurt or sad. He does not have to live without his beloved wife any longer. So that is good. He is with Jesus now whom he loved so much. I know that he is glad to be with his Father. He got to be here for 88 years, so Jesus must be really happy to have him back.
But, what about me, what about everyone else that is left behind. What is good for us. To honest, I don’t know. We have amazing memories of Papa and for that I am grateful. But, even in those memories there is still some sadness. For now I’m holding onto the fact that “right now, in the good times and bad He is God alone” I am so thankful that I could be home. I know that’s God’s hand was totally in that and preparing my heart for what happened. As I was leaving on Saturday morning I saw a note outside my door. Jess had written it to me and wrote a verse on that bottom that was actually one of our staff verses last summer. “Whom have I in heaven but you and earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:25-26 I don’t need to be strong, I don’t need to be well because God is the strength of my heart and I’m holding tight to that truth.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Quicky
Actual format for my address:
Chrissy Jonassaint LCC International University, Neumann dorm, campus, W306, Kretingos 36, LT - 92307 Klaipėda, Lithuania
Will post about this week soon!!
Joy & Peace,
~Chrissy
Chrissy Jonassaint LCC International University, Neumann dorm, campus, W306, Kretingos 36, LT - 92307 Klaipėda, Lithuania
Will post about this week soon!!
Joy & Peace,
~Chrissy
Saturday, January 30, 2010
What Have You Learned?
It has been almost 4 weeks since I arrived in this amazing country! Can you believe it? I can't. They say college goes by so fast, I now can vouch for that. They say your time abroad goes by even faster and so far I totally agree. Thank you to everyone who is reading this right now! I'm so thankful for your love, support and prayers. I literally would not be doing this well if it were not for you.
In talking to people I have been asked a very valid question, "What have you learned?" So this post is all about the little snipits of truth that I have learned so far. Just take them for what they are worth and feel free to ask questions :)
~Not everyone understands our New England sports dynasty
~The Saints dominating in the Superbowl is not as crucial to everyone as it is for me!
~America is from Canada to Chile/Argentina
~I'm from the States
~Everyone doesn't hate the US
~Everyone doesn't love the US
~Smiling at everyone on the street is a no-go (basically like Boston)
~Drinking at least 2 cups of tea a day is a must
~I know slim to none about the histories of other countries
~Not everyone wants to be infiltrated with American pop culture
~Not everyone from the LA area spends their lives on the beach
~Trying food, even when it looks funny, turns out to be a great experience
~Never say "I'll think about it to a pastor", it means YES
~God's church around the world is beautiful
~Power outages are a normal occurrence in Neumann
~God is God in Malden, Wenham, Chicago and Klaipeda
~People don't actually leave the building when the fire alarm goes off
~I still struggle focusing in my 1 1/2 hour classes
~The Lithuanian air has made me really good a the finger snapping thing
~When you step out, God lifts you up
~The language of love is more powerful than any words you could utter
~There are 20+ year olds that have never opened a Bible
~No matter how hard I wish I will not learn Lithuanian without practice and hardwork
~I'm still gullible (or as I'd like to say, very trusting)
~You have to pay to take a shopping cart...always take a hand basket instead
~"Prayer is the constant awareness of the presence of God"
~Living life as a testimony to God's goodness is hard
~Love like Jesus...no questions asked
~You can have co-ed floors and still love Jesus
~I'm still a SINNER...that needs forgiveness daily
~Judging others instead of myself is a no-go
~Messiah is not as in the middle of no where as GC people think it is
~Lithuania is not as cold as everyone (who have NEVER been here before) say it is!
~During my lifetime Lithuania has gone through a lot of pain and hurt
~The church is the church in all languages and cultures
~I represent more than just myself
~God is GOOD in all circumstances
I'm sure that is not all that I have learned, but it's a good chunk :)
Have an amazing day!! Live loved :)
Much love,
~Chrissy
In talking to people I have been asked a very valid question, "What have you learned?" So this post is all about the little snipits of truth that I have learned so far. Just take them for what they are worth and feel free to ask questions :)
~Not everyone understands our New England sports dynasty
~The Saints dominating in the Superbowl is not as crucial to everyone as it is for me!
~America is from Canada to Chile/Argentina
~I'm from the States
~Everyone doesn't hate the US
~Everyone doesn't love the US
~Smiling at everyone on the street is a no-go (basically like Boston)
~Drinking at least 2 cups of tea a day is a must
~I know slim to none about the histories of other countries
~Not everyone wants to be infiltrated with American pop culture
~Not everyone from the LA area spends their lives on the beach
~Trying food, even when it looks funny, turns out to be a great experience
~Never say "I'll think about it to a pastor", it means YES
~God's church around the world is beautiful
~Power outages are a normal occurrence in Neumann
~God is God in Malden, Wenham, Chicago and Klaipeda
~People don't actually leave the building when the fire alarm goes off
~I still struggle focusing in my 1 1/2 hour classes
~The Lithuanian air has made me really good a the finger snapping thing
~When you step out, God lifts you up
~The language of love is more powerful than any words you could utter
~There are 20+ year olds that have never opened a Bible
~No matter how hard I wish I will not learn Lithuanian without practice and hardwork
~I'm still gullible (or as I'd like to say, very trusting)
~You have to pay to take a shopping cart...always take a hand basket instead
~"Prayer is the constant awareness of the presence of God"
~Living life as a testimony to God's goodness is hard
~Love like Jesus...no questions asked
~You can have co-ed floors and still love Jesus
~I'm still a SINNER...that needs forgiveness daily
~Judging others instead of myself is a no-go
~Messiah is not as in the middle of no where as GC people think it is
~Lithuania is not as cold as everyone (who have NEVER been here before) say it is!
~During my lifetime Lithuania has gone through a lot of pain and hurt
~The church is the church in all languages and cultures
~I represent more than just myself
~God is GOOD in all circumstances
I'm sure that is not all that I have learned, but it's a good chunk :)
Have an amazing day!! Live loved :)
Much love,
~Chrissy
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
3 WEEKS!!!
Wow!! I can't believe that it has been 3 weeks! It's craziness! For now I will just post about today...
Today was the first day that I went to visit the orphanage. It was not at all like I expected actually. I thought that it would be like one big room with all the children and their beds. Pretty naïve of me only thinking of what orphanages look like in movies. Actually the outside was a lot like I imagined. It was pretty run down. It looked like it had not gotten much attention, basically it was a building with off white bricks and kind of scary windows. As we walked in things began to change. It was bright, with some color and actually very clean and well kept.
My teacher went with me and we met the director who only spoke in Lithuania so my teacher did the translating though she said that she understood simple English sentences if there ever was an emergency. We talked about the basics of the home. There are 54 children that live in this large four floor building. It started out as a boarding school then shifted to a school and an orphanage, now it is only an orphanage and all the children go elsewhere to go to school. The children are broken up into for different groups called families. About twelve of the children are what we would think of as typical orphans because they have no parents. A little over thirty of the children are here because their parents have lost their parental rights. Seven of the children are hopefully only here temporarily until their families can get more money and take them back. All of the children here are between four and eighteen years old.
I will be working with a caregiver named Alina who also speaks English (I am so thankful for her because originally we did not think that any of the workers spoke English). She was very sweet and I am excited to get to know her. I got to meet a few of the children, but they were in the middle of watching television so probably not the best time for any children. A met two little girls in the hallway that were really sweet. I will be working with ten children ages 8-15.
One thing that will be interesting is that many of the children have not seen a black person in real life or at least not talked to one since Lithuania is not exactly the most diverse place ever. My teacher was a little concerned that some of the children would poke fun or say mean things. In my few minutes there, that did not seem to be an issue, but we will see come Thursday. I assured her that I was a tough cookie and I could put them in their place, in a loving way of course. Though I was a little nervous walking in there I was filled with peace as I began talking to the director (well kind of). There may be challenges, but I am excited. Like I always say sometimes the best things in life are the hardest. Once again I am stepping out trusting that God’s love will flow through me to these children and that I would be able to reach them even with my minimal Lithuanian. I am very excited to see how God will use me in this place. I would love continued prayers as I begin my time there on Thursday.
More to come on
what I've been learning
new adventures
exciting activities
pics!
Much love!
~Chrissy
Today was the first day that I went to visit the orphanage. It was not at all like I expected actually. I thought that it would be like one big room with all the children and their beds. Pretty naïve of me only thinking of what orphanages look like in movies. Actually the outside was a lot like I imagined. It was pretty run down. It looked like it had not gotten much attention, basically it was a building with off white bricks and kind of scary windows. As we walked in things began to change. It was bright, with some color and actually very clean and well kept.
My teacher went with me and we met the director who only spoke in Lithuania so my teacher did the translating though she said that she understood simple English sentences if there ever was an emergency. We talked about the basics of the home. There are 54 children that live in this large four floor building. It started out as a boarding school then shifted to a school and an orphanage, now it is only an orphanage and all the children go elsewhere to go to school. The children are broken up into for different groups called families. About twelve of the children are what we would think of as typical orphans because they have no parents. A little over thirty of the children are here because their parents have lost their parental rights. Seven of the children are hopefully only here temporarily until their families can get more money and take them back. All of the children here are between four and eighteen years old.
I will be working with a caregiver named Alina who also speaks English (I am so thankful for her because originally we did not think that any of the workers spoke English). She was very sweet and I am excited to get to know her. I got to meet a few of the children, but they were in the middle of watching television so probably not the best time for any children. A met two little girls in the hallway that were really sweet. I will be working with ten children ages 8-15.
One thing that will be interesting is that many of the children have not seen a black person in real life or at least not talked to one since Lithuania is not exactly the most diverse place ever. My teacher was a little concerned that some of the children would poke fun or say mean things. In my few minutes there, that did not seem to be an issue, but we will see come Thursday. I assured her that I was a tough cookie and I could put them in their place, in a loving way of course. Though I was a little nervous walking in there I was filled with peace as I began talking to the director (well kind of). There may be challenges, but I am excited. Like I always say sometimes the best things in life are the hardest. Once again I am stepping out trusting that God’s love will flow through me to these children and that I would be able to reach them even with my minimal Lithuanian. I am very excited to see how God will use me in this place. I would love continued prayers as I begin my time there on Thursday.
More to come on
what I've been learning
new adventures
exciting activities
pics!
Much love!
~Chrissy
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Pictures!
Here's a link to some pics that are on facebook...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2032057&id=1236840181&l=a34c4b5173
Let me know if it works!!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2032057&id=1236840181&l=a34c4b5173
Let me know if it works!!
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