Swedish Fish

Mickelsmäss

2011-10-02T23:46:00.000+02:00

Today I had a true Swedish cultural experience. Elin is a Swedish student who just became a believer back in March through Agape Sverige (and the Lord of course!). She invited me to Mickelsmäss 2011, basically like a Swedish county fair. There was tons of food, normal things like candied apples and hot dogs. Then there was reindeer meat, elk jerky, and all different flavors of salami hanging from every 5th booth. There were booths lined with things other than food as well - scarves, wallets, ponchos, jewelry, as seen on tv products, and lots of kids toys. I personally cashed in on the 14 pairs of socks for 100sek (roughly 15 US dollars). We were patient to find this treasure. We held out on the 10 pair for 100sek and even 12 pair for 100sek until we found the bargain price. My toes will thank me this winter. There were even kids rides and a petting zoo. All in all, a quality Sunday.

Elin and I with our lunch - Bärstaklämma - EVERYONE lined up to get these things for lunch. It was basically a pita with tomatoes, lettuce, and a bunch of meat (not sure what animal) with heaps of some thousand island-mayo sauce on top.

mmmmm......?

My teammates need your prayers!

2011-09-25T13:31:00.000+02:00

Please join us in praying for the last 4 of our teammates to arrive. They have a deadline of October 1^st to have their support in or they will not be allowed to come. Pray God will show Himself as Jehovah Jireh to them – the God who Provides. They must be at 100% to buy a flight. Pray for them by name for provision, encouragement, perseverance, and faith to finish well. Thank you!

Whitney

Aaron

Alex

Patrick

Housing Update

2011-09-25T13:15:00.000+02:00

Hey Friends

Sorry for the delayed post. I moved from the Harkins apt to the Caldwells’ place on Sunday. Both are married couples on our Agape Sverige team this year. The Caldwells are being gracious to let me stay in their living room. They don’t have internet and thus it’s hard to get online to post. The good news is that we signed a lease for one month on a house to stay in from Sept 30^th-Oct 30^th. Though it’s only a month and it’s a solid 30+ minute bike ride outside of town, we are grateful to have a place of our own in just 6 days. I will be staying in the house with Jenny, another long term Agape staff girl who arrived Sept 7^th. Prayerfully we’ll be joined by Whitney, a Stinter (10 month intern with Agape) from the US who should be arriving by Oct 1^st (if her support is in!). The house is owned by a lady going to do field work in Peru for one month so the house is fully furnished. It’s like house sitting her things for a month J

Funny story - After we had signed the lease with the landlord she was showing us around the house explaining how certain things worked (microwave, stove, etc) Then to finish up she said... "Oh and be sure not to invite the mice in" WHAT?! yep... apparently she's so far out in the country that if you leave any food crumbs out mice come in. Jenny and I just looked at each other and said... "You know you're serving overseas when your landlord says no to invite the mice in".

Culture Night

2011-09-17T11:35:00.000+02:00

Last Saturday, my first full day in Uppsala (Friday was jetlag day and I don't remember much of it, nor am I responsible for anything I said in my state of fatigue and confusion). Saturday also happened to be Culture Night in town. I walked around with my American friend, Lael from about noon until 5pm checking out the sights. It's strange saying I went to Culture NIGHT during the day... maybe I can work with Uppsala on coming up with a better name... Culture day even?

Anyway... here are some pics to help you get better feel for the day.. it was a good time for sure.

Lael and I - she was on my Agape Sweden team back in 2006-2007 when I lived in Sweden before. She fell in love with a Swede, Marcus. They got married and now live in Uppsala. So thankful she's still around!

They set up a boxing ring in the middle of the road going through the town square.

Here kids were doing choreographed dances to "I Will Be Popular" - the song won Melodifestivalen (Sweden's version of American Idol) - I'll post the song & video later.. it's hilarious.

Sweets galore - it's what Sweden is known for.

This is the doughnut Lael bought - she had been craving it all day.

There were tons of food/cotton candy/candied apples stands around town. Felt like a county fair without the cut off jean shorts, mullets, and john deere attire. Made me miss home just a bit knowing this week is the TN Valley Fair in Knoxville.

They had a 3 on 3 basketball tournament in the town square as well.

Even had cheerleaders doing stunts.

Sponsored by Skank... a sweden based clothing company.

On the other side of the square was the Uppsala Swing Society showing off their moves, it was fun hearing oldies music playing there.

Ruby

2011-09-13T10:50:00.000+02:00

On Friday, after sitting at the train station for over 2 months I picked up Ruby. She is my mode of transportation for the next several years... Ruby is my new bike. She was bought by a Stinter (intern) with Agape Sverige last year, Christa. Christa moved back to the US in July and because of crazy Swedish rules wasn't allowed to take Ruby on the train to the airport. Thus, Ruby was left in the bike parking lot by the train. Elin, one of our mutual swedish friends, kept an eye on her all summer until I arrived. On Friday we went down and picked up Ruby. The summer had been a little brutal to her, but after 300 swedish kronor (approx $50) she had a new front headlight, backlight, bell, handlebars and the chain had been tightened and oiled up. She's as good as new.

Ruby and I on our first day together :)

There are literally thousands of bikes parked by the train station. This is the daily mode of transportation for most everyone living in Uppsala.

Strangely Normal...

2011-09-11T22:22:00.001+02:00

Hey Friends!
I'm excited to get this blog up and running again. I'm getting ready to talk to my parents on skype (after the Lions hopefully pull off a win against the Bucs). Just wanted to let everyone know I've arrived safely in Uppsala, Sweden. Friday was a blur of jet-lag, Saturday was culture night in the town square, and then today was church, seeing old friends and running some errands. Even watched Tangled with my roommate Jenny. I'll go into more detail about all of these things mentioned on another day. I did want to share how strangely normal it feels to be back in a town I haven't lived in for over 3 years. I feel in many ways it's like home here. Memories flooding back, speaking some Swedish (pretty poorly), and connecting with students again. Thankful for this place and these people I get to journey with.

On Friday afternoon I headed downtown to meet with a friend, Elin. This is what I saw on my walk. Great reminder God is faithful to all He promises.

Do you mind if I come in?

2010-03-03T05:46:00.001+01:00

There is a place in Remedy I've deemed the "upper room". This is a coveted room that any "regular" at the coffee shop wants to get. It's two comfy chairs and a small table with 2 chairs. While there's room for 4, rarely is there more than one person. The room is at the top of the stairs all by itself with a door. It's assumed if you're up there you want complete silence for whatever you're doing (especially when the door is shut).

It's been awhile but tonight... I got it! I was up there, typing away, being super productive. Now in the hour I had the room to myself I had several people walk up the stairs, open the door, see I was in there, know the "unwritten" rule of the room, and leave. Then a lady came up, did the first 3 steps then asked, "Do you mind if I come in?" Of course I said yes. She promised to be quiet saying she had lots to do.

God had other plans and over 2 hours later we were hugging and making plans to hang out.

I can't begin to describe what we covered. I believe it started with the piano player downstairs and bounced around between art, relationships, family, slam poetry, churches, starting our own coffeeshop, painting, and our jobs. Mixed into all of that was Christ. We sat there, mutually encouraging one another, and recognizing this was a divine appointment. The last thing we wanted to do was open our computers back up.

I am fully convinced that room is annointed as a place where people feel at ease, a place where the presence of God resides. I have never been in that room and not talked about Christ with the stranger turned friend that joins me. I'm thankful God orchestrates these encounters. There was plenty of mundane "to-do" items on my list but nothing took the life filling moment of our conversation. Thanks Lord.

Oh btw - her name was Tina :)

This is one of the photos we talked about. I took it this summer. She wants to put on an art show and asked if I could display my photos. What?! So cool.

This Is Love....

2010-02-24T06:29:00.000+01:00

Seriously Lindsey?!
Did you really think you'd have time EVERYDAY to post a blog. I was WAY to ambitious.
So reality check. We're gonna go with something REALISTIC Lindsey. Same concept but once a
week. Hopefully on Tuesday mornings (my morning off). So here's to Tuesdays and hoping I can
stick with this!

Being on staff has it's perks. One of the biggest being that once a week we are REQUIRED to spend a day with the Lord. WHAT?!?! Yeah I am blessed. Thought I'd share a little of my day and what God was sweet to show me. Really just the biggest thing. It usually happens at Remedy coffee (see previous post of my love for this place). So I journaled 10 pages today. I won't bore you with everything in it. But in short here's what I learned....

What I learned (or relearned) was simple.... it was the Gospel.
I was overwhelmed by my sinfulness and even moreso overwhelmed by God's love for me.... in spite of me.
It was hard at moments as the Spirit revealed the grossness of my heart, but refreshing to see with new eyes the Lord's fierce pursuit and desire for me, His Child.

Below is a song that "just happened" (I totally don't believe that) to play on my ipod in the midst of journaling. It's by Tifah called "This is Love". It's hauntingly beautiful.... and it's love.

Morning comes and I have spent

Every decent thing I am
Pockets empty
Now it’s You and me

I’ve been foolish, rash, unruly
Taking pride in all I have
Taken from you
Now it’s You and me

This is Love
When I give my heart to everyone but You

This is Love
When I have turned my back away from You

This is Love
When I have left you for the selfish things I do

This is Love
That you would still love me, in spite of me

Seconds pass and I think back
To every time that I have said
I am sorry
Now it’s You and me

So can I say these words again
Even with the things I’ve done
I broke your heart
Now it’s You and me

Morning comes and I think back
To every time that I’ve said
I am sorry

Photo a Day, Story a Day

2010-02-10T04:44:00.000+01:00

Well hello 2010!
You snuck up on me! It's crazy to think I haven't updated this in 2 1/2 months! I think it has a direct connection between being off campus raising support (ie having more free time) and being back on campus (ie no free time). But I see good in this blog. I love keeping people updated on my life and moreover what God's up to and how I see Him working... He's sweet to do let me in on it, and occasional chooses to use me in small ways for His Glory.

So with that I am setting out with a goal in mind. To blog EVERYDAY for a year.
I know you my readers (reader?) saw the title and can put 2 and 2 together.
I'm going to put a photo I've taken up everyday with a story behind it.

Let's see how long this lasts!

I think with the nasty, gray, windy, rainy day outside it was only natural that I pick this.

I took this photo out in California this summer. I was out there helping staff a summer project with Crusade (in Santa Cruz). We had a day off and headed down the 17-mile drive. It was the most beautiful coastline I've seen in the US. We took tons of pics, it was the perfect day with friends. We ended up in Carmel, CA in a cute fairy tale town. We had delicious italian for dinner and headed down to the beach for one of the

most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen.

God is so sweet to love on us through moments like these.

Fall Staff Conference

2009-11-21T22:30:00.000+01:00

I'm writing from Campus Crusade's Fall Staff Conference in Black Mountain, NC. This weekend provides a chance for all staff in the Mid-South Region (NC, SC, TN, KY, WV) to come together for a weekend of fellowship and refreshment.

For me, it's been a weekend of realization of how the Lord has changed how I gain my energy over the past few years. When I was in college @ App State I LOVED being around people. The more the merrier I said! I was the emcee of our roughly 500+ movement of Campus Crusade students there. I loved organizing parties... two of my favs were the "Were you cool in middle school?" and our vogue party (which included a photoshoot area). I considered the event a success if there were more people there than the previous party. I was the perfect example of a social butterfly. Spending no more than 3-5 minutes with each person at the party.

Then I went to Sweden on STINT for 2 years with Crusade. There I was introduced to my introverted self. Better yet my deeper self. In Sweden, the ministry was completely relational. Building friendships with students and spending literally 2-4 hours with them a day... in a coffee shop... talking about deep things. I had never done that... I retaliated at first... usually in the form of bathroom breaks and coffee refills to take a break. Slowly, I found myself loving these conversations.

As I've been in the US for over a year now, I've found it true here as well. I would so much rather spend a long amount of time with one person in great real conversation than surface conversation with many folks. I gain my energy through individuals not groups. Now we don't have to talk theology the whole time... there's lots of laughter... I especially love the people in my life I can just sit in a room with in silence and just enjoy their company.

Through this process I've leared two things:
*I enjoy really knowing people... one on one or small groups... cooking dinner, grabbing coffee... that's where my refreshment comes from.
*I used to be afraid to go deep with folks... to be known by them.... yeah vulnerability is a scary thing (still is at times).... but so worth it. That's why I did the social butterfly thing for so long.... talk a few minutes... let people think everything's great... but no investment.

It's fun to step back at this conference and realize how I've changed in just a few years.

I love self discovery :)

My girls...

2009-11-03T21:11:00.000+01:00

As many of you know, I've been off campus now for 6 weeks working on finding folks to partner with my ministry both prayerfully and financially so I can return to campus. The girls I have the priviledge to work with are my continual motivation for working on support, as well as all those who still haven't heard how they too were created to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ! This week, I was allowed to meet with each of them once to see how they're doing.

Yesterday I met with 3 of them. It was incredibly refreshing to sit down with each of them and hear what God's been doing in their lives. It's a constant reminder that God DOESN'T NEED ME at all. He will and is working in their lives without me. But praise God He allows me to journey alongside of them. Hearing how their Bible Studies are going that they're leading, what God is teaching them, how they're growing, things the Holy Spirit is bringing into the light.... it's so encouraging!

It's apparent God is moving in each of their lives and they are running hard after Him. I am overwhelmed by these girls' maturity and desire for the Lord and for TRUTH! That was just 3 of them! I'm so excited I have 10 more girls to meet with in the next 3 weeks!

God knew I needed this. It was completely given me another "push" of motivation to make the calls, set up appts and invite people to invest in eternity!

Thank you for your prayers and support during this season... it is needed and felt!

Until all have heard,
Lindsey

A Cozy Relationship

2009-10-26T04:28:00.000+01:00

A rainy, gray, cloudy afternoon

A sunny, blue sky, crisp afternoon?

You think the choice is easy right? Of course you ALWAYS choose sunshine and blue skies. It always makes for a better day. Welp, not when it comes to my cozy relationship I'm about to let you in on.

Do I have your interest now? What relationship Lindsey? And cozy at that?! Facebook doesn't say your "in a relationship".

Welp friends scoot on in closer and I'll let you in on a little secret :)
We've known each other just over a month. My neighbor, Jen, introduced us.
It was love at first sight. The first time we hung out wasn't ackward at all, we actually spent the entire day together! It's only gotten better and better every time! We usually see each other 5 to 6 times a week. I can't get enough! OK so are you ready to know?! I'm sure you're dying to see a picture! Well, lucky for you I just happen to have a few!

This my friends, is Remedy. A coffeeshop run by Knoxlife Church located on W Jackson Ave in Old City. You see, I lived in Sweden for 2 years before moving to Knoxville. In Sweden, I found a cafe on literally every corner. Since moving to Knoxville I've been on a mission to find a cafe comparable to the ones of Sweden. From friendly folks, great direct trade coffee, incredibly comfy chairs with chill music provided by the barista's own ipod this is my new home. The aesthetics create a sense of hominess and warmth. I'm reminded of the old TV Show "Cheers"... this is a place where "everybody knows your name".

The tagline for Remedy is...

Coffee is good... Coffee and Conversation is better.

I totally agree.

My drink of choice... a hazelnut latte. My nook of choice?

For Conversation with friends the red chairs pictured below. They're in the back and super comfy.

I've had a great time over the past several weeks catching up with old friends and having incredible conversations with new ones.

On another completely different side note: Just behind those chairs is a big open space where Knoxlife Church meets on Sundays. However, a couple Fridays ago it made for one glorious game of Monopoly with some super fun folks I'm blessed to call friends!

Now this, is the heart of my "cozy relationship". I affectionately refer to it as the "upper room". This is my nook with the Lord. It's a small loft area above the barista counter. You can reach it by walking up the stairs found in the back left corner of the shop. I always sit in the left big ol comfy chair you see. I literally lose all sense of time up there (like I've had to start setting an alarm on my phone if I have somewhere to be). Reading the Word, Journaling, Worshiping the Lord through music, or better yet just sitting and listening to the Lord... this is where it happens. Here, it doesn't matter what the weather is outside. The rainer the cozier, the bluer the sky the home-y-er :)

I will warn you... this relationship is NOT perfect. The biggest problem being I often come here with the intention of being productive. It rarely happens, because with every person that walks through that door comes a friendly smile and a unique story.

I am blessed to hear many of these stories. More often than not, I leave Remedy with a heart filled to the brim and a to-do list with nothing checked off. I'll take it everytime. And this my friends, is my cozy new relationship. I would love to introduce you personally. Just let me know when you are free :)

My Sis is getting married!

2009-10-13T03:02:00.000+02:00

Many of you may know my younger sister, Allison. This summer she got engaged to a great guy, Mike Brooks. The wedding is planned for next summer.

This past weekend all of us (mom, dad, bro, bro's gf, sis, sis' fiance, cousins, etc) all went to boone, nc for Appalachian State's Homecoming. Friday night we had girls' night... pedicures & dinner together. Then on Saturday my sis and her fiance and I set out at 8:15am on to take Engagement Photos. It was super fun! It makes me wanna be a photographer even more so.

I found a great Bed & Breakfast hidden up a random street in Boone. We took most pics there. Then a few downtown at a red brick building and then lastly ended up at the house I found with a fence I liked. Here's a few of my favorites.....

Hook?

2009-10-05T21:59:00.000+02:00

Those who don't know, I'm at home in Hickory, NC raising support with Campus Crusade. Lord willin' it will be quick and I'll be back in Knoxville at the University of Tennessee's campus to continue doing what I love.

But today I'm in Hickory. It's rainy. My dad's at home sick from work. I'm sitting downstairs with him working on thank you cards which he's watching TV. We come across a classic, "Hook", with Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman. I used to LOVE this movie! Yes, me and my dad started watching it.

As I watched, I quickly realized I STILL loved it!
Here's why...

I love the classic war of good & evil. I love the adventure in the movie of Peter remembering all the things of NeverLand. Remembering what it was like to be Pan.... imaging food (which turns into a food fight.. awesome), learning to crow, and most importantly finding his "happy thought." I love that the lost boys have no care in the world. They have faith in Peter Pan. They follow him with complete abandon.

It makes me think of my relationship with the Lord and these two passages....

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:1-4

"At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. " Luke 10:21

How often I can get caught up in Theology and breaking down every part of a verse to "understand" the God I serve more. Now while I enjoy that and know there is without a doubt, value in it, I think often times I can make it too complex.

It's crazy how the Lord can use a movie of fairy tales to remind me how He desires for me to just run to Him... to trust Him with faith as a child would their parents when they were younger. Before the "real world" begins to distract. Oh that I would love & trust with reckless abandon...

Thanks Father

If Only...

2009-09-28T18:30:00.000+02:00

This morning while spending time with the Lord, I read in this little devotional called "Whiter than Snow" by Paul Tripp. I'm on the 9th one. God has gifted him with the incredible ability to write in less than 2 pages something that will rock me to my core. It's unbelievable.

It's all based on Psalm 51, right after David has committed adultery with Bathsheba (who's married to another man). She becomes pregnant and to cover it up he has her husband murdered. Finally, Nathan, a prophet comes to David and pretty much just calls David out for his sin. Psalm 51 is his reponse & confession to God about all that he's done.

Today's reading focused on Psalm 51:5
"Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mohter conceive me"

Paul (the author) then goes on to talk about the "if onlys" we as believers make up to excuse our sins or circumstances.
The ones that rang out true for me (ie the ones I've totally used as self justification before) were...

If only God seemed closer to me
If only I knew the Bible better
If only I didn't have to struggle with my finances
If only "this incident" didn't happen.

But then I'm challenged to think of my own. What "if onlys" do I make up...
If only I was skinnier.
If only I had more time
If only "THEY" could just understand.
If only my support was at 100%
If only we lived in a better world
If only I were married.
If only God would tell me where I'm going.

I'll be honest it only took me about 30 seconds to come up with these. I'm sure as I spend more time thinking through these more and more will come out. Some that I might even be ashamed to put up here (more embarassed than I already am). But one thing the Lord is gracious to continue to show me is that as much as it might sting for a bit to bring things into the light.... it's beautiful, it's grace, it's freeing, it's worth it. Yes it's worth it my friends.

Back to the devo. So I'm sitting in Panera thinking of all these "if onlys" thinking yeah these are the reasons why this, that and the other isn't working in my life... these are why I sin. Then Mr. Tripp writes this and yet again I'm humbled....

"None of us has ever lived in ideal circumstances or in perfect relationships. The world is a broken place and we have all been touched in many ways by its brokenness. Yet, the "if onlys" lifestyle tends to say, "MY BIGGEST PROBLEMS IN LIFE EXIST OUTSIDE OF ME AND NOT INSIDE OF ME."

Ummm... hi Lindsey here's a huge piece of humble pie. Yes.

Even "if" all these "if onlys" were taken care of... I would still be full of sin and selfishness. Psalm 51:5 says so.... "I was brought forth in iniquity" (a fancy word for sin). I was sinful before ANY experience or circumstance happened to me.

I am the biggest danger to myself. But praise be to God he offers us the gorgeous promise of his grace which has the power to change us from the inside out!

So yeah... This morning I'm giving God my "if onlys" and asking that He would change them in my mind from excuses to praises. That He is Sovereign and Faithful and completely aware of my "if onlys" and using them to cause me to rely on Him and pursue Him with a Holy fierceness.

Thank you Jesus!

WKU POETRY PROCLAIM

2009-09-25T21:31:00.001+02:00

This guy knows what Christianity is all about.
A LOVE RELATIONSHIP with God through Jesus Christ.

I love that he can share Christ in such a unique way.
Everything he speaks is Truth. Truth. Truth.

Church Music

2009-09-23T20:08:00.000+02:00

This week the David Crowder Band came out with their newly anticipated album, "Church Music". I just bought it off itunes. I've barely listened to it one time through and already pumped about it. I don't like DCB because they have cool beats or they get me hyped or they're "cool". I like them because their lyrics are real and Truth. Because they bring me into a continual picture of how great the God that I serve is and how imperfect and needy I am for Him. I highly recommend this cd. Like go buy it right now!

Addiction- Kayla and Kupono

2009-09-23T01:07:00.001+02:00

So here I am over a year later, but feeling like there's alot I'm learning. So much so, I thought this would be a good place to record it. Don't have alot of time tonight, but wanted to at least get the first post up.

If you're a fan of So You Think You Can Dance, you may have seen this. I didn't see it on the show, only through the world of YouTube. But it haunts me and I wanted to share it with whoever comes across here.

To set it up...
The song they are dancing to is "Gravity" by Sara Barilles.
The girl represents someone addicted to something.
The guy represents that something she is addicted to.

I know for me, upon my first time watching it, immediately thought it must be a drug or drinking addiction. But everytime I watch it God reveals more and more possibilities and how everyone, including myself is addicted to something. It could be guys, attention, approval from others, relationships, making people happy, working hard/performance so people will praise you. I wonder after you watch it... what addictions come to your mind....

Missing in Action...

2008-05-05T13:12:00.005+02:00

So it's been awhile to say the least. I thought I'd update via pictures of the past 2 months and hopefully be back up to speed after that. I apologize for me un-updateness :)

Enjoy catching up!
Linz <><

My Family finally got a chance to come over!
We got to take a weekend trip down to Pisa, Italy
Having fun with the leaning tower.
Anna and I making pancakes in the snow to promote JourneyCafe
Elin, a girl at the Credoe Academy in Stockholm, and I after taking her out to share her faith for the first time. She did an amazing job!

A BBQ by a lake after church

Enjoying hanging out with students at the BBQ

I got a tattoo!!! It's "doulos" Greek for Bond-Servant. Paul uses it many times in the New Testament.
We made Easter Eggs with some students.
Girls Spa Night! :)

Some beautiful believers I have the chance to meet with!
Having a party for a bunch of our christian friends.
This Gorgeous Lake I discovered a few weeks ago!

Valentine's Day Update

2008-02-22T00:42:00.005+01:00

I know it's a week after the fact, but I need to give credit where credit is due.

The three fellas from our team stepped up to the plate and hit a grand slam with us ladies last Thursday. So here's the story....

On Tuesday, the 12th we received a note on our door letting us know the "distinguished gentlemen of the Sweden STINT team" would be meeting us "honorable women" at 6:15pm sharp for a night of "fine dining and fun"....

OK fastforward to VDAY.

We wake up to the guys in our kitchen making us eggs, toast and pancakes! How amazing! So we're thinking, that's it. The note was just a trick. This is what they're doing for us... but NO!

They tell us at breakfast we should probably still be dressed up "just in case".

6:15 rolls around and our "distinguished gentlemen" show up in dress pants and sports jackets! We head into town and they end up taking us to "Domtrappen", "The Church Basement" for dinner. We're talking one of the top 3 nicest restuarants in all of Uppsala! We had our own cave-like section to ourselves, no one around. We were each assigned a fella and they wined and dined us. It was an incredible evening! They loved on us well.

Enjoy the pics and be jealous of our fellas!

Our wonderful guys cooking up a masterpiece!

Our AMAZING dinner!

Me and JRo all dressed up!

All smiles after an incredile vday!

Weekend in Bristol

2008-02-18T18:21:00.004+01:00

This past weekend I was able to attend a conference in Bristol, England with our organization. The conference gathered more than 150 students from all over Western Europe for a weekend of fellowship, training, and sharing their faith. I had 3 incredible students join me from Sweden. Friday evening a fellow, Duncan, spoke on Luke 19:1-10. We took a look at what Jesus did in making disciples.

Here are some points mentioned:
*Jesus always drew a crowd, even if they don't agree, they can't stay away-they want to see.
*Jesus drew unlikely people. Hold out the Gospel to everyone - don't you, yourself, decide if they're going to be "receptive" or if they should get to hear it or not. (Here, Duncan told us that he was the unlikeliest of people to become a Christian, but after 18 months of being pursued by believers and asking questions, he came into a relationship with Christ).
*Jesus goes after lost people - He enters their world... He doesn't expect/wait for them to come into His world
*Jesus revolutionizes lives - people were radically changed when they meet Him.

In the end we find that Jesus' mission was found in verse 10...
"the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."

If we, as believers, are becoming more and more like Christ, then we too are here to seek and save the lost.... what a thought to be in on this priviledge.

Here's a few pics from the weekend....

Me with my Swedish girls: Kristin, Myself, Satu, and Emmelie
Worship in English... yay!
Kristin, myself, Emmelie
With one of my favorite girls, Katherine, from the Salerno, Italy team
A little taste of home :)

Love actually

2008-02-14T01:24:00.001+01:00

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

In honor of this day of love, I thought I'd share with you one of my favorite scenes of love. It's the opening scene from "Love Actually". I love the line at the end...

"If you look for it, I've got a sneeky feeling you'll find that LOVE actually is all around..."

First Entry should be a funny right?

2008-02-09T20:03:00.000+01:00

So I've finally given in to writing a blog. I'll be honest, I don't know if I'll be keeping up with it as much as I hope but we'll take it one day at a time. I never know what to write, I think that's why for so long I didn't have one. What do people actually care to know about my everyday life in Sweden anyway? And then today something funny and possibly blog-worthy happened. So here it is.... the first entry :)

Today my new favorite friend, Jessie came over for a little visit. She asked me, Stylist to the Stars, to dye her hair dark from the lovely blond it was. (This girl is beautiful and can pull off
any color by the way). I decided I'd go ahead and join her and dye my hair as well. She
was up first and it came out amazing if I do say so myself. As she began drying her hair,
I went ahead and put the dye in my hair. Fast forward 30 minutes. Hair is ready to be
washed out. For those of you not accustomed to hair dying procedure after dying you must
first rinse the dye out and then put in the conditioner they provide for you. So I rinse the
dye no problem.

Now 2 things you need to know before the story continues:
1. The hair dye I was using was a 2 part dye kit. First a dye for the whole head, and then a highlighting kit that's seperate.
2. All the instructions/labels are in Swedish.

OK so now we go on to putting the conditioner in. At this point there are 2 bottles and a package of powder left. One bottle is conditioner, the other mixes with the powder to make the highlighting dye. So I reach and grab the bottle that looks like the conditioner and put it all in my hair. I remember thinking it looked a little running, but it was still white and pretty thick so it had to be the conditioner. About that time my friend, Lael, who speaks Swedish came to check on the hair process. Something inside me pushed me to ask Lael what the bottle said, just to make sure it was conditioner. She reads and proceeds to tell me it is in fact the chemical bottle that goes with the highlighting powder! I immediately beginning trying to shampoo it out. She goes on to read the back which says the first ingredient is none other than, hydrogene peroxide!
Again for those who don't know, it's basically straight BLEACH! At this point I'm freaking out, imagining I'm going to have some crazy cheetah print hair color. All my roommates, plus Jess and Lael are watching the events unfold (this means 5 of us are squeezed into the bathroom). After several minutes of rinsing, washing, correctly conditioning the hair, we waited and watched, praying my hair would remain dark and splotches of blond wouldn't show through.

Praise the Lord it didn't. But wow what a crazy few minutes. Just another memory from living in Sweden....

Bless