"Taste and See That The Lord Is GOOD."

Friends, this is what was going thru my mind about 8:45 last night... Just over and over again: "look around you, girl, and see just how much God loves you, and REALIZE that He's got everything in His hands!"

My friend Jess and I had plans to spend time together on Friday. She travels for her job, and is leaving on Tuesday again, so I won't see her till I return from PNG. So, we thought we'd take a night to hang out, go do something fun, and celebrate her birthday early (since I'll miss that too). I was running behind because I was still putting together a little gift for her, and I called her and told her. But time flies, and soon, I was about 45 minutes late!

So I get to her house, and she comes out to meet me. She hugs me and says, "Well, Em, I don't know if we're going to be able to go out anymore tonight..." I was like, "Oh man, I'm so sorry for being so late- I ruined the evening, didn't I!" Jess said, "No, it's just all these people kept dropping by over here..." (She opened the door, and lots of people were inside) "They heard you were going on a trip, or something, and they all wanted to stop by to show their support to you before you leave."

Inside the house were about 25-30 of my good friends- people from my homegroup, from Revolution, etc. (my ROOMMATE was even there- and she'd played it off like she was going to see a movie with friends while we were getting ready together. Sneaky girl!! Ti-na-na-naaaaaa!!) - Janice and Jess had orchestrated a little surprise get-together for me- they wanted to be sure I knew how much I was loved, that I'd be missed, and that I was supported.

I can't even tell you adequately how that felt. I felt very weak-kneed, and needed to sit down! After a little bit of greeting everyone, going around and giving hugs, I started looking around the room and noticing little touches: over on a door was a poster Jess had made with pictures from my first trip (same ones on the blog). Above the glass doors was a banner that Janice had made that said "God Bless Your Trip, Emily". And then, in the corner was a basket for trip donations. When I saw that, I couldn't help but cry. It was just too much. The gift was so large- those girls' hearts are so huge- the outpour of love and support was too much for me right then. With tears in my eyes, I looked around the rooms, surveying my friends, and pondering what just happened... And that Little Voice was whispering to me, "Look around you, take it in, and KNOW WITHOUT A DOUBT that I am GOOD."

20 DAYS!! YEEE-Haw!!!

Alrighty. I know that I will be missed so very badly while I'm away, so I thought I'd post some photos for you, my friends and loved ones, to remember me by. May you cherish them forever. (see next post below)

p.s.- $2920 raised, $1080 to go! Thank you God, and thank you my supporters!

Pics to Go Along...

Me at the top of the Arch, conquering my fear of heights. (it didn't really work...) This is the only serious pic here...








My birthday party at work...






With my car, that I will definitely miss- There's no right-sided driving in New Guinea! I wonder if I'll even remember HOW to drive stick when I get back??










Me and my close friend, Jess. (oh wait- this is serious too...)








Pushing "Baby Monica" at Animal Kingdom- posing as a supermom.

30 Days And Counting! (A.K.A. "More Prayer Requests")

I can't believe how time is flying by right now- and being that this is Christmas time, it's just gonna continue to speed on by till *oops!!* All of a sudden, it's January 16th, and I'm heading out the door to PNG!

Thank you my friends, family and supporters, for your prayers, encouragement, and contributions. I couldn't do it without you. The last time I checked my New Tribes account, I believe $2480 of a total of $4000 had been raised. I will admit that I haven't checked in about a week now though. I believe I was checking on fundraising waaaaay too often (like every day) and that's not really showing trust in God. It only made me worry and doubt- so I stopped. And SINCE I stopped, it's almost funny how God has given me little reminders- thru friends, letters, Bible verses, etc.- that I need to trust soley in Him, and have increased faith that HE will carry me.

A little update on one prayer request: Team formation. When New Tribes said the trip was still a go, we had 9 people total. At the extreme last minute, it looks like another guy did join us, so we have a grand total of 10 now. I wanted more... but there's a "reason" that this group is how it is... There's that old trust issue again, huh...

Please pray for these folks- that their fundraising is going well, for their preparations, for their hearts, and for the entire groups' dynamics- none of us knows eachother.

Please pray for the weather in that whole Oceanic region- I have been counting the number of off-shore earthquakes recently, and we're up to 4 now- one of which was in the New Britain area of New Guinea (off-shore island region, not close to the main island). The tsunami alarm has only gone off once, and that was for a "localized" tsunami- that I dont' even think actually happened. I will not be coastal on this trip, but I know people who ARE- in Madang. So please keep this issue in your prayers!

One final prayer request: this is kind of silly, but I really really really want to go back to Madang. I want to see where I was before, with different eyes/ perspective, and I want to see Kyle and Jenn Pederson. I want to wade into the ocean, like before, and see that place that feels like a dream now... Mary, the girl I stayed with is actually in the states now on Furlough, and Joe, a guy who worked there, is over here now too. But I still want to return there. I wish I had Wayne and Jason and Kyle M. and Lynda there too though...

Fundraising Update #2

I thank God for you, my supporters and friends, for your continued prayer, financial and even at times emotional support as I am still preparing for my trip to New Guinea. I am on the countdown now- I leave six weeks from tomorrow! My support raised is currently at $2380 of $4000 total. Only $1620 to go! God has continued to surprise me with how well and how completely He provides for His little girl.

My Home Group Is The BEST!!!

Here we are, at my place for Thanksgiving Dinner on 11/22/05.

New Guinea 2004 Pics

The group of us that went, along with Kyle and Jen Pederson, whose home this is...



We went to visit a nearby village, Kananam. There, we got to play with some kids, talk to a few women, and see how they cook and do laundry.


Who would have guessed- Madang has a huge BAT population! Apparently, they came over on a ship Austrailia by accident back in the day, and have really populated Madang Province...



I saw this sign and thought it was wierd- what would I find inside? A McDonalds type place? Or a butcher shop with meat hanging on hooks from the ceiling? I mean, it DOES say "fast food"...

Here is the house that we worked on. Jason is up on the roof doing some gutter work, Kyle's climbing the ladder, and I am under the house, quite obscured, working on cutting glass for the windows.

New Guinea 2004

The New Tribes Base from the ocean... It was cool to see from the canoe, or boat.





Essie, a MK, with some kids from Kananam.
















"Tent City"- also known as the fellowship hall. This is where the guys slept (me too, for one whole night before the spiders invaded), where we ate, spent time together, and had Sunday Worship service.


Me eating "snot rocks"- YUMMY!
















Painting in the "office".

HUGE Praise Report!

Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,

What a rollercoaster!! Most of you knew that over the last 6 weeks or so, there’s been some uncertainty about whether my January trip to New Guinea would indeed be a “go”. The team was forming pretty slowly, and logistically, it didn’t look possible with such a small number.

I will admit, I really lost faith in this. I decided that if the January Interface was cancelled, that I didn’t want to go in May on the next trip, because I had another mission opportunity arise, and I wanted to take time for some little fun trips state-side. Shame on me!!

After some emailing back and forth between me (and other participants) and New Tribes, I finally got a message today that the trip is indeed a “go”, and I do still plan on participating.

I want to thank you all for your prayers and support. Please keep lifting me and this trip/experience up! Some specific prayer requests are:

1. For support raising to continue- God has been so good, and has blessed me with $1735 raised thus far. This leaves $2241 to go.
2. For added faith, because I really dropped the ball here... And for renewed “fire”- I’ve just been doubtful about wanting to go…
3. For provisions for transportation to Los Angeles and for “the homefront” while I’m gone.
4. For the TEAM still, because New Tribes would still like 1+ people to join by December 8 (when our international tickets are to be purchased). I KNOW that God can grow us further if it’s His will. Continue, please to pray for the other participants, for their fundraising efforts, and for their faith to be strong as well.
   
   Thank you thank you thank you for your love, friendship and prayers!

One Thing...

Ok Folks, take a guess at the origin of this song...

One Thing

Restless tonight,
Cause I wasted the light...
Between both these times,
I drew a really thin line.

It’s nothing I planned-
And not that I can.
But you should be mine
Across that line.

If I traded it all, If I gave it all away for one thing...
Just for one thing...
If I sorted it out, If I knew all about this one thing...
Wouldn’t that be something?

I promise I might not walk on by.
Maybe next time, But not this time.
Even though I know, I don’t want to know...
Yeah I guess I know, I just hate how it sounds...

If I traded it all, if I gave it all away for one thing...
Just for one thing...
If I sorted it out, if I knew all about this one thing...
Wouldn't that be something?

Did you take a guess? SECULAR!! What the... Fooled me! I'll let you do your own research, but when I read some input online about what these lyrics were REALLY referring to, I was really upset. I'll just keep believing it's talking about trading everything you have for "One Thing"- mainly following Christ.

"I Can Do All Things..."

Love,
Its the wave I ride that won't ever reach the shore.
Overwhelmed by the tide and wanting nothing more, tonight,
Than to take this time and make it all mine.
Its coming around again.

Hope,
Its the light that strikes, that burns inside of me.
Its a blinding light, but somehow I can see, again.
When I've lost my way, its becoming very clear.
And its coming around again.

Somewhere between the darkness and the light,
My spirit takes to flight.
The colors fill the sky, and I am free.

Every now and again, sometimes-
I get lost on the wind of a dream.
The air gets clean and the seas get wide
And I can do anything.
The pain it won't even cross my mind.
There is wonder in everything.
The rope gets loose, and the chains unbind,
And I can do anything.

Taken from Mae- "Anything".

Phillipians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Fundraising Update

Thank you to all my supporters, and God be praised!  My first deadline is still 3 weeks away, and I have met it early.  My current support is at $1359.  Thank you for your involvement in sending me to Interface.  You have been such a blessing to me!  Thank you for allowing God to use you in reminding me of His everyday faithfulness.  A lot of people continue to ask me how things are going, and let me know they’re praying for me and for the trip.  That is so comforting to know- that my friends and other Believers are lifting me up, asking that God’s will be done, and putting me in His Hands.  As of right now, a huge, continued prayer request is for the formation of the team.  Currently, the team going is very small, and we may be delayed till the summer of ’06.  I’d rather go in January (I’m already there in my mind), but I’m at peace with the possibility of waiting a few extra months.  I will give more trip details as I get them. 

"Be Faithful With Little", a.k.a. My 28th Birthday :)

Note: to get right to the point of this very long entry, go down to the white paragraph :)

Yesterday was my birthday, and as far as I can recall right now, it was the best birthday I've had!
First, I took Friday off from work. I had an eye appointment in the morning(yes- I'm getting glasses- THIS should be entertaining...), followed by some good time spent at my favorite spa (this is a birthday tradition- 3 years in a row). My coworkers made me come to work at 4:00, and they had dinner waiting for me- different latin foods- YUM! I also got "Princess" cupcakes- each with a Princess ring in it, a "Birthday Princess" thing-a-ma-giggy to wear on my head, and a Princess wand to wave. PERFECT!!! Then Friday night, I went over to a friend's house to watch these videos on creation theories (boring to some, yet interesting to me), and hung out with a bunch of friends.

I left that get-together at about 10:30 or so, because I was planning on getting up super early to go watch the sunrise (birthday tradition #2- about 5 years total). I'm saying my goodbyes, and my friend Michaela hugs me, wishes me a happy birthday, and asks, "So, are you going to be sad?" I said, "No, not this year", and left.

So now I'm driving home... Thinking to myself in the car, "I lied to her", when that (quiet) Little Voice says- in a tone that says "I DARE you"- "So, ask her to go with you then!"
"That's ridiculous! She wouldn't want to", I rebut. Buuuuuuut, I decide to at least try.
"Oh good- her cell phone's off!"
"So call someone else- that house is full of people." (again, using the "I dare you" voice- man, sometimes I hate when God is persistent...)
I called like 4 people before I got someone to put her on their phone! "Hey Michaela, what are you doing tomorrow morning?"
"Um, sleeping?"
"Weeeell, would you come to the beach with me?..." I don't think she was too fond of the time I said... She said she'd "think about it" and call me later.

HAHA!! That's a sure no! What was I thinking!?!

About Midnight, my phone wakes me up. "Hey Emily- I'll go with you, but we're going to Starbucks first." Surprise, surprise...

Honestly, Michaela there or not, I was still planning on having a pity party ("oh, woe is me- I'm another year older, boo hoo, sob, sob.") reading my Bible, praying, and taking pictures of the sunrise. I did all but the first.

The drive up was good- I got some stuff off my chest (never easy or pleasant), and had an open, unjudging ear that listened. I really wanted to fight that and clam up, and not answer questions, but for whatever reason (ha- like I believe that- it was God), I didn't. The time spent at the beach (or really at the sea wall- there WAS no beach!) was full of Godly opinion and advice and comments, some time in the Word, admiration of Creation, and really really uplifting prayer. There was no room for sadness, or tears (besides happy ones), or regret, etc. It was awesome! The drive back had a lot of music in it- because I can't not drive and blast tunes :) Oh yeah- and finally, we went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast (birthday tradition #3). The waiter was flirting with us, and the staff sang "happy birthday", and I got free ice cream and a brownie- yay! I guess I could have made this a whole lot shorter if I had just said, "it was an awesome morning!"

Here's the point to the sharing of the long story:
Be obediant. Be faithful to God. Be obediant in even the small, seemingly stupid, insignificant details of your life.
AND HE WILL BLESS YOU!!
But you have to be faithful! Don't just brush Him off, like I wanted to do Friday night in the car. Don't reduce His nudging to "some silly notion". LISTEN for Him. If something comes to mind that just wouldn't have naturally come to you, here's a newsflash: if you're a christian, it's probably from God! If I'd run from it Friday, I would have totally missed out on the blessing Saturday, and my birthday would have been a self-fulfilling, self-destructive prophecy.

Thank you Michaela, for allowing God to use you to help make my 28th birthday truly the best ever!

The rest of the day was awesome too! After I dropped Michaela off, I went to the new Kohl's in Altamonte and found 2 pairs of shoes (NO- they were work shoes and athletic shoes- not the cutesie, strappy, unneccessary kind) and a gift for Little One's birthday. Then I raced home, because I had a massage appointment. Verrrry good! Then I got ready and left for Little One's birthday party- only to realize I'd forgotten my wallet, and had to turn around and come home... This was the day's only set-back. That resulted in me only getting to stay at his party for literally 10 minutes... oops... But there was no way I was going to miss his first birthday! I left there to go to Season's 52- where 7 friends met me for dinner to help me celebrate (tradition #4 slightly modified- the last 4 birthdays I'd been to Houston's, but decided to go to my "new favorite" this year). VERY good meal- and the best company ever. THEN I went to the pumpkin carving party Revolution was having, and got to see even more friends. Finally, I went with my friend Meghan to go buy Cinderella (it's FINALLY out of the "Vault"- I've been waiting for this since like 1993!!), and went back to my place with 2 friends to watch my favorite ever Disney movie and fall asleep. That was the perfect ending to my most perfect birthday.

THE END!!

Rafting Trip Photos

I went rafting down the Ocoee River in Tennessee a few weeks ago with some Christian friends- what a great weekend! It's always good to be constantly surrounded by other Christians, and that weekend was a good example for me. I find they won't let you stay unhappy for too long, and they usually give the best advice. Thanks guys- for being such a good influence on me! Here are some photos. Fuzzy, but you'll get the idea. :) Hmmm... seems I have a lot of waterfall pics...

New Prayer Request

Wow- it's been a while... Well, here's a new prayer request for you: For the formation of a good-sized team to go to Interface in January- apparently the team's still in the making, and we need a minimum of 12 people. Right now we're 8 short... Uh-oh... I am actually praying for 18 people total- that's how many seats New Tribes has already held on the flights. My God's big enough- 18 sounds good to me! Please pray for the people who are right now considering participating, but haven't yet stepped forward.

Music Recommendations Part 2

I've said it before- I love music, so there are going to be MANY music recommendations!! The latest fav is Copeland (go visit them now). My 2 song recommendations for this evening are: No One Really Wins and Love Is A Fast Song.


"In the endless fight between Grace and Pride- no one really wins this time..."

New Tribes Giving Link

The New Tribes Giving site has been updated to include Interface participants, and I'm now listed as a "missionary". :) If you would like to make a donation online, you can click here. Then, in the menu to the right, you can either type in my last name, or look me up alphabetically. Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

Some Prayer Requests...

• For my supporters- for their well-being, their relationship with God, that they'd be blessed.
• For faithfulness in keeping in touch with my supporters.
• Financial concerns brought on by going away for 6 weeks.
• For better quiet times, and for an open heart. I pray specifically that every time I read The Word, God would help me learn something, and RETAIN the lesson.
• For love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
• For true surrender, and full reliance on God alone.
• I'm praying for the people who will also be attending Interface. I'm specifically praying that God would provide one or two people my age (or close to it)- I've heard that it can tend to be a "younger" bunch... I'm praying that I can connect with a few people who have strong hearts for missions, and make some lasting friends.
• That the culture shock isn't as bad as the first time I went. It was something I didn't even realize I was experiencing at the time, and it delivered quite a blow... I guess more than anything, pray that I keep a good attitude regardless and remain flexible in spite of cultural stuff that may arise...
• For language learning while over there- that's going to be a huge part of the curriculum, and for whatever reason, I am terrified of it!! Don't ask why- Spanish was easy enough- Pidgin should be a cinch!

To My Supporters...

Dear One,

Chances are, if you're reading this, you are my friend. (If you're EXTREMELY fortunate, you're my relative!!) I want to thank you for being a friend to me. Thank you for investing in me. Thank you for touching my life, and for being such a good influence on me. Thank you for your interest in my upcoming trip to PNG. Thanks for playing a role in sending me out to (hopefully) learn how I can best serve God. Thank you for lifting me up in prayer both now while I prepare to go, and while I'm gone too. If you received a prayer card, please put it on your fridge, a mirror, or in your Bible- some place where you'll see it (me) regularly, and remember to pray when you do. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as well. You are very special to me!

Music Recommendations Part 1

I LOVE MUSIC. I love all types of music too- just no country please :) One initial struggle as a secular-humanist-turned-christian was the music that was readily available to me. I knew I wanted to do away with the completely vulgar stuff, or even the stuff that "referenced" sex, drug or alcohol use, and the like- but what would I replace it with?? The local Christian radio station is good, but it is oh so "safe for even the littlest ears". I mean- come on- they play the "yabba-dabba-do-ya" song at least 5 times a day!! THAT IS NOT MY KIND OF MUSIC!!

God is so good- He knows your wants, needs and desires, and He wants to give His Child good gifts, and this is one venue where He's richly blessed me! I gave up the stuff that wasn't pleasing to Him- the stuff that would actually hinder my relationship with Him, and He gave me satellite radio!! (well, it came with my car, but really- that came from Him too!)

Here, now, is a shameless plug for XM- go check them out! Try the free 3 day internet sample, and listen to channel 31- The Torch. It's all-Christian, all awesome music!

Christian artists just blow my mind. They are sooooo talented, and they could be HUGE if they went with big labels, or sold out and were not as "overt" with their beliefs, etc. But these totally talented groups choose to remain small in stature, sell cd's from the back of a van, play in small venues, etc. Why? Because they're not in it for $$- They're using their talents to praise God. How cool is that??

I was driving back from Eustis one day this past spring, listening to a song pair from Cool Hand Luke- "I'm Not Ready" and "Sequence 3". There's this line: "I never truly lived until I died with You"... It reminds me of my favorite Romans 6, and I started crying- it was so powerful to me- There was someone else, somewhere, who became a Christian, and felt the same way I did, and they wrote a song about it...

Tonight, I have been preparing my support letters for mass distribution at Revolution tomorrow night. I'm sitting here in my office, folding letters, stamping envelopes, and listening to music. I happened across a band called "Falling Up", and here is the song that moved me this evening:

Falling In Love
You are my one true love
You are the voice that is so sweet
In everything I do, you bring the best out of me
You are my wings to fly
You are the wind beneath them
I miss you every night, when I close my eyes
You put your feelings down
You stopped your tears you brought me love
You held on to my heart
You held with hope to have me near
Sometimes I close my eyes
Sometimes I let my hunger rise
I think of all you are, you are the love of my life

All of my dreams and my passions
Are in your hands

You reached me in my need
Your rhythm flows under my skin
I need you desperately,
A sweet healing that will begin
You are my one true love
You are the voice that is so sweet
In everything I do, you bring the best out of me
My everything is you
The very motions that I move
And everything with richness
The richness of the peace you bring

All of my dreams and passions
Are in your hands

Always, always you are with me
You are the love of my life
He comes to find you on your knees

Don't you think for a second that this is referencing human love! That's too shallow- shame on you :) It's human love for a Heavenly Father. Someone loved God, and wanted to tell everyone else too, so he put it to music, backed it with talent, and sent it into the world as a song.

You are Holy...

(taken from a journal entry- Saturday, March 27, 2004)

"Praise Father God- Giver of life,
Power and might, goodness and light-
Ruler of all.
Praise to the Son- The Living Christ.
Body and Blood, Mercy and Love- sweet Sacrifice.
You are HOLY- HOLY.
Praise Holy Ghost- Voice in the dark,
Healer and Friend, Fire and Wind,
Lord of our hearts.
Praise Father God.
Praise to the Son.
Praise Holy Ghost-
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
You are HOLY- HOLY."

These are the words to my favorite praise song. I have decided that my favorite attribue of God is His Holiness. "Holy"... So much comes to mind in that simple word. In the phrase "You are Holy", I hear...

• You are Pure- free from sin.
• You are Truth- all Your words are true.
• You are sincere.
• You are sovereign. You are Ruler over everything and everyone, and every situation!
• You are powerful- You can do all things.
• You know all things.
• You are in control of all things.
• You hear all prayers.
• You direct all lives.
• You know all fears.
• You heal all hurts.
• You forgive all wrongs.
• You judge.
• You are JUST.
• You are mighty.
• You are reliant.
• You are Almighty! You can overcome anything!

And this is just the beginning!!

In "You are Holy", I see so much. I see me wanting things not in Your plan for me. I see You withholding my wants and desires from me because YOU know that there is something better for me. I see you saying "NO" to my requests. I see me crying and mourning for things I hold/held dear because they're being taken away. I see me begging for mudpies, when all You want to give me is a holiday on the shore...

I see me on my knees, saying and pleading, that God- Your will be done in my life, knowing that Yours and mine differ. I see me finally submitting to You, and feeling that unbelievable peace that You so often bless me with.

I love this song- and the phrase "You are Holy". Why is it that in spite of the fighting, begging and pleading, do I end up in the same place? It's a good place to end. My conclusion is always "You are Holy". You are in control of my life. You are in control of the difficult stuff, even if I can't make any sense of it. You know exactly why I'm going thru this. You know what the outcome will be- and why is that? Because You are Holy!

God, In "You are Holy", I see submission of myself to You, and of all humanity to You in the end! I love you Lord- because you are HOLY! Take control of my life, my thoughts, my actions, my heart...

INTERFACE 2006 FAQ

Emily, why are you going back to New Guinea?
I would have gone to Timbuktu, but Interface just happens to be held in New Guinea. I am very glad for the opportunity to return. It's a beautiful country (minus the spiders...), and I loved my time there in 2004.

What are your Financial obligations for this trip?
I'm glad you asked :) This trip will cost $4000. Payments are scheduled as follows:

November 7, 2005- $1300

December 5, 2005- $1300

January 2, 2006- anything that may be left to complete the full amount.

I am also in need of transportation to and from Los Angeles.

How can I be part of supporting you in your preparation and journey?
Two main ways I am in need of support: First and foremost, I covet your prayers. In a future post, you will find some immediate prayer requests. Also, check back every now and again for new posts with new prayer needs as I continue to prepare to go.

If you feel led to help me financially, here are some guidelines:

• Funds should be sent to New Tribes Missions by check or by money order- never cash. Checks or money orders must be made payable to New Tribes Missions. A note should be included, identifying me as the recipient (ex: "for Emily Parbhoo's SUMMIT account").
• The address to send donations to is: Destination SUMMIT, New Tribes Mission, 1000 E. First St., Sanford, Fl. 32771-1487
• You can also make online donations by looking up my name under "Missionary Search" at www.ntm.org/give.

Can I keep in touch with you while you're actually IN PNG?
Yes you can!! And I really hope you do! Included here is a snail address (just remember there is a serious lag time- about 3 weeks- so I wouldn't recommend mailing anything past Feb 5, 2006 or so...), and an alternative email address (not for use until I actually leave).

Emily Parbhoo
INTERFACE
NTM- Box 1079
Goroka, E.H.P 441
Paua New Guinea

itf_emily_parbhoo@ntm.org.pg

Can you keep in touch with friends/ family/ supporters while you're gone?
Yes I can, just on a limited basis. I will not have much phone access (it's for emergencies only), but I will have frequent email access, and I can always write a note and send it snail.

How can we find out what you're up to over there?
I plan on posting to this site every once in a while, to let family, supporters, and friends know what I've been learning, and what I've been experiencing.

So what exactly ARE you going to be learning??
VERY good question! Here is a list of the topics I'll be learning about.

• Motivation for Missions- Learn how you can fit into God's plans, find direction, and His will for your life as you focus on His eternal purposes.
• Evangelism and Discipleship- Learn how to effectively communicate the Gospel, and how to present the Bible's message using the Chronological Approach.
• Cross-Cultural Communication (I'm gonna be speaking Pidgin by the time I come home!!)- Classroom instruction followed by application in the village.
• Mission Methods- Look at the careful planning required for church-planting: language-learning goals, surveys, strategy statements, church-planting models, liguistics, literacy, Bible translation, and more.
• Support Ministries- Meet with missionary teachers, pilots, accoutants, field leaders, and others who faithfully work as part of the team to evangelize and plant churches.
• Finances in Missions- Look at what it costs to live as a missionary. Get Biblically-based, practical advice from experienced misisonaries.
• Communicating Missions- Learn how to communicate effectively in order to build partnerships with churches and individuals.
• Critical Issues in Missions- Frequently asked questions concerning the lost, a misionary's call, singleness, a woman's role in ministry, etc. are discussed.
• Missionary Training- What options are available, and what mission agencies will look for in a missionary candidate.

SUPPORT LETTER for Interface 2006

GO and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you ALWAYS, even to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20.

I have seen this for myself- I can tell you that the promise at the end is TRUE!! God has been so good to me in 2004 and 2005! Over and again He’s demonstrated unreasonable love for His child, and it just fills my heart with gratitude and awe, and love in return.

Friend, what stirs your heart for God’s sake? What is it that moves you to tears, and causes you to want to DO something for the sake of building the Kingdom? For me, it is the thought of one day witnessing people from every tribe, tongue and nation standing together, worshipping God, honoring Him, and praising His Holy Name.

Last summer, God blessed me with the opportunity to go to Papua New Guinea to assist some missionaries affiliated with New Tribes Missions in building their home. It was a totally awesome, mind-opening experience! I saw some of the most beautiful things God ever created, met some wonderful people, and learned a little about the culture and beliefs of a people who put their hopes in spirits and material possessions.

I was intrigued by stories about the “cityfolk”- who may have heard of Christ from one of many missionaries, but were led to believe they could earn Heaven through good works. I was captivated to hear about the “highlanders”- who may have never heard of Jesus before, didn't know He died for them, and really- didn't even know they were in need of His Salvation. I was puzzled by stories of the rituals and practices of these same people- how they can't understand the concepts of "Grace" or "Mercy" because nothing in their culture is free- everything has a price, even little "friendly gestures" require Payback.

I also learned how tremendous the task of effectively reaching these people is. There’s so much work involved in cross-cultural ministry! An important point made regarding our supportive efforts was that our work would help expedite the Gospel to people who had never heard of Christ before. Through that venture, I began to “grow a heart” for the duty of SUPPORT to those who are called to share the gospel with people in remote places.

God has been so good! He has blessed me with a new opportunity to return to New Guinea January 16 thru February 28, 2006, and participate in New Tribes’ INTERFACE program. This six week event is designed to give participants a realistic look at the “practical side” of missions. I’ll learn about the entire process of making the Gospel available cross-culturally and establishing a functioning church. I want to serve the Lord. I am truly trusting and praying that God will use this time to give me direction as to my future role in missions as well.

This is a real step of faith for me! I am trusting the Lord completely to provide for this trip. Why don’t you join me! More than anything, I ask for your prayers for this trip. Please pray with me concerning the following:

1. Preparation- packing weight is limited- it’ll be hard to decide what I’ll need for 6 weeks’ time!
2. Finances- I am trusting the Lord to provide the $4000 needed to cover the expenses of my trip, as well as for transportation to and from L.A. (the group departure point), AND home expenses while I am gone.
3. Spiritually- Pray that my life will glorify God both here, among my friends and family before I leave, and among a people of another culture. I am asking God to help me grow and mature in Him. Please pray for clear discernment for me as I make choices in the days to come while I’m preparing to go and while I’m abroad.
4. Dynamics- Pray for the hearts of those people who are even now becoming part of the team- that they will trust God, and desire for His Glory.

Would you prayerfully consider becoming involved in sending me to New Guinea? You’ll be playing an important part in this experience as you do. If God is leading you to support me thru prayer or financial means, please contact me. I encourage you to visit http://roamingangel.blogspot.com/. This site will include additional trip-related information, and will give updates on support raised, prayer requests, even accounts of what I’m up to when I’m actually over there!

In Him and For Him,

Emily Parbhoo.

Contact Info:
321-277-6714
4439 Brook Hollow Circle
Winter Springs, Fl. 32708
angelaxid@gmail.com
http://roamingangel.blogspot.com/

One Story's Ending...

"It's not what's inside that counts- it's your actions that people see."
(Ok, who can tell that I saw Batman Begins again last night?)

It doesn't matter what is in my heart. It doesn't matter what I believe, what my opinion is, what my intentions are. It doesn't matter what my feelings are. It doesn't matter how much I've prayed, or how hard I've tried... It doesn’t matter that one or two people can see the “good”, or if God Himself has graciously allowed for personal awareness of change in heart and attitude and life.

What matters is the outer layer to that inner core. It's what people see, how I portray myself. It just doesn't matter! I can be so pure of intention and heart, try so hard, feel so strongly, pray so fervently, be so sincere- it won't add up if people can't see it... Unfortunately, we are fallible, so this is really, REALLY subjective. That stinks.

The immediate conclusion I am tempted to be drawn to is, "But what about the PEOPLE?? I can't make them see me for me. Even if I did all the outer changing possible, I can't change a person's already written perspective, if they're unable or unwilling to forgive, or allow for new beginnings. I can't stop someone from stereotyping or (my personal favorite) pidgeon-holing." This is the conclusion I want to end with so badly!

Then that story comes to mind again... "The results of my obedience to Christ is not my responsibility. My responsibility is to BE OBEDIENT."

Matt.7:20- "By your FRUIT you will be known."

John 20:21

"As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."

Good stuff, good stuff... We have to go people. It's our JOB to go! Where are you going? Where have you been? Tell me a story!

YAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!

I'm going I'm going I'm going I'm going I'm going I'm going!!!

I know I already knew, but NOW I know even MORE!! YAY! I got my prayer cards a few days ago, and they're so cute! It's got a picture of me from when I was in PNG exactly this time last year. This is practically all I can think of, I'm so excited.

Ok now, all you who may be reading, time to send me a snail address so YOU can have a cute little card too :)

Pics from Jefferson City.

Betsy, Here are my pictures from Jeff City- hope you enjoy!

Missouri Pics.

A Snowflake of Opportunity...

Mine fell to Earth Monday, July 18. It came in the form of an application to participate in "Interface" with New Tribes Missions that I sent out, unsure of what to expect in return...

Today my answer came- I'm joining a team to attend Interface in New Guinea January 16 thru February 28, 2006. I can't wait- I'm so excited already!!! YAY! My Snowflake is growing...

I have prayed and prayed for God to put me where He wants me. God answered abundantly last year (exactly a year ago this week even) by opening doors, providing for His Child, and sending me to the Far Side of the World.

Thru that encounter, I was just captured by the stories told about missionaries who trusted God so completely, and went to the outskirts of civilization to tell people about Jesus- people who'd never heard His name, didn't know He died for them, and really- didn't even know they were in need of His Salvation. I was also puzzled by other stories about the rituals and practices of these same people- how they can't understand the concepts of "Grace" or "Mercy", because nothing in their culture is free- everything has a price, even little "friendly gestures" requires Payback.

I was utterly confused following my return from that first venture. What was THAT all about?? Why was it I had gone again? But one wise fellow-traveler drove this point home to me: my responsibility is NOT in understanding- or even seeing- the outcomes of my obedience to Christ. My only responsibility is to be obedient.

Some Good Stuff, And Some Evil...

Mmmmmmm... I really like this thing!! Since this whole blog scene is about sharing, I would be doing you, The Reader, a huge disservice if I didn't share some good links with you. Here now, you have a link to my church- lots of good resources there, a link to New Tribes Missions- of great importance to me, a link to the most conservative cable news channel- I'm a Republican, and a link to a very awesome devotional site- now go grow your relationship with God!



(much later...)
I am so freaking tired, and I have to go back to work!! (note post time) To know me is to love me. And those who know me will readily agree that I'm not always the most patient of people... (not with everything though- if you know me and disagree, I challenge you to come see what I do at work, and THEN say I have no patience!) This past week, I both switched my cell phone company to Cingular, and I got a cool new phone in the process. However, because I ported my old phone number, my Sprint service got cut off last Monday night, and I didn't get my new phone and Cingular service until Wednesday evening after work. I was so upset- that's my only phone! When I finally got things all set up with the new phone, I had 6 voicemails, and a few text messages too. So- if you are reading this, and happen to work for either Evil Sprint (as I affectionally call it) or Stupid Cingular (they are quickly losing their good standing with me even after one week), please consider that when a customer is porting a phone number, service with one company should NOT be turned off before service can actually be begun (meaning the new phone is in hand) with the new company!!! I don't know, I'm kind of simple, but that doesn't seem like too much to ask for...

Snow bunnies and the like...

Funny how little Snow Bunnies form (For all my warm climate friends, these are the cold equivalent to dust bunnies)...

One single snowflake drifts its way so peacefully across the sky, and tries to land safely on earth. Any slight breeze or wind gust though, and the snowflake only skids across the already-fallen snow. One snowflake's flawless crystal catches hold of another snowflake, and off they fly together. The next several landing attempts result in added snowflakes as well,until it is too heavy for flight. Now, it drifts and rolls along, gathering snow as it goes, till finally a loosely packed "Snow Bunny" is born. Up north, this is what kids find to start snowballs with. So now, in the hand of some excited snow-crazy kid, our Snow Bunny increases rapidly in size, and the outcome of growth is really unpredictable. If our Snow Bunny/snowball escapes from the kid and rolls downhill, growth could be astronomical! Or, if the kid is like 2 or something, and inexperienced in the fine art of snowball making, then it may not grow much at all...

So it is with our lives as Christians. A possibility, an opportunity comes our way. A desire is placed upon our heart. The Holy Spirit moves us to and fro, and we (as Christians) need to be open to His direction in our lives. We can experience such
EXPONENTIAL GROWTH, and feel so strongly God's presence in our lives-- or we can brush Him off, and reduce His prodding to "just a notion", resulting in a shrinking relationship...

The crazy thing is the free will aspect... What will we each choose to do with our lives? How much of ourselves will we just turn over to God to do with as He desires? This has been on my mind for almost a full year now.

I share this with you now because yesterday, one single snowflake fell...

Greetings!

My cool friend, Joel, just showed me how to do this blog thing. I don't know what I'm doing.

Tutorial One - Uploading Pics

Step One. Make sure you are aiming for your faces, and not Joel's chest. (Equipment needed- TRIPOD!!)

Step Two. Point and click, with maniacal expression on face.

Step Three. If the first picture is not bad enough, take another one.

Alrighty Folks, enough insight for now. Take care!