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Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
No translator necessary
Today my morning started by going to our orphanage in town to interview a few children for their mid-year report. I met one of the Vietnamese Orphan Voice staff there to help me talk to the kids and take down correct information. When we got there, 20 of the 23 kids had gone to school to meet their teachers (school starts on Monday!). Luckily, one of the three kids remaining was a girl I needed to interview.
The OV staff member was talking with the house father, trying to figure out what had happened with a child who used to be at the orphanage but now is not. While she was off, I went in with two of the girls I've gotten to know really well. They're 11 & 12 years old and know a few English words, so I really rely on the Vietnamese I've learned thus far to communicate with them. I opened up my computer to get the document ready for the interview and started asking the 11 year old girl the questions I knew how to ask her in Vietnamese, so save time while waiting.
Before I knew it, all of the questions were answered!! There were a few things that we had to use body language to figure out (when I asked about her health, she acted out *coughing*), but for the most part, between me, the 11 year old interviewee and the 12 year old observer, we figured it all out!
Soon after, the Vietnamese OV staff came in apologizing and was ready to begin. I told her we were finished and she looked at me blankly, then laughed a giddy, encouraging laugh =)
I thought this was a fun experience, but didn't think much more about it until I went home for lunch an told my roommate Kaitlyn about it. She said, "That's huge!"
She's right, that's huge! I hadn't stopped to think about the fact that I effectively asked important questions and understood the answers in a foreign language... in VIETNAMESE.
I think I've been so focused on how much better at speaking this language others are than me, and the level of speaking and comprehension that I want to get to, that I missed this marker or progress. A few months ago, I would not have been able to write of this accomplishment; but today, (mostly by the Grace of G*d and the encouragement of supportive friends) I can.
That's progress :)
The OV staff member was talking with the house father, trying to figure out what had happened with a child who used to be at the orphanage but now is not. While she was off, I went in with two of the girls I've gotten to know really well. They're 11 & 12 years old and know a few English words, so I really rely on the Vietnamese I've learned thus far to communicate with them. I opened up my computer to get the document ready for the interview and started asking the 11 year old girl the questions I knew how to ask her in Vietnamese, so save time while waiting.
Before I knew it, all of the questions were answered!! There were a few things that we had to use body language to figure out (when I asked about her health, she acted out *coughing*), but for the most part, between me, the 11 year old interviewee and the 12 year old observer, we figured it all out!
Soon after, the Vietnamese OV staff came in apologizing and was ready to begin. I told her we were finished and she looked at me blankly, then laughed a giddy, encouraging laugh =)
I thought this was a fun experience, but didn't think much more about it until I went home for lunch an told my roommate Kaitlyn about it. She said, "That's huge!"
She's right, that's huge! I hadn't stopped to think about the fact that I effectively asked important questions and understood the answers in a foreign language... in VIETNAMESE.
I think I've been so focused on how much better at speaking this language others are than me, and the level of speaking and comprehension that I want to get to, that I missed this marker or progress. A few months ago, I would not have been able to write of this accomplishment; but today, (mostly by the Grace of G*d and the encouragement of supportive friends) I can.
That's progress :)
Monday, August 9, 2010
I can't do this alone.
I started babysitting I think when I was 11 or 12 years old. As soon as I was 15 or 16 I got an actual "paycheck" job and I've been working ever since. The concept of working without pay is something I am still having a hard time with.
Moving to Vietnam was something I did because I felt a calling to be a part of the bigger picture. There was a need and I knew I was able to physically go, so I did. My heart was telling me to go, the Lord was telling me to go, but my logical thinking, "provide for yourself, take care of yourself," was telling me I couldn't go. I had to throw away logic and trust in the Provider.
Titus 3:14
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.
1 Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Luke 12:24
Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!
Luke 12:28
If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!
I know that many people have a burden on their heart for the poor and underprivileged around the world, but are physically unable to go.
I want to ask you to join with me in this journey I am on. I can not do this alone. I am physically here, but I need you, friends and family to join with me and be my team. I am here advocating and working for the underprivileged. We need your prayers, advice, encouragement, resources, stories, love. We need you. When you feel passionate about something, share it! When you have a testimony, share it! When you feel convicted, share it!
I am here physically, but I know many of your minds and hearts are here as well. Let me be your hands and feet, working for our team here.
If you want to give financially, the information for giving is below. One time donations are wonderful, and monthly donations are a necessity.
If you will commit to praying regularly, please let me know!
If there is something on your heart that you want to know about in our efforts in Vietnam, I will do my best to find information for you.
The best way to support me is by check.
Simply make the check out to Orphan Voice Ministries and be sure to write Audrey Quealey in the memo.
Mail To:
Orphan Voice
1510 Newtown Pike, Ste. 152
Lexington, KY 40511
You can also give online by visiting the Orphan Voice website.
http://www.orphanvoice.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1
In the DESIGNATION drop-down bar, remember to select "Audrey Quealey Support," and simply enter the amount you want to donate.
All giving is tax-deductible.
Moving to Vietnam was something I did because I felt a calling to be a part of the bigger picture. There was a need and I knew I was able to physically go, so I did. My heart was telling me to go, the Lord was telling me to go, but my logical thinking, "provide for yourself, take care of yourself," was telling me I couldn't go. I had to throw away logic and trust in the Provider.
Titus 3:14
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.
1 Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Luke 12:24
Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!
Luke 12:28
If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!
I know that many people have a burden on their heart for the poor and underprivileged around the world, but are physically unable to go.
I want to ask you to join with me in this journey I am on. I can not do this alone. I am physically here, but I need you, friends and family to join with me and be my team. I am here advocating and working for the underprivileged. We need your prayers, advice, encouragement, resources, stories, love. We need you. When you feel passionate about something, share it! When you have a testimony, share it! When you feel convicted, share it!
I am here physically, but I know many of your minds and hearts are here as well. Let me be your hands and feet, working for our team here.
If you want to give financially, the information for giving is below. One time donations are wonderful, and monthly donations are a necessity.
If you will commit to praying regularly, please let me know!
If there is something on your heart that you want to know about in our efforts in Vietnam, I will do my best to find information for you.
The best way to support me is by check.
Simply make the check out to Orphan Voice Ministries and be sure to write Audrey Quealey in the memo.
Mail To:
Orphan Voice
1510 Newtown Pike, Ste. 152
Lexington, KY 40511
You can also give online by visiting the Orphan Voice website.
http://www.orphanvoice.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1
In the DESIGNATION drop-down bar, remember to select "Audrey Quealey Support," and simply enter the amount you want to donate.
All giving is tax-deductible.
new every morning
Every morning starts the same way: I'm confused at the noise that wakes me from my sleep, and after about 10 minutes I figure out that I've been sleeping and I need to be awake. But what day is it? Why am I waking up?
Maybe it's Saturday, what do I need to wake up for? Do I have plans? Oh no, am I late to meet someone????
No, it can't be Saturday-I'm pretty sure I went to church yesterday....yeah I did.
I went to church yesterday? AHHHH it's Monday! I'm late for work! What time is it?
6:00am.
Whew.
Get up, boil water, turn on fans, make coffee, make oatmeal, get bble, sit down, pray, drink, eat, read, pray, drink, eat, read, pray...
Oh no! 8:00am.
Get dressed, go to work!
My mornings usually seem to follow this pattern. It might sound frantic or stressful, but it's not. It's my routine now. The confusion of sleepiness keeps everything feeling new and spontaneous :)
For awhile, my mornings at work were all the same; going into the office, answering emails and working on documents and plans for incoming Friendship Teams. Different tasks, but almost always in the office 8:30am-12:00pm for my morning before lunch. Lately I've gotten to spend more time out, seeing and doing. I can see how this was necessary now. I was content working in the office, I wanted nothing more-I loved the work I was doing!
Once the Friendship Team arrived, I (as the Friendship Team Coordinator) was with them all day, everyday, at the orphanages, doing things with and for the kids. Orphan Voice does so many different projects in and around Central Vietnam and I've been learning a lot about them all in the past 5 months. But without seeing and experiencing, I was kind of detached.
Now that I've spent so much time with the children at the orphanage I am getting to know them-I know their personalities, their ailments, their favorite jokes, their love languages, their preferred games and tricks....I long to be around them.
My mornings aren't always in the office now. There are many things I need to get done on the computer still, so I do that of course. But now, seeing the kids has become a priority. If it's been a few days and I haven't seen them, I can say "I'm going to Promise House because I haven't been in a few days," and that's completely acceptable.
That's what I love about my job; going to Love the children is a beyond acceptable reason to go out for a few hours.
My mornings always start the same, but my days have been transforming as my knowledge and love for the orphans in Da Nang has grown in the past month. My heart and my desires are changing and transforming in ways I never thought was "me." I love behind the scenes, administrative, support, clerical work. I always have. And I stopped there, accepting that's who I was.
I was wrong--that's not all I am.
The Maker of Heaven has much more in store for me and His purposes surprise me and mystify me daily. Here I am humbly saying again "You are God and I am not. Thank you. I will follow You, Your ways are not my ways."
And for that, I am grateful.
Maybe it's Saturday, what do I need to wake up for? Do I have plans? Oh no, am I late to meet someone????
No, it can't be Saturday-I'm pretty sure I went to church yesterday....yeah I did.
I went to church yesterday? AHHHH it's Monday! I'm late for work! What time is it?
6:00am.
Whew.
Get up, boil water, turn on fans, make coffee, make oatmeal, get bble, sit down, pray, drink, eat, read, pray, drink, eat, read, pray...
Oh no! 8:00am.
Get dressed, go to work!
My mornings usually seem to follow this pattern. It might sound frantic or stressful, but it's not. It's my routine now. The confusion of sleepiness keeps everything feeling new and spontaneous :)
For awhile, my mornings at work were all the same; going into the office, answering emails and working on documents and plans for incoming Friendship Teams. Different tasks, but almost always in the office 8:30am-12:00pm for my morning before lunch. Lately I've gotten to spend more time out, seeing and doing. I can see how this was necessary now. I was content working in the office, I wanted nothing more-I loved the work I was doing!
Once the Friendship Team arrived, I (as the Friendship Team Coordinator) was with them all day, everyday, at the orphanages, doing things with and for the kids. Orphan Voice does so many different projects in and around Central Vietnam and I've been learning a lot about them all in the past 5 months. But without seeing and experiencing, I was kind of detached.
Now that I've spent so much time with the children at the orphanage I am getting to know them-I know their personalities, their ailments, their favorite jokes, their love languages, their preferred games and tricks....I long to be around them.
My mornings aren't always in the office now. There are many things I need to get done on the computer still, so I do that of course. But now, seeing the kids has become a priority. If it's been a few days and I haven't seen them, I can say "I'm going to Promise House because I haven't been in a few days," and that's completely acceptable.
That's what I love about my job; going to Love the children is a beyond acceptable reason to go out for a few hours.
My mornings always start the same, but my days have been transforming as my knowledge and love for the orphans in Da Nang has grown in the past month. My heart and my desires are changing and transforming in ways I never thought was "me." I love behind the scenes, administrative, support, clerical work. I always have. And I stopped there, accepting that's who I was.
I was wrong--that's not all I am.
The Maker of Heaven has much more in store for me and His purposes surprise me and mystify me daily. Here I am humbly saying again "You are God and I am not. Thank you. I will follow You, Your ways are not my ways."
And for that, I am grateful.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Testimonies
As I've been learning and growing in the past couple months, it has continually been revealed to me the importance of sharing about what the Lrd is doing in my life. There is a song by The Desperation Band called "Overcome" that has been a theme for me lately. There is a verse in it that says:
We will overcome,
By the blood of the Lamb
And the word of our testimony
Everyone, overcome!
Speaking out the work of the Father is one of our tools in battle against the enemy!
So please hear some of my battle cries; this is me claiming victory, exclaiming words of truth and proclamation with courage and confidence in the power and authority of JC!!
(I first wrote this as an email to some friends, and from there was inspired to share it with all of you!)
A few weeks ago at our Young Adults group, my friend was playing keyboard and leading us in songs as the Lrd brought songs to his mind. I was having a hard time getting my heart and mind focused on wrshp. The Lrd inserted a LOUD thought in my mind to just apologize to Him--I had been thinking, "Lrd, why cant I connect? I just want to wrship, what's going on?" so after that loud thought, I just said "Lrd I'm sorry! Here is my heart, ready to praise you!" That was all it took. At that point I felt like Audrey disappeared and my spirit was just completely connected with the HS. My friend started playing many songs in a row that I've only really heard about 10 years ago, all around the time I gave my life to the Lrd. I associate these songs with when the Lrd really grabbed hold of me and revealed his all encompassing, unfathomable love to me. The keyboardist didn't know this but I told him the next day just how the HS worked through him in my life. It was awesome.
A few times in the past 2 months (Since my healing!) people have told me they think I have a gift of healing, imparted to me since I was healed. I've received their comments, and just said to Gd "Lrd if this is from you then that is wonderful and I will continue to pry in faith." I know all healing comes from the Lrd, and it doesn't matter who He uses because it is all in His power. There have been a few times I've asked for healing in my own body in the past 2 months and I've felt the Lrd work almost instantly. Also with one friend's tummy the other day, and with another friend's breathing a few weeks ago. Last week Timothy pry anointing on me for me to heal more, but he only knew of my praying for the stomach pain in our friend. It's all been amazing to see, but I also haven't thought much of it in regards to being a "gift" I have. I guess I don't understand if "healing" can be a gift that I, Audrey, have. It doesn't seem like a gift specific to me, because it's not anything I'm doing, but the Lrd.
In switching jobs this month, I've been preparing for a different financial situation. I will now have more expenses to pay, and no monthly stipend from work like I've been having the past year. I am working on fundraising now, but I've really not felt worry or stress about any of it. I really believe in what the Lrd has set out for me and I trust He will guide me in the right ways. As I began prying about the whole situation many weeks ago, the Lrd provided me with more tutoring hours with one family, and a possible second family to tutor for.
Two weeks ago my dad finally (after many failed attempts by me) got through to my student loan lender to have my monthly payment lowered with ease no penalty. That is a huge relief!
Three days ago, an unexpected $ amount showed up in my bank account! I asked my sending organization at APU about it and they said it wasn't a mistake! I'm still shocked about this.
Sunday morning the lrd told me to really examine how honest I was being with Him--why I felt so compelled to be open and honest about my shortcomings and sin with the humans I feel close to in my life, but try to be "presentable" to the Lrd. At the end of the message, the speaker asked if anyone had anything to share and I knew I had to share this with the fellowship. 3 different people talked to me in the day or 2 after that telling me they needed to hear what I'd said, ptl.
About a month ago at our pryer group, Jemimah shared with us about her fasting and Gd really spoke to me. I've never really fasted too seriously before. That week I really fasted and the Lrd met me in a way I've never experienced before. It made me want to fast everyday, never wanting to be apart from such intimate and intense communion with the Lrd. I am learning a lot and have decided to fast at least once a week now, but seeking to learn how to live in a constant mentality of fasting and surrendering my flesh to the Lrd.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sharing these personal stories is a wonderful feeling. I feel blessed and humbled by the Father and I hope reading about things He has been doing in my life can be encouraging to you. I want to encourage you to start looking for His involvement in your own life, and to share!
If you have testimonies I would love to hear them! You are all an incredible encouragement to me, thank you for running alongside me as I continue on this journey :)
--Song noted: "Overcome" by The Desperation Band
We will overcome,
By the blood of the Lamb
And the word of our testimony
Everyone, overcome!
Speaking out the work of the Father is one of our tools in battle against the enemy!
So please hear some of my battle cries; this is me claiming victory, exclaiming words of truth and proclamation with courage and confidence in the power and authority of JC!!
(I first wrote this as an email to some friends, and from there was inspired to share it with all of you!)
A few weeks ago at our Young Adults group, my friend was playing keyboard and leading us in songs as the Lrd brought songs to his mind. I was having a hard time getting my heart and mind focused on wrshp. The Lrd inserted a LOUD thought in my mind to just apologize to Him--I had been thinking, "Lrd, why cant I connect? I just want to wrship, what's going on?" so after that loud thought, I just said "Lrd I'm sorry! Here is my heart, ready to praise you!" That was all it took. At that point I felt like Audrey disappeared and my spirit was just completely connected with the HS. My friend started playing many songs in a row that I've only really heard about 10 years ago, all around the time I gave my life to the Lrd. I associate these songs with when the Lrd really grabbed hold of me and revealed his all encompassing, unfathomable love to me. The keyboardist didn't know this but I told him the next day just how the HS worked through him in my life. It was awesome.
A few times in the past 2 months (Since my healing!) people have told me they think I have a gift of healing, imparted to me since I was healed. I've received their comments, and just said to Gd "Lrd if this is from you then that is wonderful and I will continue to pry in faith." I know all healing comes from the Lrd, and it doesn't matter who He uses because it is all in His power. There have been a few times I've asked for healing in my own body in the past 2 months and I've felt the Lrd work almost instantly. Also with one friend's tummy the other day, and with another friend's breathing a few weeks ago. Last week Timothy pry anointing on me for me to heal more, but he only knew of my praying for the stomach pain in our friend. It's all been amazing to see, but I also haven't thought much of it in regards to being a "gift" I have. I guess I don't understand if "healing" can be a gift that I, Audrey, have. It doesn't seem like a gift specific to me, because it's not anything I'm doing, but the Lrd.
In switching jobs this month, I've been preparing for a different financial situation. I will now have more expenses to pay, and no monthly stipend from work like I've been having the past year. I am working on fundraising now, but I've really not felt worry or stress about any of it. I really believe in what the Lrd has set out for me and I trust He will guide me in the right ways. As I began prying about the whole situation many weeks ago, the Lrd provided me with more tutoring hours with one family, and a possible second family to tutor for.
Two weeks ago my dad finally (after many failed attempts by me) got through to my student loan lender to have my monthly payment lowered with ease no penalty. That is a huge relief!
Three days ago, an unexpected $ amount showed up in my bank account! I asked my sending organization at APU about it and they said it wasn't a mistake! I'm still shocked about this.
Sunday morning the lrd told me to really examine how honest I was being with Him--why I felt so compelled to be open and honest about my shortcomings and sin with the humans I feel close to in my life, but try to be "presentable" to the Lrd. At the end of the message, the speaker asked if anyone had anything to share and I knew I had to share this with the fellowship. 3 different people talked to me in the day or 2 after that telling me they needed to hear what I'd said, ptl.
About a month ago at our pryer group, Jemimah shared with us about her fasting and Gd really spoke to me. I've never really fasted too seriously before. That week I really fasted and the Lrd met me in a way I've never experienced before. It made me want to fast everyday, never wanting to be apart from such intimate and intense communion with the Lrd. I am learning a lot and have decided to fast at least once a week now, but seeking to learn how to live in a constant mentality of fasting and surrendering my flesh to the Lrd.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sharing these personal stories is a wonderful feeling. I feel blessed and humbled by the Father and I hope reading about things He has been doing in my life can be encouraging to you. I want to encourage you to start looking for His involvement in your own life, and to share!
If you have testimonies I would love to hear them! You are all an incredible encouragement to me, thank you for running alongside me as I continue on this journey :)
--Song noted: "Overcome" by The Desperation Band
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
I'm HEALED!!
I think many of you know that I have been dealing with a gluten-intolerance for a few years now. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, oats and rye. I haven't been eating any bread products, baked goods, crackers, even some things such as soy sauce has gluten in it. In the past few months my symptoms had been changing and getting worse. I was pretty sure the intolerance was developing into celiac disease.
I also have had allergies to shellfish, as well as lactose intolerance for a long time.
In February, I pryed with some friends about many things, including my food allergies and intolerances. Gluten intolerance was the main one that effected my daily life, but I never really thought it was something I didn't have to have, or that the Father would heal me from it. After this pryer time, I would test to see if I was healed yet, by eating a cracker or piece of bread. I was still getting sick. One day, without thinking about it, I ate some soup at a party and afterward, I realized it had been crab soup. I didn't have an allergic reaction! PTL!!! :)
In the middle of March, I went to Ha Noi for a conference and some of my spiritual mentors pryed again for healing for me (the same people I pryed with in February), and I fully believed and felt Gd do something within me. About 15 minutes later I ate pizza for lunch with a cookie to follow...and I didn't get sick! And then for at least one meal following that everyday I had wheat, and still--not sick! Here I am almost 2 months later, and STILL not sick! PTL!!
So I am praising the Lrd for His amazing power and love. He is the Gd of healing, deliverance, provision, grace, peace, mercy and salvation. I am walking daily in the freedom He gives to eat without fear of sickness, and to live without fear. I am now using/making/baking all of my gluten free supplies more frequently, not feeling like I have to save it or make it last :)
Work Changes
So much has been changing and happening since my visit to the States this past February. The Lord definitely spoke to me through many people while I was home and prepared me to start thinking and prying about change and following His leading.
While away from Vietnam, I began realizing and identifying talents and passions I have in my everyday life, as being valuable assets to Gd and that He created me to be this way on purpose, for His purpose. I've been learning now how to embrace these things as wonderful and not comparing myself to those I see and revere as "all-star" believers, serving the Lord in "better" and "more valuable" ways than I am.
I am a SUPPORTER, ENCOURAGER, and even a MOBILIZER! =) I am continuing to learn about this and discover what it means, but I am loving the process and finding so much freedom in accepting His calling on my life and I am excited to see what else He will teach me and reveal to me about the work He is doing and how He wants me to be involved and join Him. I have no doubts that there are many surprises and revelations waiting for me around the corner. What an incredible state of expectation to be in, not hoping for the Father to reveal Himself, but expecting Him to with confidence and assurance.
As of May 15 I will no longer be teaching English at the English center, due to some recent changes in policy of the HIS Years program. I have started volunteering with an organization called Orphan Voice (www.orphanvoice.org). They do orphan relief work, child sponsorship, medical care, etc. I am the "Friendship Team Coordinator." I organize and coordinate volunteer teams who will come here to serve, helping them with travel arrangements, accommodations, scheduling their activities and service while here, and everything related. I've also taken on tasks of assisting the director of the organization in his travel planning, as well as some administrative duties like filtering information for him to read and giving him summaries of important documents. I LOVE IT. I never thought that these "guilty" pleasures I have could be what the Father created me do to in support of advancing His kingdom. I thought it had to look a certain way, or you weren't doing EVERYthing possible to serve Him. I am so humbled in learning this, and also so overwhelmed by His love and power. He is THE creator and the author of THE master plan. How cool is that?? Amazing.
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