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 :)
Friday, August 20, 2010
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.
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