There are so many changes that are happening in the next 6 months. In case you have just tuned in or haven't checked up in a while there are a lot of plans in the works for the next 6 months. Here is a general itinerary:
End of August: Visit friends in NJ to celebrate end of Service term
End of September: Move out of apartment
Middle of October: Drive across the country to move to Arizona
Thanksgiving Week: Visit the family in Denver (including new niece/nephew)
Beginning of December: Fly to the Philippines!
Middle of January: Return to Arizona
Undetermined Time in the Spring: Return to Michigan
It is only 117 days until I get to return to the Philippines :) I am sooo excited! Last night I looked around my apartment and started to get overwhelmed at all the small tasks I have to do in the next 7 weeks to prepare for all of these things.
Complete AmeriCorps term
Verify that I have a storage unit
Sort out what goes to the Philippines in the next box
Sort out what goes to long term storage
Sort out what goes to temporary storage
Start my next graduate class
Move my pet (Frenchie the Turtle) to her new place
Figure out Visa information
Figure out if I need vaccinations
Clean the apartment
Figure out where I am staying for the first two weeks of October
Earn some money in there somewhere to pay for all of these things
Okay, so it's not all small things, but that's how I need to look at it so I don't get overwhelmed. I am so appreciative of the support I have around me. I can tell people are praying for me because despite all of this I am remarkably calm and collected most of the time. I still have some concerns when it comes to budget, but I am constantly reminded that God has provided for me every step of the way my entire life. I may not be living large, but God is equipping me for the call he has placed in my life.
Thank you for partnering with me in this tumultuous time in life! It truly is an Adventure in Missions!
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Monday, July 11, 2016
Letter to Share...
Ladies and Gentleman,
The time has finally come. I have graduated with my TESOL certification and I am in the final stages of preparation to teach overseas. If you are just tuning in, God has been preparing me to teach English in the Philippines for the last several years. 2018 is the year! Okay, at least I pray with your help it will be the year. I am going to spend 6 weeks this winter in Juagdon, Bohol as a preparation for the longer term mission. Lord willing, this long term would hopefully be at least 3-5 years starting some time in 2018, depending on funding.
This next year will be about creating a curriculum, determining what my duties beyond teaching would entail and raising financial support to match my spiritual and moral support. As of right now the plan is that this fall I will apply to Commission to Every Nation (CTEN) in partnership with the Evangelical Church of Christ Universal (ECCU) and House of Hope: Philippines (orphanage). I am currently in conversation with Melina Dupalco and the Cajigas family whom are currently serving in Juagdon’s community. It is my hope to come alongside them as a compliment to their existing programs.
For the up coming visit I have several goals. The first of which is to maintain the connection to the community and those already serving the people. It has been 6 years since I have been able to be on the shores of Bohol and spend time getting to know it's people. An additional goal is to find out what programs are already in place so as to compliment and not replicate. I am excited for many conversations with Melina as the outreach pastor of the ECCU and hope she is able to connect me with those who truly represent the population of Juagdon. My last goal which is just as important, if not more so than any of the others, is to listen to the people to learn what they want and need. I will arrive with ideas, but I want their needs to guide my decisions in preparing the curriculum.
Here is where I need you. There are many moving parts to this plan. YOUR PRAYER SUPPORT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED IN THIS TIME OF TRANSITION! With out the prayers of the body of Christ this will be an even more difficult road to follow. I know God has called me to this place. It is a call he planted and has been watering since my very first visit in 2004. In preparation of this visit, I have a team working on gathering some needed supplies for the orphanage and its inhabitants. This will include putting together at least one care package, but more than likely 2 or even 3. There are currently 9 orphans and at least one staff member besides the Cajigas family and we want to bless the sinelas off of them! Well, they don't often wear socks so their flipflops will have to do :)
If you feel called to support this endeavor in a physical way there are several choices. You can donate supplies from the list posted to the left of this blog. You can connect with me about sponsoring one of the orphans with a Christmas package. You can sponsor the shipping costs for one (or more) of the care package boxes. Or, as the budgeted cost to fulfill this endeavor is at $2075, you can send a monetary donation to the address listed below. I am also able to accept card donations through ProPay or transfers through PayPal.THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT! WITH OUT MY CHRISTIAN FAMILY THESE THINGS WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE! AMEN and AMEN.
Resting in HIS Grace,
Christine A. DavenportDeuteronomy 20:1-2
Blog: christineatwork.blogspot.com
Google #: 616-259-4050
Facebook: Christine at Work: An Adventure in MissionsMailing Address: (until Sept.) 3902 Mayfield Ave #1C
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Friday, June 24, 2016
Summer Swing
Summer is definitely here!
The following is a lot to take in, so here is the short version in bullet point prayer requests:
*Sorting/Packing my stuff
*Care package donation to come in
*Financial support raising
*Starting graduate school
*Transition out of MI (temporarily)
For most of my life summer has been the time for transitions. It has a lot to do with school year calendars and being the most friendly time to do the "unusual" things of life. Right now I am working on a lot of little projects.
I have my tickets booked!!!!!!! I will be traveling December 6th - January 17th. The process was smooth, so thank you so much for your prayers. I have confirmation in hand for the tickets and insurance papers are on the way.
I have started to go through my physical possessions. One of the hardest things is trying to determine what should be kept, stored, or given away. As a perpetual student and book lover I have quite the collection of resources. I have been blessed over the past few years to increase my collection of fine books. But how do I decide what to save and what to pass on to the next person? I have someone who is willing to store a couple of boxes of books in a safe and dry place, but is a couple of boxes enough? Or is it too much? The danger of starting a book collection before being settled in a long term place... oh well. Next stop, the storage closet... ugh.
I am working with the Cajigas family to produce a ministry donation list. I have a start to a list on the left side of this blog. The list has two (2) parts. The first is a list of things the orphanage needs. The second part is a list of things I will need while I am there, but the orphanage/Cajigas family will also use them after I am gone. I have not verified yet, but I think most any personal hygiene items for kids and even adults would be appreciated. Also, new or gently used clothing and possibly shoes as they now have somewhere near a dozen kids in their care. As needs arise I will add and edit the list. Oh, and don't forget they also love to get art work from the families back here in the states:) The summer care package will be sent no later than August 15th. Please contact me if you have things to add to the box(es).
I have not set to writing my budget for the upcoming trip, but estimates show it will be close to $2000 including travel costs and the care package and shipment. If you are willing and able financial support as well as supplies would be greatly appreciated. In the months to follow my Dec/Jan visit long term budgets will be created and requests for donations of other resources will be sent out.
In three weeks I will be taking my first official graduate level classes! I am excited and nervous at the same time. I really did take a year off school, but it hardly feels like it to most people. (Myself included!) You have to love the joy of federal student loans! I have officially finished my paperwork and the cost of classes are covered... I'm just close to doubling my already hefty sized student loan debt.
And last but not least, for those of you who do not know... in this time of preparation for the future I am making a cross-country move (temporarily) again. My current contract position ends in August and my lease expires in September. That means I get to spend October and November with my family! This is why the need to sort through my personal belongings this summer. I will be returning to West Michigan sometime in the spring.
P.S. - For those of you who are astute and noticed there was nothing yet said about the Mission Agency and application... I have decided to hold off until at least after the transition to AZ to complete and submit the application.
The following is a lot to take in, so here is the short version in bullet point prayer requests:
*Sorting/Packing my stuff
*Care package donation to come in
*Financial support raising
*Starting graduate school
*Transition out of MI (temporarily)
For most of my life summer has been the time for transitions. It has a lot to do with school year calendars and being the most friendly time to do the "unusual" things of life. Right now I am working on a lot of little projects.
I have my tickets booked!!!!!!! I will be traveling December 6th - January 17th. The process was smooth, so thank you so much for your prayers. I have confirmation in hand for the tickets and insurance papers are on the way.
I have started to go through my physical possessions. One of the hardest things is trying to determine what should be kept, stored, or given away. As a perpetual student and book lover I have quite the collection of resources. I have been blessed over the past few years to increase my collection of fine books. But how do I decide what to save and what to pass on to the next person? I have someone who is willing to store a couple of boxes of books in a safe and dry place, but is a couple of boxes enough? Or is it too much? The danger of starting a book collection before being settled in a long term place... oh well. Next stop, the storage closet... ugh.
I am working with the Cajigas family to produce a ministry donation list. I have a start to a list on the left side of this blog. The list has two (2) parts. The first is a list of things the orphanage needs. The second part is a list of things I will need while I am there, but the orphanage/Cajigas family will also use them after I am gone. I have not verified yet, but I think most any personal hygiene items for kids and even adults would be appreciated. Also, new or gently used clothing and possibly shoes as they now have somewhere near a dozen kids in their care. As needs arise I will add and edit the list. Oh, and don't forget they also love to get art work from the families back here in the states:) The summer care package will be sent no later than August 15th. Please contact me if you have things to add to the box(es).
I have not set to writing my budget for the upcoming trip, but estimates show it will be close to $2000 including travel costs and the care package and shipment. If you are willing and able financial support as well as supplies would be greatly appreciated. In the months to follow my Dec/Jan visit long term budgets will be created and requests for donations of other resources will be sent out.
In three weeks I will be taking my first official graduate level classes! I am excited and nervous at the same time. I really did take a year off school, but it hardly feels like it to most people. (Myself included!) You have to love the joy of federal student loans! I have officially finished my paperwork and the cost of classes are covered... I'm just close to doubling my already hefty sized student loan debt.
And last but not least, for those of you who do not know... in this time of preparation for the future I am making a cross-country move (temporarily) again. My current contract position ends in August and my lease expires in September. That means I get to spend October and November with my family! This is why the need to sort through my personal belongings this summer. I will be returning to West Michigan sometime in the spring.
P.S. - For those of you who are astute and noticed there was nothing yet said about the Mission Agency and application... I have decided to hold off until at least after the transition to AZ to complete and submit the application.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
What's the plan Stan?
I'm always talking about the Philippines. My students even keep asking me, "So teacher when are you going to leave us?" Well, every day I am one step closer to making it a reality.
In the last two weeks I have solidified travel dates for the short term visit, talked to a travel agent about it, opened a ministry specific account, and worked toward filling out the sending agency application.
"But, Christine, what does all of that mean?"
Well, I had to wait for the new account card to come, but tomorrow I will be calling the travel agent back to officially book the flight. I will most likely be going December 6th - January 14th. Flight availability might change it by a day or two.
Although they would not yet be tax deductible donations I have a separate account set up if anyone would like to start sending me financial support to include the short term trip.
Also, by the end of the week I hope to have the sending agency application sent in. If I am approved, meaning that my vision fits within their mission, I will get deputized to begin officially raising tax-deductible funds. This organization would also be another way I would be able to stay connected to you all as my supporters.
Most importantly what all of this means is I have several specific prayer request:
*For details of the flight to be easy to figure out
*For financial support to start coming in
*For guidance in being true to myself and reality in filling out the application
*For patience through the approval process
*For the process to be smooth and painless
*Also for smooth transitions in the next 3 months for me
In the last two weeks I have solidified travel dates for the short term visit, talked to a travel agent about it, opened a ministry specific account, and worked toward filling out the sending agency application.
"But, Christine, what does all of that mean?"
Well, I had to wait for the new account card to come, but tomorrow I will be calling the travel agent back to officially book the flight. I will most likely be going December 6th - January 14th. Flight availability might change it by a day or two.
Although they would not yet be tax deductible donations I have a separate account set up if anyone would like to start sending me financial support to include the short term trip.
Also, by the end of the week I hope to have the sending agency application sent in. If I am approved, meaning that my vision fits within their mission, I will get deputized to begin officially raising tax-deductible funds. This organization would also be another way I would be able to stay connected to you all as my supporters.
Most importantly what all of this means is I have several specific prayer request:
*For details of the flight to be easy to figure out
*For financial support to start coming in
*For guidance in being true to myself and reality in filling out the application
*For patience through the approval process
*For the process to be smooth and painless
*Also for smooth transitions in the next 3 months for me
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Sleepless Nights...
It is now 1:46 a.m.
I should have been asleep almost 2 hours ago. Instead my brain is swirling. There is so much information being processed I will never be able to process it all. However, just like a good sermon there are three key points.
#1. Wrapping up with my Literacy Center learners
#2. Preparing for the start of my Master's program
#3. The Philippines is happening for real this time
I know, right !?! Three huge bombshells. Boom! BOOM! BOOOOMM!!!
It has been a whirlwind of a year. We are down to just one week of classes at Sibley's Parent English classes. I have had 31 different learners over the past 8 months. 18 of them are still current and actively attending classes :) Despite the fact that I will not miss the AmeriCorps side of things, I will desperately miss my students. There is still hope that I will have them in my summer computer classes... but it's just not the same.
I have learned a lot in the past 8 months with these students. As much as I have heard, "You don't need to know their language to teach them English," I am grateful to have known some Spanish before this began. I also know I gained much respect from them for having given it an effort. Just the practice of listening to them speak increased my knowledge and confidence in usage. :)
Shortly into my current teaching year I had some conversations that lead me to realize I'll never really be done with school and getting an education. As a teacher you will always be a student as well.
I have had a passion for language for a very long time. If you look at my "bucket list" I have included "learn Italian." Who does that? In the past 5 years that passion has turned into a desire to teach English as a second language. This can be such a huge thing even here in the US. I did have one stipulation though, I want to teach adults not children. Again, who does that?
Well, long story short if I want to teach adults English here in the US I pretty much already need a Master's degree, much less in 5 years when I plan to be coming back from teaching overseas. That means I'm starting my next round of higher education. Starting July 18 (yes that is only about 8 weeks away) I will be in the M.A. Tesol program at Cornerstone University.
The program at Cornerstone will take me about 18 months... but I'm gonna give myself some slack and say I'll be pleased if I finish it in less than half the time it took for my undergrad ;)
So, what about #3? You must be really curious by now... so my tentative human plan is just getting started (even after 5+ years of visioning). When I am finished with my AmeriCorps term I will spend a couple of months visiting with my family. Then for December and most of January I will be travelling to Bohol! I am sooooo excited :D Lord willing, I will be purchasing the plane ticket for this excursion sometime in the next two weeks. Details will follow...
I'm calling this visit my "research trip." Anyone who wants to is more than welcome to join me :) I will be going to see how the Cajigas family's ministry is going and asking lots of questions of the outreach pastor in their local church. I want to observe the community as much as possible and see where they need/want to use English. With help I will evaluate where the majority stands in their level of usage and comprehension.
In the year following I will do 4 main things: a. Finish my Master's degree; b. collect materials and create a curriculum; c. work toward raising funds to support the program; and d. make attempts to learn Cebuano.
It is now 2:16 a.m. I am not less sleepy... wait, was that a yawn. I hope so. Yes, perhaps I can get some rest now.
I will ask for your prayers in the coming months. I have felt like plans are coming together so many times in the past only to be disappointing. I really want what is God's best for me and the people I will reach in my lifetime, but Lord may it please be now!
My theme verse:
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
I should have been asleep almost 2 hours ago. Instead my brain is swirling. There is so much information being processed I will never be able to process it all. However, just like a good sermon there are three key points.
#1. Wrapping up with my Literacy Center learners
#2. Preparing for the start of my Master's program
#3. The Philippines is happening for real this time
I know, right !?! Three huge bombshells. Boom! BOOM! BOOOOMM!!!
It has been a whirlwind of a year. We are down to just one week of classes at Sibley's Parent English classes. I have had 31 different learners over the past 8 months. 18 of them are still current and actively attending classes :) Despite the fact that I will not miss the AmeriCorps side of things, I will desperately miss my students. There is still hope that I will have them in my summer computer classes... but it's just not the same.
I have learned a lot in the past 8 months with these students. As much as I have heard, "You don't need to know their language to teach them English," I am grateful to have known some Spanish before this began. I also know I gained much respect from them for having given it an effort. Just the practice of listening to them speak increased my knowledge and confidence in usage. :)
Shortly into my current teaching year I had some conversations that lead me to realize I'll never really be done with school and getting an education. As a teacher you will always be a student as well.
I have had a passion for language for a very long time. If you look at my "bucket list" I have included "learn Italian." Who does that? In the past 5 years that passion has turned into a desire to teach English as a second language. This can be such a huge thing even here in the US. I did have one stipulation though, I want to teach adults not children. Again, who does that?
Well, long story short if I want to teach adults English here in the US I pretty much already need a Master's degree, much less in 5 years when I plan to be coming back from teaching overseas. That means I'm starting my next round of higher education. Starting July 18 (yes that is only about 8 weeks away) I will be in the M.A. Tesol program at Cornerstone University.
The program at Cornerstone will take me about 18 months... but I'm gonna give myself some slack and say I'll be pleased if I finish it in less than half the time it took for my undergrad ;)
So, what about #3? You must be really curious by now... so my tentative human plan is just getting started (even after 5+ years of visioning). When I am finished with my AmeriCorps term I will spend a couple of months visiting with my family. Then for December and most of January I will be travelling to Bohol! I am sooooo excited :D Lord willing, I will be purchasing the plane ticket for this excursion sometime in the next two weeks. Details will follow...
I'm calling this visit my "research trip." Anyone who wants to is more than welcome to join me :) I will be going to see how the Cajigas family's ministry is going and asking lots of questions of the outreach pastor in their local church. I want to observe the community as much as possible and see where they need/want to use English. With help I will evaluate where the majority stands in their level of usage and comprehension.
In the year following I will do 4 main things: a. Finish my Master's degree; b. collect materials and create a curriculum; c. work toward raising funds to support the program; and d. make attempts to learn Cebuano.
It is now 2:16 a.m. I am not less sleepy... wait, was that a yawn. I hope so. Yes, perhaps I can get some rest now.
I will ask for your prayers in the coming months. I have felt like plans are coming together so many times in the past only to be disappointing. I really want what is God's best for me and the people I will reach in my lifetime, but Lord may it please be now!
My theme verse:
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
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