Freedom Adventures with the LORD

One Thing Conference, Bringing in the New Year!

2010-12-31T00:30:00.002-05:00

Hi Family & Friends,

Joyful expectation for an amazing 2011 because the King lives!

Jesus!

I'm so happy.

I've been at an IHOP (International House of Prayer) annual conference in Kansas City called One Thing. (The other house is for pancakes.)

The title comes from Psalms 27, "One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek, that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life; to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple."

This is what we've been doing for the past 3 wonderful days. It is a taste of heaven. People from all

walks of life, cultures, backgrounds, lifting their hearts and voices and glances to the beautiful King,

the Holy One, who is coming again.

The music is amazing. Most of it was written by young adults who are part of a modern David tabernacle (IHOP)

that runs 2hr worship/prayer sessions all day long. Does it sound boring?

It's not. It's beautiful, full of the most amazing love you could hope for, and the presence of the most gracious,

wonderful, God, who came to earth in the form of Jesus.

Holy, wonderful, blessed God. Your Name is eternal. How worthy you are of our deepest adoration and love.

If you want to experience part of the worship times from your computer at home, a private network, called

Godtv is broadcasting it on cable (channel 365, I think they said), and live on the internet: http://www.god.tv/liveevents

Tomorrow is the last day. Live showings (Eastern Time) Friday 12/31/10: 13:30, 21:30 (9:30pm), 2:00am.

What a way to bring in the New Year.

I'll write more later, but wanted to send you blessings and great expectations for an amazing New Year.

Old things going and gone . . . New things coming in Him!

In Christ, more than we could ask for or imagine. He is that good.

Happy 2011 (I've heard 11 is significant for transitions ~ bring them, Lord, to prepare us for what's to come).

Ericka

ps - Writing this fall went really well. I've finished most of my rough draft stories, and am so thankful for

the time, space, and opportunity to write. I received a huge compliment from a mentor:she said I've really improved

in writing since last year. Thank you, God! All those hours typing, reading other books, etc, you are helping me

accomplish the task. I'm hoping to finish polishing, editing by March ~ God, please help me.

Praying for the story line that honors him in everything.

I really enjoyed subbing at Heritage, teaching 3/4th grade Sunday school, and had the opportunity to travel

with my dear friend Heidi to Dallas to accompany her as she searches for answers concerning her health.

Christmas with my Grandpa & Grandma and family was really special. I'm thankful Grandpa & Grandma

still are on the farm. We had a great weekend. The snow was beautiful.

Love 146 Round Home in Philippines

2010-11-14T18:01:00.001-05:00

Love146 Round Home from LOVE146 on Vimeo.

A Reflection on a Year at The Round Home | Love146.org

2010-11-14T17:55:00.000-05:00

Love 146's after-care director, Dr. Gundelina Velazco, reflects on the one-year anniversary of the Round Home, their safe-home in Philippines for children rescued from trafficking. Click here to read the article:

A Reflection on a Year at The Round Home | Love146.org

Hit a Wall

2010-11-12T23:58:00.020-05:00

I hit a wall last night.
What am I doing?
Do I really want a house for kids, with all these problems, who aren’t even my kids?
The children I met in India were rescued before the brothels. I thought, "I could be a mom for them." But what about kids who have really been hurt? Could I be a mom to them? . . .

Yesterday morning, for the first time, I began praying for the LORD to bring my kids, wherever they are.

Then I attended an orphan/foster advocacy meeting in Indianapolis, to get the word out about a national adoption conference coming this spring to Louisville, KY. While there, I handed out business cards to share the dream & network with people. The cards were just printed last night, in time to be sent to the Love146 anti-trafficking conference going on this weekend. A little fear edged in then ~ Do I really want word to get out about my dream? What if I find out I really don't want to do this?

A lady from Grace Community Church's Orphan Care ministry, Suzy, prayed for me, "God, please protect Ericka from emotional attacks and discouragement as she moves forward to pursue this dream you've place in her heart." Interesting. I hadn't thought to pray for that before.

I left to babysit for one of my favorite families. Even though I love these kids, one of them was really whiney and I thought, "Could I really be a mom, with enough love for kids who aren't 'mine', and be committed for life?" Eek. Especially if the kids I want have loads of problems.

It shook me. What am I doing?

Then I thought about my world trip. It got hard at times, and I wanted to go home.
But God got me through the whole thing, and I ended up loving it, even though parts were really tough.
So, can I trust that God will lead me (has to lead me) through this one, too?
The stakes just seem a lot higher.
But I have to remember, God cares for those kids, and wants them to be healed, restored, and set free.
If I can be part of that – through house/family – God, help me.

I just don’t want to get trapped, if it’s not really what I want to do.
I think too, as I spread the word, it makes me more scared, people are going to expect things of me that maybe I can’t or won’t want to deliver. They’ll somehow force me (or their expectations will force me)
to be locked into something and I will be unable to get out/change/move/and I’ll be stuck/locked in.

Having a house for kids – is a huge commitment.

But isn’t that the dream in my heart? Isn’t that what I said I wanted, if I could do anything in the world?

I felt depressed, down, yuck. What am I doing? I've got to get out now, before it's too late.

Then my friend, Heidi, called today. The same one who God used to give me the fall wardrobe.
She had something she wanted to tell me, but didn't want to say it over the phone. That's annoying. I don't have time for a visit. I just took a 4 hr nap, b/c I'm depressed, and now I have to write, because I'm behind, and Heidi wants me to come over for a chat.

I mentioned I wasn't feeling great. She said, "I know, I could tell from your voice. So that's why I think you should come over and I can pray for you. You can't write very well when you're not feeling well, anyway. I'm really excited and I want to encourage you."

The way I'm feeling, I don't think I can be encouraged. But maybe she's right . . .

"Ok, Heidi, I'll come over," I say.

I drive over to her house and I'm crying. God, I don't know what I'm doing. I don't know what I want.

Heidi and I go for a walk at my favorite Eagle Creek Park. The sun sets over the barren trees near a lake. Canadian geese fly overhead in the twilight with the moon out. Heidi asks if she can pray for me. I say yes and start crying again.

Snippets from her prayer:
*Seasons are required for growth, and even though fall and winter are dying times, they are necessary for spring.
*Thank you for Ericka, for her life, and what she does, but let her know your love for her is not because of doing anything, it's because she is your daughter. Remind her of your Father's love for her.
*A team will be really necessary. You can't do it alone. You need others. They will have strengths you don't have, and you will bring in your own unique giftings.
*Do you think it's your team or God's team? God will assemble, he will equip, he will assign, he will do it all. So you don't need to be pressured or worried. It's his Dream Team not yours.
*Call things what they are. Don't give 'selfishness' the name of spirited independence, if you don't want to be committed or don't want to work with others.
*Talk to him about all of this. He will help you understand or sort out things. He will show you where these fears are coming from & how to be free of them.
*The way you're feeling down/depressed/worried/fearful - that's an attack from the enemy. He doesn't want the word to get out about your dream this weekend. So it makes sense you have these depressing feelings and fear would hit today. But it also makes you desperate for God & know you need him.

After getting home from Heidi's, I feel a lot better. God is my good leader. He knows what He's doing and He knows what I'm doing. He loves me. He's guiding the way. He will make a way where there is none. He will provide, protect, deliver, encourage, strengthen, all for his glory.

I'm re-energized about the dream. These are his 'lost ones' and he wants them home.
I know God will lead triumphantly.
He already is.

It was crazy, how down and yucky I felt. In the middle of it, the discouragement felt so 'reality'. But after the prayer time, it lifted, so I knew it was an attack from the enemy. Hmmmm. God, please help me recognize. But thank you for friends and family who recognize the attack when I don't, who stand and pray for me, who are your presence & arms around me, who represent you. Thank you for your Spirit who directs it all.

Bless whoever reads this post. May you encourage them by your Mighty right hand. May they know that nothing is impossible for God. May hope refills and refresh them today. Bless the work of their hands and the dreams in their hearts. Sing sweetly over them tonight. Through your Son's powerful name, I pray, Amen.

Fall Update: Writing/Editing

2010-10-21T19:45:00.011-04:00

Hi friends & family, Quick version: 1. I'm in Indianapolis, staying at my parent's, writing about my Around the World trip from 2007.

-My goal: to finish my personal edits by end of Nov. Eek. It may take longer. But I'm working on it. 2. Praying about next steps. 3. Have some leads with different anti-trafficking groups want to have safe/restoration houses. 4. Connecting with people who have similar interests. 5. Thanks for your love, prayers, & support.

Longer version: Links to anti-trafficking organizations, surprising new fall wardrobe, life-changing revelation of the Pearl of great price, and encouragement for the weary . . .

I'm so thankful to be in Indiana during autumn!

Our house is under towering maple trees that turn glorious colors of red, gold, orange, green, and with blue skies - I'm surrounded in a rainbow. We raked for a few hours today - lots of work, but worth the beauty. (That's my theme.)

Update:

1. My older brother's wedding was beautiful. (Sept 4th) I'm so happy to have my new sister, Mandy. She is a gem. I loved seeing so many friends & family - it was a big reunion!

2. Big decision this fall: I'm staying at my parent's, writing about my Around the World trip from 2007. It's my M-F job, & I'm working hard to have my personal edits finished by the end of Nov. It's a big task - compiling, cutting, making narrative, editing from my blog & journals. Eek. Please pray for perseverance & for the Lord to stream-line stories he wants out there. I want to be faithful to finish the project. (I prayed about/considered/pursued other options, but it seems to be the season to write.)

*Substitute teach at Heritage (where mom teaches, her 20th year!)

*Teach 3/4th grade Sunday School at Church at the Crossing. Lot's of fun. We do dramas of great stories - Abraham & Sarah, etc.

*Practice cooking & piano, visit friends, see grandparents, help harvest corn & beans.

*For my & other family Oct birthdays, my parents took me, grandparents, uncle, bro & wife to Camelot at a dinner theater. Great time with family. Saw a dear teacher friend from Tech HS, Mary Ann, & God encouraged me I'm writing for her & others.

(King Arthur & Round Table - profound message for me: a child wanted to carry on the King's dream - it reminded me of children having faith to carry & extend the dream of my Lord Jesus' Kingdom, through their hearts and lives.)

3. I'm praying about next steps.

4. A few connections for dream house for kids:

Met people I may be working/networking with (On-going prayer: for God to assemble the team)
Wonderful week at IHOP (International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri) (See blog for story)
IHOP has an anti-trafficking group: Exodus Cry / and foster/adoption/awareness groups: Orphan Justice Center
Met lady in Indy involved in foster care/adoptions in IN, with Bethany adoption agency. They want to raise awareness in Indy for need to adopt/foster. [How it relates: trafficked kids in the US (international & domestic) are put in foster care, if they can't go home.]
Directed to talk to non-for-profit lawyer; need to.
Set up a business bank account (for book sales, travel advising, etc. - personal revenue for dream)
Set up a dream house bank account (for expenses whenever things start moving)
A new teammate, Levi, is out in New Haven, CT, and networking w/ Love146, a not-for-profit anti-trafficking organization. Connections with YWAM (Youth with a Mission, the group I trained with in Hawaii & Colombia). They run a safe house for kids in the Philippians. And are hosting a conference to help network & train people.
Through leads from friends & fam, I read about two Christian groups that dream & plan to have US homes for kids rescued from trafficking in the States. (I'm also considering a US home, but am interested in providing a family for international kids brought into the States that can't go home / or don't have a home to go to. But praying about all of this.)
Beauty from Ashes - ministry to domestic sex exploited women. They're currently raising funds for a safe home.
Courage to be You - ministry beginning pursuit of opening a safe home for children rescued from trafficking.
Forgotten Song - ministry hoping to have home for children in war/trafficked places. They are considering Colombia. I met Charles, the founder, when I went to Children at Risk school in Bogota.
International Justice Mission - organization out of DC that also helps stop trafficking (among other injustices). I would like to network with them as well.
Lots of good leads from people - thank you so much. And thanks for your prayers & support & love.

Fun story:

Before leaving for Hawaii last year, I gave away all my clothes, except what I was taking. Standing in front of an empty closet, I felt sick. What did I just do? But I felt like God impressed in my heart that I could trust him. I remembered he provided in the past. Ok . . .

Now I'm back in the States, the weather is getting cooler, and I wonder how God will provide. I've also been praying for running shoes. I almost went to buy some a few times, but felt like I should wait.

My good friend from high school, Heidi, decided to go through her closet & get rid of tons of clothes. It was hard for her, but it became a HUGE blessing for me. Everything fit perfect with great colors & styles - I got a whole fall wardrobe just in time for sub training on Monday.

As I pulled the tub of clothes out to the car in my bare feet, she asked if I had shoes. "My flip-flops. They're by the back door," I replied. Then she went back to her closet, pulled out some beautiful Asics running shoes, with comfy insoles, barely worn, and said, "I have to get rid of these, they hurt my feet." They're size 9, fit great, and look like shoes pictured in my mind while at IHOP (international house of prayer). Thank you, God!

Why do I worry about money when God provides the butter? (That phrase may become a new Ericka-ism.) He is my Resource. He is THE Provider and has endless connections & can move hearts & mountains. (Side-note: I do have money for what I need right now. Thank you, Lord, for providing through other's generosity.)

The clothes really encouraged me about any future ministry and having a house - God can totally provide for everything. And not just minimal. He can even go beyond my wildest expectations. He is so good & so worthy of all my love. Not just because of the good gifts he gives, but because he is good.

Hang in there if you're discouraged. I just went through a stretch of blah/felt yuck/frustrated/what am I doing? It helps me to journal my prayers and frustrations & then try to listen to his words for me. Sometimes I wonder if I'm making the thoughts up, but I write them anyway & learn to listen. He speaks. I also love to dance and praise him to some good worship music - when I focus all on him, that helps me get my mind off my worries or stress. A great phrase I wrote down while listening & journaling in Israel, on the Sea of Galilee was, "You don't ever have to worry about anything." That phrase came with the understanding he is big and able to handle anything I would or could ever worry about. I try to remember that & walk in it. It's hard. But if he says it, it must be trustworthy. ("Don't worry about tomorrow . . .")

He is the Pearl of Great Price - worth everything. That was the main thing I got from my week at IHOP. During prayer time, I saw a picture of a beautiful, huge, white pearl. I knew it represented the Lord - it was him, his presence. And I knew, just like the parable Jesus told, "The man sold everything for it, because he saw it's great value," (my paraphrase) that pearl was worth everything. My right arm, even. I want my life to be in pursuit of him and his ways. He is that good.

I love you guys. Thanks so much for walking with me & for your encouraging emails. They mean a lot to me.

Big thanks: to the Lord for providing for all my needs, a place to sleep, food, parents, and for support from family & friends. Thank you.

Hardest thing right now: perseverance in writing. It's tough, sitting every day, trying to compile stories, make narrative, edit, edit, edit. It's an investment that I trust will bring a great harvest. I'm thankful for the time to write. It's an important story to share. And God teaches me a lot as I go back over the journey. My hope: it will be a huge encouragement to whoever reads the finished work. :)

Your prayers are so appreciated. Ideas: for direction, perseverance & joy, & sweet times just with Him. Thank you.

Thanks for your love & support!

Let me know how I can pray with you; a few have, & I do enjoy praying.

Ericka

IHOP

2010-08-25T17:10:00.002-04:00

I came to IHOP (International House of Prayer) last week to see if there were connections for pursuing the dream in my heart. I heard they had an Orphan Justice Center & were involved with fighting human trafficking.

The day before driving to IHOP, I was excited inside my stomach. That surprised me. I wondered what I would find . . .

On the drive, I got to call & talk to family & asked them to pray for me and the coming adventure. I was coming in 'blind', but knew God could make amazing connections.

The first day there was nothing. I was disappointed. Oh well. Maybe something I couldn't see was going on. I spent the night at cousins & came back in the morning for a brief possible meeting with a lady from the Orphan Justice Center. There was also a 2-hr prayer block for orphans & the foster system early that morning.

The prayer time connected my heart to the Father's heart for the children, revealed in His Word.

Afterwards, before leaving, a lady approached & said she thought God directed her to pray with me about helping children. She had overheard me talking earlier with another girl. She was nervous & thought I would think she was strange. I smiled.

We prayed & that opened up a friendship that has continued 'til today.

I'm still here.

Saturday evening, the night before I had to leave (b/c I needed to return the borrowed car to my parents & I was scheduled to speak at the Sunday evening service at my brother's church), I read a page of Scripture that was open on the table. Acts 1. Do not leave Jerusalem until you receive the promised gift of the Holy Spirit so that you will be my bold witnesses in Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. It will come in a few days. [That's my pulling the main phrases that stuck out to me.]

Was that word for me? Earlier that day, I considered staying, but told God that was impossible. I needed to go home. He impressed on my heart, "Do you really need to do anything? Is anything impossible for me?" I shrugged that off. It would be nice to stay, but I didn't see how that was possible. I had to go home. Then that night, I read that direct word. (Other times in my life, God has spoken very directly with a specific word from Scripture, so it caught my attention. I've never been sorry for following Him.)

I asked Kaitlyn, Lisa's teenage daughter, to pray with me. I was staying with their family, the lady who asked me to pray. She got the word, 'Eden' and Psalm 61.

To me, Eden was a place of beautiful fellowship with the LORD. He walked with Adam in the cool of the day. Was God inviting me to a season of Eden? Psalm 61 had to do with training to be a king for generations, focusing on God. I also turned to Psalm 27 which says, "My heart says of you, Seek His face, Your face, O LORD, I will seek."

It seemed a clear word, but I wanted to make sure. I didn't want to do anything dumb & put other people in difficult situations b/c I was 'following God'. I needed to know it was from Him. I also knew it was impossible, unless He worked it out. But that night, I surrendered my will & said, "Alright, LORD, I'll stay. But you have to work everything out." I went to sleep praying for God to make it clear to me in the morning, and not have conflicting thoughts that would confuse me.

I woke early with the thoughts to stay.

I went outside to pray. "God, you have to open doors to make this possible." I read Scripture that came to mind. Everything seemed to point to staying and seeking the LORD, looking fully to Him.

I called my parents. I explained the whole story to them & why I struggled with how was it possible for me to stay. They both unanimously said, "This is right. We don't have any red flags of warning. Stay. The car is not an issue. Seek God for your next steps."

I couldn't believe it.

Second I called my brother. At first it through him off, but then he shared that God is teaching him to trust like a child, even when things don't make sense. He said the pastor was flexible and he would talk to him. Don't worry about it. Follow what God is leading you.

I stayed.

I went to the prayer room on Monday. My first day was distracting.

The second day was amazing. The first song/worship set was just for me. About leaning into His love, not striving, trust Him. The LORD, your Maker, is your husband. (Isaiah 54)

This third days has been a love feast. I'm amazed at how quickly time goes by when our whole focus is on the LORD and His love for us and ours for Him.

It is the most beautiful place.

I talked with my new Egyptian friend, Marian. She said as our hearts connect with the LORD, at the same time they must reach out into the world.

I am so excited to be here & to learn everything God has me to prepare me for our future.

A friend gave me a word today: He saw a picture of a treasure box & in it was linen. But they were pieces, resources. I had to put my hands to the task & sew & cut it. Then when it opened up, there was a whole row of little children, connected. And that God would use everything from my past to be part of our work.

Tonight we're having a celebration party.

Trusting my Heavenly Father to continue to lead each moment.

Taste & see that the LORD is good!

Brother Time

2010-08-15T17:08:00.002-04:00

My older brother Craig is getting married. He invited me to live with him before the wedding. It's been really fun to stay at his house, help him get ready to bring a girl home, & spend time together.

Highlights include . . .

1. Our 2-hr early morning walk. We got to share struggles & what God is teaching us. I really appreciate how Craig pursues a relationship with me. And how we can talk about most things. He is a wonderful brother.

2. Spending time with Mandy, my coming sister-in-law. She is beautiful, inside & out. When I talk with her, I see care in her eyes. She is tender-hearted, full of compassion & faith, and loves Jesus so much. Since I never had sisters growing up, I prayed for great sister-in-laws. God answered my prayers more than I can imagine.

3. Cleaning the barn & the garage. We prayed before starting the enormous task & the Lord helped us get it finished in 7 hrs. Pulling things out, recycle, give away, throw away, brush all the cob-webs, cleaning shelves, putting it back in organized - whew! But it looks stellar now. And ready for Craig & Mandy to start fresh.

I'm Home

2010-06-25T14:42:00.003-04:00

I’m home!

Quick Version:

I arrived home Tues pm 6/22.
Planning to be home until January. (6 months to restore, write, reconnect)
Mostly in Indianapolis, Lafayette, & Colorado for a month in the fall.
YWAM training was really good.
3 months in Hawaii, 6 months in Colombia.
My Spanish is better.
Doors are opening to keep walking forward toward the dream of having a house for kids.

Long Version: (3min to read)

Surprising Dad

After 6 months in Colombia, my visa expired . . .

I prayed a bunch about applying for another 6mo, but it seemed like a good time to be home.

I came back to Indianapolis Tuesday night to surprise my dad for his birthday.

My brother, Craig, picked me up at the airport, and we arrived at my parent’s home the next evening for dinner. I couldn’t figure out how to ‘make the surprise’, and I was a little worried it could pop my dad’s heart stitches. (He had bi-pass surgery a few months ago.) Craig said he would be fine.

I grabbed a brown sheet, pulled it over my head, and my mom stuck a red Christmas bow on top. I waited at the table for my dad to come in from grilling.

My dad came in, looked over to where I sat, laughed, and asked, “What’s that? A dead person?” I moved a little so he would know I wasn’t dead.

I threw off the sheet & he jumped back three feet and hollered, “Whoah! Where’d you come from?” I gave him a big hug. He said it was the best surprise ever in his 63 years.

Recap

I just finished 10 months of training for the dream in my heart. (3 months in Hawaii & 6 months in Colombia.)

My dream: To have an internationally staffed family farmhouse for kids who need care & restoration. I’m really interested in helping children who have been trafficked for prostitution or labor.

Compassion DTS Last September, I left for Kona, Hawaii, for a Compassion discipleship training school with the Christian organization Youth With a Mission (YWAM).

I had excellent teaching, experienced deep personal growth in my relationship with the Lord, & practiced gardening on the farm.

Colombia Then I traveled with a team of 8 to Colombia for 3 months, visiting major cities, encouraging people in their faith, & volunteering at children’s ministries.

Children at Risk school I stayed in Bogota for another 3-month YWAM school to prepare us to work long term with at-risk kids.

Highlights:

Writing a project proposal for my dream house
Reading books about how to help children affected by trauma
Experiencing working as an international team
Living & helping children's ministries with Mary for 3 weeks in a poor neighborhood
Visiting ministries with great ideas for houses for kids

Invitation to Peru
This coming February I’ve been invited to join my staff from the school, a young Dutch couple, Jordi & Ria Bosch, to pioneer 3 farmhouses for street children just outside of Lima, Peru. I’ll be praying about this opportunity. But it seems like my next best lead & could be exciting to help a team get something going from ground-up. Their dream is almost identical to mine, except I want to help trafficked kids.

6-month Goals

Surprise my dad for his birthday. (check!)
Go to my big family reunion over the 4^th of July.
Be in & help with 2 weddings: my friend, Leanna’s, & my older brother, Craig’s.(Craig met a great girl, Mandy Freeland, in Lafayette.I’m so thankful she will be my 3^rd sister!)
Pursue deeper walk w/ Lord by spending time with Him in the early morning (praying & waiting).
Pursue inner 'heart' healing before starting to work full-time w/ children who need healing/restoration.
Reconnect with friends & family in Indiana, Colorado, & other places.
Write, edit, and see if stories from my Round the World trip can be published. (That’s going to be my Monday-Friday job.)
Make connections with ministries in the States who work on the human trafficking issue. I want to talk with International Justice Mission and see if there’s a need for homes for kids rescued from trafficking in the States.
Pray about next steps.

Trafficking in the States

I’m checking out the possibility of having the house in the States.

According to what I've read, it’s estimated there are about 9,000 children illegally brought into the US each year for labor or prostitution.

If they’re found, they’re returned home. But if they can’t go home, they’re put in the US foster system.

They can apply for a T-visa & later apply for citizenship, and there’s money for them to receive medical benefits.

I would offer short or long-term family & restoration care for these children, until they could be returned home, or for as long as they needed/wanted a family.

I have a lot of questions about how to do this & what legal hoops need to be navigated. But I’m excited & encouraged by all of the open doors & guidance in the past 10 months.

It’s fun to walk with the Lord into the dreams in your heart.

Contact me I’ll be switching my cell phone to cut costs. Until then, you can reach me on Facebook or email: erickasmiley@gmail.com

Thanks for your friendship, encouragement, and love as I walk this road with my Heavenly Father. I’m thankful God brought our lives together. Let me know if I can pray for you. I hope each of you are doing really well.

Father, I pray for the people you've brought into my life. I thank you for each one of them, how they have built into my life & continue to invest in the lives of those around them. I pray for your great & continued blessing to be on them & over their families. Let them have excellent relationships, healing, strengthening, and courage to continue to walk the road you have before them. Give them little reminders that you are aware of them, watching them, and guiding their steps. Protect them. Through Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Blessings, peace, and with love,

Ericka Smiley

I'll be working on updating my blog... with pics & videos & more stories from the past 10 months.

Even the Birds

2010-04-26T12:09:00.005-04:00

"God, what am I doing? I could be somewhere else, making money, and have all I want. You said you would provide for me. Will you really?" . . .

It was the third week of classes at our Children at Risk school in Bogota, Colombia. I loved most of the lectures, and overall was glad to be here, but panic rose when I thought about my financial needs.

I was frustrated because I didn't have spending money for snacks. With some attitude, I brought my problem to God's attention and challenged him with his words. Quoting from Matthew I prayed, "You said the birds of the air and the flowers of the field don't worry because you feed and clothe them. Jesus said our Father will provide even more for us. Is this word truth?" My next thoughts were, Either these words are true or they aren't.

Which will I believe? Ok, fine. I'll believe it. Its true. With that forcefully and willfully settled, I finished folding my laundry and stopped thinking about it. God would provide.

Moments later, my roommate, Melanie, walked in the door. "Ericka, do you want this banana?" My eyes widened. She repeated the question and said, "I have an extra one." When I took the banana, I could almost see the word, Provision, written on the curved, yellow side. Was this a joke? How did Melanie know I wanted a snack?

That was the beginning . . .

Later that week, I sat on the patch of grass outside the house. Another girl, Jessica, came and squatted next to me. "Ericka, do you need anything? Any personal items?" I thought about my shampoo that would be gone in a few days. "Yeah, I do." She told me, "I was in the store and had a thought to buy you shampoo, lotion, whatever you need." In disbelief I laughed and just shook my head.

The same week, I walked down the hall of the ministry house, and one of the ladies, Mary, approached me. "This is for you, Ericka. The lotion is almost gone, but it smells really good." She handed me a fancy pink tube, and stealthily slid a bill in my hand. It was $20,000 pesos, $10 US. Tears came as I walked back to my room.

Later that day there was a tube of toothpaste on my pillow.

The next week, I was really cold. It rained constantly and the people in the ministry said it was the start of the winter season. My few clothes I brought were for Hawaii-weather, except for my running pants and 2 sweatshirts. I talked to God about it different times through the week, feeling like a little kid requesting birthday wishes. "I really want some pretty & warm new clothes." On the weekend, a thought came to ask Jessica. She wore stylish outfits. I fought my embarrassment, humbled myself, and asked. She told me she would look.

A few days later, Jessica handed me a large trash bag full of 'new' clothes from her & her roommate. I ran back to my room to try on everything. It became boutique day: I received cute jeans, a pile of stylish shirts, 2 nice coats, wonderful scarves, and a sweater in my favorite color blue.

During the school, I owed over $2000 for school fees/expenses. God moved people to give exactly what I needed when I needed it. Not more, not less. God even provided through my tax refund. Throughout the three months, I received half the money at the start of the school, the other half a week before it was due, and the money for my outreach the morning I left Bogota.

God did what he said he would do. I'm amazed. It's worth it to trust him.

Even the birds of the air don't need to worry because their Father cares for them...

Next Steps

2010-03-27T16:33:00.002-04:00

Will I get on the flight?
My team leaves for Hawaii this morning. It is the end of our 3 month 'outreach' in Colombia . . .

It was a wonderful experience and I learned:

1. How I can work better in a team setting. Many times I don't realize how my actions affect others. Communication in love is so important. Hearing and listening to outside perspectives helps me grow.

2. Great net-working with people who have similar dreams. I met Maria Jose, from Chile. She is a special education teacher who sold/gave away most of her things and her house, came to YWAM to launch into her dream. I wonder if we'll work together. She finishes her DTS in June.

3. Visiting ministries that do what I want to do. Getting to work with them, to see how it works on a daily basis.

4. Now I´m an official part of the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) family - because I completed the 6 month DTS (discipleship training program).

My teammate, Sean, and I were both accepted to YWAM's Children at Risk school here in Bogota. This morning I had last minute thoughts. Maybe I should forget it and leave. It would be so easy to get on the plane and go back to Hawaii.

After praying, I realized again this school seems like the next best step for me.

1. Great teachers - 20+years experience w/ children at risk, psychologists, professionalswho teach on child development and how to help kids with problems. How to start a long-term ministry with kids.

2. Our big project through the school: write a 'business plan' or proposal for the dream in your heart, that I can share with churches and individuals who are interested in supporting / helping.

3. Networking with others who have similar dreams.

4. Catapult me into the next phase to pursue having a house for kids.

I said goodbye to my team, and didn't get on the plane. I'm still here in Bogota, with Sean, and the school starts tomorrow.

Tonight I met the three other girls in our school: Melanie, from Minnesota, Annie, from Pennsylvania, and Anna, from British Colombia. I really like them. Its going to be a fun school. And there are two more students from Venezuela we'll meet later.

My imaginary timeline:

March-July (now), Children at Risk school, 1 month volunteering at a similar ministry

1 month: Home visiting friends/family

4 months: Writing about my world trip, finish editing, pursue publishing (to raise publicity for house for kids)

6 months: Travel, visit various ministries that do similar work w/ children (see what works well/what doesn't)
4 months: Home, raising awareness, building a team
6 mo - 1 year: Volunteering 'long-term' with a couple who starts a home from ground-up, to learn how to start from scratch.

5 months: Home, raising awareness, building a team, finding a home
2 months: Preparing the home, legal work, building the 'family'
28 months later (in 2+years): House Begins - in the country, 8-12 children, mom & dad, international staff.Help start others around the world. (Network or begin new works)
The above are ideas. I'll be praying about each step. I imagine this home up and running within 1-3 years. A lady I met in a coastal town in Colombia said, "Why don't you start one home in the States, then set up others in different countries?" Yes, I think I would like that.

Thanks for your love, support, and blessings! I really appreciate your interest, involvement, and investment in my life. God does amazing things. Thank you for standing with me.

Much love to you. Let me know how I can support & encourage you. Blessings to each of you in your work/lives. Thank you for what you do! Your life is a gift to many people and to me.

With Joy,
Ericka

Not Haiti, Other Open Doors

2010-02-08T02:40:00.002-05:00

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

I hope you all enjoyed the game. The house I’m at has cable, so we got to watch on Spanish ESPN. The commercials were cool, but probably not as good as yours. I cheered for my hometown Indy. Painful interception at the end, but I felt better b/c former Purdue Drew Brees was QB for the Saints, and I’m sure New Orleans can use a boost after the hurricane.

Quick update.

We heard this week we will NOT go to Haiti. I’m sad . . .

Right now, YWAM is only accepting professionals to help with relief work (construction, nursing/doctors, counselors, etc.) They will take ministry teams in a few months (after we’re finished w/ our program). I’m not sure why the guys asked us to go, maybe reacting from the huge need. But the organizers are swamped with applicants/volunteers and they need to limit it to professionals for now.

We were really bummed. I didn’t want to write in case they changed their minds. But it’s been a few days and we haven’t heard anything different. I’ll let you know if anything changes.

This morning, I was praying about the whole Haiti situation. I felt maybe my heart wasn’t right in my motive for going. Did I want to get glory? A cool experience? When we heard we weren’t accepted, I was frustrated and stopped praying for the country. This morning, I told God, “Sorry,” and started praying for them again. Whether or not we get to physically be there to help, we can all help in many ways.

Near Future Update

I am applying for the Children at Risk secondary school with YWAM (Youth with a Mission, my mission organization) here in Bogota, Colombia.

Dates: March 14-July 3, 2010

Subject matter: Child development, helping counsel abused/traumatized kids, working with local governments, setting up financial structures, networking, view of God on children, personal preparation/training for working w/ at risk kids.

Teachers: Steve Bartell, 20+ years of ministry w/ street kids, houses for kids; plus other psychologists, doctors, ministers, etc from Bogota.

Bi-lingual school, taught in English and Spanish.

10 students accepted.

Recommendations from others:

* "That’s a great school!”

* "I would totally recommend it. I’m glad I took the course before beginning work at a house for kids.”

* "If I had a chance to take this school before I started my ministry, I would definitely do it. I learned trial by fire. But if you have the opportunity, take the school.”

* "It’s excellent training to prepare workers who intend to stay long-term ministering to at children at risk.”

Before coming to YWAM, my thoughts for steps to pursue dream to have a house for kids:

Go to YWAM ministry school to prepare my own heart & work w/ various ministries that help child trafficking.
Get training for working with at risk kids.
Network with others who have similar dreams.
Intern at a house for kids to learn how / how not to run a home.
Start our own.

So, as I near the end or my YWAM ministry school, the C@R secondary school seems to be an excellent next step. It begins two days after our outreach is completed, is the cheapest of the various C@R schools offered by YWAM, is led by one of the most experienced YWAM workers with at risk kids, and is right here in Bogota. Two more great selling points: my teammate, Sean, is also applying. It will be fun to have someone from my team here, if we're both accepted. And there’s a couple on staff for the C@R school that have a similar dream. They want to start houses for kids in Lima, Peru, from ground up. So maybe I can help them in the future and learn how to pioneer this kind of ministry.

I’m excited for the coming days. It’s neat to see connections made and doors open.

Prayer points:

Wisdom, direction for each forward step
A great team to be brought together
To learn MUCH as I prepare to be a mom to hurting kids
To grow in greater love of God, and to continue to know his love for others and me.

Thank you!

Let me know how I can pray for you, too.

Have a great week. I know God touches the world with his love through your lives.

You are a blessing.

Much love and big hugs,

Ericka Smiley

Introducing Team Colombia

2010-02-07T23:26:00.001-05:00

Meet my amazing team. I love them.

Back in September, I prayed God would put together a Dream Team. He did.

We are the most international team, equal guys & girls, and so different it's beautiful.

Zach - leader: chill, easy-going, kind, loves kids, zaney

Sean - student-leader: Pure love for kids, passion for Lord, funny

Taylor - good thinker, intent on walking in everything God has for him, big trust

Julian - poetic-warrior, listens to impressions from God, speaks words from the Lord

Sharon - beautiful flower, loves, serves, nurturing

Sisi - big faith, little girl, big trust in Bigger God, full of laughter and joy

Cathrine - hard worker, dedicated to following God no matter cost, helps keep team organized and on track

Ericka - me!

(Music: Soliders, by Out of Eden, Love, Peace & Happiness album)

Going to Haiti?

2010-01-22T08:12:00.002-05:00

"Look at the nations and watch—

and be utterly amazed.

For I am going to do

something in your days

that you would not believe,

even if you were told." Habakkuk 1:5

My mom emailed this verse at the start of ministry school. I didn't believe her.

Now I think she's right . . .

We just heard our team has been invited to come to Haiti to help with earthquake relief efforts.

Two staff guys with YWAM (Youth With a Mission) Kona, HI traveled to Haiti last week. The mayor asked them to help coordinate ministries, churches, and NGO's. The guys wrote to Kona leadership saying they needed money, resources, and people. Especially people. Since our Colombian outreach team is the closest to Haiti, they asked us to consider going.

When our team leader shared the news with us yesterday, we couldn't believe it. Even in my dreams, I never imagined this would be possible. And now the invitation stood before us. Would we really go?

The story of King David came up in our discussion. During his early years as Israel's ruler, David wanted to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. It sounded like a great idea - bring God's presence to the capitol city. He made only one mistake. He forgot to ask God how to go about it. So the whole effort was a disaster. Even their most enthusiastic work didn't bring success. David learned from that painful experience. The next time, he inquired of God for the game plan. That's what we want to do. Yesterday, Zach and Sean, our two leaders, went on their faces before the Lord. I'm glad to be on their team.

In my last email, I wrote about my wild dream of wanting to be Secretary of State for the King of Kings. How and when would that be possible, I wondered. Could this be an open door? "⁸I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." Revelation 3:8

Please pray for our team as we pursue going to Haiti. (It's not certain that we'll go - but we're interested/willing.)

Wisdom & direction.
Communication & plans.
Cheap flights from Colombia to Haiti.
Great unity of our team (God provided a DREAM TEAM).
Joining with workers in Haiti.
Open doors for every ministry the Lord has for us.
Supernatural compassion, love, strength, endurance, and faith . . . and seeing the deliverance of God's mighty hand.
Standing with our Haiti brothers/sisters as God raises the poorest nation on the earth.

God makes our dreams possible.

Thank you for your encouragement, love, and prayers.

I'll keep you updated.

Next 2 Weeks: Street Kid Ministry

2010-01-20T22:28:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited about the next two weeks.

We're going to work with Steve Bartell, and the ministry they have with street children.

My favorite part: they have a house for kids on a farm.

That is my dream!

I'm praying for open doors . . .

lots of great conversations, and direction for next steps.

People say Steve and his wife are the best in YWAM to provide mentoring

for me. They worked with street kids in a family/home setting for over 20 years.

I think our team will work in Bogota, and not on the farm, but I'm praying I'll get to help at the house, too.

(In Bogota, they have a drop-in center, school, and half-way house for kids.)

Link to their ministry: Street kids.

JOY!

Dance & Life Expressions

2010-01-20T22:02:00.002-05:00

Last Sunday, my teammate Sean asked to borrow my notebook and pen.

I thought he wanted to take notes.

After five minutes, he handed the paper back to me with a message . . .

Short version: God loves when you dance. You express His love through

your movement. Be free to dance. It is good.

I read the words in amazement. I love to dance, but am always scared to do

it in public. This morning, our team was leading the church service and I was

up next to share. What prompted Sean to write this?

What if I dance? What song would I choose? The night before,

when our team prayed, a song played in my mind about 'chains being broken', and

Christ coming to set you free. I haven't practiced. Then a thought came to mind,

"You know how you trust me to sing and pray for people without knowing the words

or music ahead of time? Will you trust me to give you the motions as you dance?"

Ok, God. It really was a dream in my heart to dance, I just needed the encouragement

to do it. Sean's letter gave me the boost.

Julian, another teammate, had the song on his ipod, and we hooked it to the speakers

when my turn came. I closed my eyes and moved to the rhythm and lyrics.

It was so much fun, and I felt so free.

I love expressing worship through dance. When I pray or sing,

I use my mind and voice, but when I dance, it is 3-dimensional worship.

Afterwards, a lot of people complimented my courage. Thank you, God.

But the best affirmation came from Sisi, my Chinese teammate.

"When you danced, it was powerful. Really. When I watched you, it made me want to live for God more fully. It is the same when people watch your life."

God, that's my prayer. Thank you for encouraging me through Sean's words.

Ericka's 1st Email Update

2010-01-16T22:00:00.002-05:00

Happy, Joyful 2010, dear Ohana!

(Hawaiian for beloved extended family & friends)

This is the first email update for my new adventures.
I’m in Colombia, South America, with my team from the Christian training school, Youth With A Mission (YWAM) . . .

I'm excited about life and the coming days. Thank you for sharing this journey with me.

Love, joy, & strength to each of you,

Ericka

My blogs: 1. Current adventure: www.erickasmiley.blogspot.com 2. 6th grade science teaching in Colorado ('08-'09): www.gypsumcreekwithsmiley.blogspot.com 3. Around the world trip (2007): www.adventureswjesus.blogspot.com

Short Version Re-Cap:

1. Returned home from world trip (2007)

2. Taught 6th grade science in Colorado (2008-09)

3. Attending 6 month (Sept 09-Mar10) discipleship training school (DTS) with YWAM

* 3-month 'lecture phase' in Kona, Hawaii (Compassion school, 50 students, 12 staff)

* 3-month 'outreach phase' (Dec14-Mar14, 2010) in Bogota, Columbia w/ various YWAM ministries, local churches & street kids ministry (click link - website)

4. Future Dreams:

1. House for kids that don't have a home & be family for them.

* Rural-setting, beautiful nature, well-connected to a local community.

* Very interested in helping kids from child trafficking (labor/prostitution).

* House either in States or overseas.

* Training now, making connections, net-working, trusting God for open doors.

2. Get a pH D in Love. :)

* God is my professor in the University of Life.

* I want to know more and more His love for me.

* I want to know His love for others.

* I want to spread His love everywhere, like an beautiful fragrance.

3. Be Secretary of State for the King of Kings.

* This dream came when I did my around the world trip.

* I appreciate leaders and want them to experience God’s love.

* I want to travel with a small team to represent His goodness, mercy, and power to transform lives and nations.

* God will have to make connections and open doors.

I don’t know the timing nor how these ideas will work together. But I love to dream with God. And I'm learning to step forward and watch Him make the impossible a reality.

Longer version:

On my around the world trip, a thought came to mind, "If you could do anything, what would you do?" Immediately I pictured a big house with lots of kids. I would have an internationally-staffed house for children that need a home. Our staff would be from various nations, demonstrating God’s love for all people, unity that is possible in Him, and represent the children’s own cultural backgrounds.

Later, on the world trip, my brother and I visited an orphanage for children rescued from child trafficking (labor & prostitution). Intercepted before sold into slavery, they were not hardened from abuse. I thought, I could be a mom for these children.

Once home, a thought came, "Out of all the things you saw on your trip, what would you like to help with?" It felt like Christmas and I got to pick any gift in the store. I thought about the needs I observed: AIDS orphans, street kids, children in slums, children of prostitutes, and trafficked kids. The trafficked children seemed to be the worst situation to me, because the kids were sold into sexual abuse by fellow humans. So I prayed, "God, I want to help with the problem of child trafficking and be a mom for kids who need a family."

I moved to Colorado on the wonderful invitation of my brother and his wife, Ryan & Sabrina. It was such a gift to live in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, become great friends with my sister-in-law, and be part of a wonderful community in Gypsum and the Vail Valley.

While there, God brought to life many dreams of my heart. I volunteered as a rancher and rode a horse on the mountains to round up the cows. I taught science to an amazing group of 6th grade students at Gypsum Creek Middle School. I wrote and compiled stories from my around the world trip. [This project is still in process, and I am committed to finish. It may be a book for my children, or others may want to read stories of faith and adventure. If you would like to help me edit, let me know, I can email you a chapter.]

Even though I loved living in Colorado, desires stirred in my heart. There was something more I wanted with my life. I turned 30 and instead of being depressed about my age, excitement flowed through me. The coming years would be amazing.

Should I step into my dreams to have a house, or should I wait until I was 40? I talked with my principal, and he encouraged me to do whatever was in my heart. Around the same time, dear friends from Norway came to visit and they challenged me to step out in faith, and see God lead me into my dreams.

It was a very difficult decision, but God confirmed it through Ezra 1 (“go and build the house”) and a picture He gave me (jumping off a cliff and a large bird rescuing me just when I thought I would die). I sold and gave away my possessions, applied for a ministry school in Hawaii, and trusted God for His provision.

A week before leaving, God used a little boy to provide lodging for my next step in Hawaii. Many friends helped me throw a Hawaiian Luau to raise funds and send me off. The day before my flight, I received a check to provide for the rest of my school fees.

When I sat on the plane and looked out the window, I could picture a crowd of angels wildly cheering that I was actually stepping into the dreams of my heart.

Hawaii exceeded my expectations. Strangers became family and I joined 60 amazing people in our Compassion ministry school. Each week we heard from the lives of individuals who seek to live their lives as an expression of God’s love. I experienced healing, freedom, miracle gifts, being surrounded with God’s love, and an increased desire for other people’s restoration.

I heard about North Korea and joined prayer for a united peninsula. I laid down my dreams and said, “God, I’ll go anywhere. I love you.” When it came time to select one of the five locations for our 3-month outreach, I could not get Colombia out of my mind. But that was the last place I wanted to go. I already traveled in South America, and I told everyone I was going to SE Asia to help with child trafficking. Besides, I didn’t know what we would do in Colombia. Finally, I relented, and wrote Colombia as my first choice and Cambodia as my second. I felt like I committed dream suicide.

Little did I know, Colombia was the best selection for my preparation. I am so glad to be here with the seven other people on my ‘dream team’. I’m learning how to operate in a group and not as an individual. Each person contributes valuable gifts and their personality to the whole. Four guys and four girls represent 5 nations (Norway, Korea, China, Mexico, and the US).

We have had many adventures, and I am thrilled to be here. I love the beautiful skies and mountains. It reminds me of Colorado. The people of this South American country are friendly, funny, and love to spend time together. We have a continual life-celebration in their presence.

Highlights:

1. The day after arriving in Bogota, I flew back to Miami to help my Chinese teammate get a visa. We didn’t know she needed one, and she was sent back to the US. It was a shaking experience, but God turned the whole trial into an amazing blessing. We even received a free trip to Disney World!

2. A week later, when our team reunited in Colombia, God provided a sky-show with clouds, a rainbow, a blazing sunset, and swirls of color. We watched from the rooftop of the YWAM house in Bogota.

3. For Christmas, we traveled to rural Pesca and were delighted with our 70 and 80-year-old hosts. We helped in a local church and encouraged the start of a new youth group for the area. God provided a powerful prayer-time for a local woman and her son. He brought me greater freedom in my prayers and we saw His work of restoration.

4. God teaches me to minister to others. Listen to His leading, fill my heart with more of His word, use dramatizations to help people see/experience a truth, sing prayers for people, and develop as a warrior for people’s hearts. I want to be a warrior for my King, to free the captive, and restore hearts to the Father.

5. New Year’s we spent with a local pastor’s family and church. The evening was filled with love and laughter.

6. The past two weeks, we’ve assisted with a ministry school in Bogota. 20-30 people come each afternoon to hear speakers challenge and encourage their faith. I spoke yesterday evening. After preparing, I felt God ask me to lay aside my notes and listen to Him. So I sat and wrote what I felt He put in my heart. The main idea: Our destiny is found in living the image of God on earth, like Jesus did. I want to bring God’s presence and ‘image’ wherever I go. Even though people were tired, God helped me with ideas for mini-dramas to illustrate points. We laughed a lot.

7. I’m SUPER excited about next week. On Sunday, we travel to Steve Bartell’s home and will spend 2 weeks helping their ministry with street children. I hope to spend time at their house for kids out on a farm. That’s my dream!! Steve and his wife worked 20 years with this ministry. I’ve heard they are YWAM’s best to give me direction and advice.

8. Also, God keeps introducing me to people with similar dreams. One girl wants to have a house in France, using horse therapy to help with restoration. I’m excited to see what continues to unfold.

Thank you so much for loving and celebrating with me. I pray that the dreams in your heart LIVE.

Love and Joy,

Ericka Smiley

Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Destiny: Living God's Image on Earth

2010-01-15T23:11:00.002-05:00

Tonight in Bogota, I spoke to a group of 20 Colombians attending a 2-week ministry training seminar.

Subject: our destiny ~ living out the image of God on earth.

Like Jesus did . . .

Genesis 1:26 says we are made in God's image.

Romans 5 says death entered the world through man's sin.

Isaiah 51 & 52 say he wants to restore us.

Isaiah 53 says he bought our redemption.

Romans 5 describes how we are restored through faith in Jesus, who bought our life with his.

1 Corinthians 15:49 says we become like Jesus, as we walk with him.

Colossians 1:15 says Jesus is the image of the invisible God.

When we represent God's image on earth, we spread his glory.

More lives restored through Christ = God's image restored on earth = More of his presence = more of his glory = more people restored to their original created intent = more

God helped me speak.
I had fun, adding dramatizations to illustrate the ideas.

One drama: I represented sin in a person's life (I hung on the back of a guy, slowing and pulling him down). Jesus took that person's sin on himself when he died on the cross. (I now hung on the back of 'Jesus'. He allowed himself to be pulled him down to die.) Then, Jesus rose again, showing his power over sin and death. (I stayed on the ground and the Jesus character got up.) So now the person can be free, if they trust in God's work in their life. (I tried to get back up to convince the person I wasn't destroyed. The person had a choice whether to believe/accept what Jesus did for them and be free, or to allow me to have power in their life and pull them down to destruction.) While I did the drama, it opened my eyes to the purpose of Jesus' death on the cross and the freedom it provides for me, if I receive it.

Merry Chritmas from Pesca, Colombia

2009-12-31T01:40:00.002-05:00

We rumble over streets and stop in front of a white stucco building.

A woman with grey hair and tanned skin steps from the entry way to

welcome us to our new home.

Our team arrives in Pesca, after a four hour bus ride from Bogota . . .

The Christmas lights lit the town square down the hill from the balcony view.

The next morning, we awake to the sound of roosters and the Catholic church bell ringing.

Pesca is a beautiful, rural community on green hills resting under fresh air, blue skies, and gigantic clouds.

I know I will like this place.

It looks like Bethlehem. We even have a sheep.

Our role in Pesca is to encourage the local Christian church and help

pioneer a youth group.

We arrived Tuesday, December 22, and left Wednesday, December 30, 2009.

Highlights:

1. Washing dishes with teammate Sharon (S.Korean) in the moonlight at the stone water well.

2. Seeing teammate Sisi (Chinese) pray at 6:15 a.m. each morning on the grassy hill in front of the house.

3. Talking to teammate Taylor (California) while he was sick in bed w/ a stomach problem and fever. Almost the whole team was affected - diahrea and some throwing up, stomach pains.

4. Christmas day we prayed for a lady in the church who couldn't walk or move her arms. The woman said her heart became much lighter and full of peace, depression left her, and she could move her arms and legs with greater motion and strength. It was a powerful time.

The 15-year-old son, Santiago, received fresh faith after walking away from God the past year.

A visiting friend received joy and freedom in her heart in her relationship with God.

We prayed the words of the song, "Let it rain, open the flood-gates of heaven, let it rain." That night it rained. Wonderful family Christmas with the team. Opened gifts sent by my parents. Received prayer from Julietta, our beloved 70-year-old hostess.

5. God kept me and Sisi free from sickness. He taught me about praying for health.

6. Powerful prayer-time for the lady who delivered potatoes. We asked God for a miracle baby because medically she couldn't have children.

7. First youth group meeting in Pesca. We invited the local kids from the church, including Santiago, to our house, and taught them how to listen to God and gave ideas for how to start a youth group. All the kids are really excited. I believe this is one of the main reasons why we came; to encourage and pour into the youth of Pesca. Strong prayer times to impart/pray for different gifts for the kids.

8. Team fun and unity and love. Each of us adds a unique contribution to the team.

Zach - Texas, leader, funny, zainy, easy-going, loves youth.

Sean - California, assist leader, chill, big heart, pure love, 'older brother', big love for God.

Taylor - California, great mind, tender heart, wants to grow in faith/prayer.

Julian - Texas (Mexican-heritage), hears from God, speaks words to people to encourage and truth to them from the Lord, warrior.

Sharon - S.Korea/America, sweet, loving heart, helper, speaks words of encouragement, prays with passion.

Sisi - China, great helper, funny, big love and trust in God, strong prayers, big faith.

Cathrine - Norway, administrative, keeps things on task, fun, friendly, tries new things, dedicated to the Lord and his plans for her.

9. Yesterday (Tues): Rest day. We went to a hot springs, named Piscina Erika (Erika Pool). I got to share God's love with a girl I met, and prayed with the whole family. All in Spanish! When I talk with someone about the Lord, I understand and can communicate. It's amazing.

I loved being in rural Pesca.

My Spanish improved. Now I can listen to someone talking and distinguish individual words, even if I don't know what they all mean.

And I can piece-together words that may not be grammatically correct, but the people understand me (most of the time).

Tomorrow we leave our 'home base' in Bogota to stay and help at a new, local church in Bogota. I'm not sure what we'll be doing. It's nice to be back to Internet for a day, even though I miss the beautiful weather and countryside of Pesca.

In Colombia!

2009-12-23T14:37:00.001-05:00

I'm in Colombia!

We leave today for 6 day outreach in a rural area outside Bogota.

Please pray for the JOY of the Lord and for great work in the hearts and lives of people we meet.

We will spend Christmas together.

I'm so excited to be part of this team.

Wow.

Check facebook for pics and info.

Reunion in Colombia

2009-12-22T14:39:00.002-05:00

Sweet reunion with team Colombia today! We're all together in Bogota. Yipppeee!!! Tomorrow we leave for rural place and work with kids. I'm so excited. Tonight God provided a spectacular sky-show: Rainbow, blazing sunset, swirls of color, twinkling city lights, and O'Ryan warrior-constellation in the sky . . .

Celebrating His goodness and glory.

Thanks for praying for us. Sisi and I had a great time in Orlando and Miami. We saw God provide in amazing ways - shoes, Disney world, sunsets, laughter.

It was great seeing the family on Skype. Thanks for letting that happen. I love you guys.

Merry Christmas!!! We're going to be in a rural area, so probably won't have internet/phones. But if I can, I'll call grandma and grandpa's this weekend, if we can find an international phone. If not - tell everyone HI and give them my love.

I hope my package arrives. Grandma, I sent one in the mail - Grandpa's gift. And your gift is in the package I mailed to Colorado (Ryan's house).

I'll send my address when I know it. :) We'll be traveling for a week.

Love and joy,

Ericka

Mirror, Mirror

2009-11-15T17:39:00.003-05:00

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?

I don't want to be the world's top model, but I do want to be beautiful.

A little while ago, I stopped in front of the mirror to check how I looked, a thought came to mind,

"Why do you look in the mirror so much?" . . .

Figuring the question was from God, I cringed as I realized the answer.

"Because I want to know if I am beautiful."

The next thought was a gentle invitation, "Don't look at the mirror to determine your beauty. Look at me. Then you will radiate true beauty."

I thought about this revelation.

The Bible says Moses spoke with God, face to face, like a man talking to his friend. When he emerged from these appointments, he had to cover his face because it was so brilliant. I would say that's beautiful. (Exodus 33:11, Exodus 33:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:7-18)

I wrote my thoughts, trusting they were messages from the Lord.

"When you look at me, you'll see the reflection you were made to have, and it will be beautiful. Almost too glorious to behold. I am beautiful and I made beauty. As you look at me, you will reflect your true beauty that I placed in you when I created you. I am your source of beauty. The mirror does not tell you if you are beautiful or not. People do not tell you if you are beautiful or not. You are beautiful because I made you. You are beautiful because you carry me inside you. You are beautiful as you look at me. People will notice that beauty, because it is real. But they do not determine if you are beautiful or not. You are, because I AM."

A challenge: Did a 'mirror fast'. Tried not to look at myself in a mirror for two weeks, to learn and listen to God define and declare my beauty.

It was hard but good. I didn't do it perfectly, but I did rely less and less on the mirror to say if I was beautiful, because I couldn't use the mirror. Then recently, one week after the challenge, I had a thought, "Look in the mirror. Do you see your beauty? This is what I gave you. You carry this whether you look in a mirror or not."

Amen.

Invitation to Join YWAM Kona

2009-11-04T15:43:00.003-05:00

Here is a Kona promo video.

No, I'm not YWAM's new spokeswoman . . .

They had everyone in front of a camera sharing

with friends and family what God was doing

in their lives through YWAM (Youth With a Mission).

Getting the word out.

1st Day of Notes

2009-09-29T04:47:00.003-04:00

Notes from 1st day of Lecture:

All of my life should be an expression from my experienced knowledge of God's immense love for me.

Starting DTS Tomorrow

2009-09-24T02:50:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow my D.T.S. begins.

AKA (also known as): Discipleship Training School; a six-month program, at the University of Nations, in Kona, Hawaii.

YWAM (Youth With A Mission) is the Christian missions organization with which I'm training.

Three months will be here in Kona. Then at Christmas time, our team will travel

to S.E. Asia and beyond to bring the aroma of Christ and offer his freedom to

his precious creation.

The focus of our school is Compassion and helping children affected by child-trafficking

and AIDS orphans.

God is so big and loving and good. I'm so glad I get to go with him to meet and care for these children.

I pray I am trained well. Thank you so much for your prayers, love, support, and for sending me. God provided beyond what I could imagine for me to attend this school.

Love and joy and blessings to each of you.

Palm Trees

2009-09-22T17:40:00.001-04:00

What is one thing you see & know you're in Hawaii?

Welcome, Logan!

2009-09-22T15:28:00.001-04:00

Logan arrived in Kona today, God's provision of a sister & friend. She's in the same DTS training as me. I met her in 2006 when I lived w/ my sis-in-law, Janelle, in Gunnison, CO. I liked Logan the first time we met. We spoke competitively to one another on the volleyball court. (aka, 'trash talked' - "Oh yeah? Bring it? Let's see what you got.") Since then, we've been buds for life. And we fight for the same team.

We went to the beach the next day, after eating wonderful macadamia-nut banana pancakes cooked by our gracious and loved hostess, Kim.

The sky was clear. The water, spectacular.

I've never seen water this breath-taking.

Light turquoise blue, blending into deep cobalt.

Friendly waves splashing on the beach.

We've had a great time talking, sharing, and encouraging one another in our love & trust of God.

What a sweet gift sisters and friends are.

I'm glad you're here, Logan!

Place to Stay

2009-09-19T02:00:00.005-04:00

Does God ever run out of resources?

In 2007, I traveled around the world and saw his hand provide every where I went.

Now, two years later, I want to see him do it again.

I've never been to Hawaii before, and I would love to come out a week early before classes start.

I had no idea where I could stay, but remembered my world trip, and figured God would take care of me.

The two weekends before leaving, 8-year-old Drew came running up to me in church . . .

to tell me his uncle & aunt from Kona, Hawaii were here, today, and they had agreed to pick me up from the airport the following Monday.
In direct provision from God, Uncle Brian greeted me at the airport with a lei and connected me with two families from his church so I could have a place to stay.

1. Scott & Lisa Orvis: missionaries w/ YWAM in Kona. Scott helps w/ University of the Nations, and Lisa oversees curriculum development for schools on the mission field. Their oldest son goes to Taylor University in Indiana. (He could use a car, so if any families have an extra one sitting around he could borrow, that'd be an amazing blessing.) I learned about parenting from them: parenting is mom's main ministry - have no regrets, pour everything into that ministry. Dad said best advice: As your kids get older, be their best friend. Unconditional love, give them your advice but let them learn to make decisions, love them no matter what.

2. Gordon & Kim Dong: physical therapist, leader at Grace Community Church in Kona, and mom. They have a spectacular story of God providing the house they live in, and now it is a house for kids. They have four boys, 2 in college, and have people & kids over all the time. Their home has 5 bedrooms and they see it as a ministry to have people in their home and be family to them. I know I will learn a lot from them this week about having a house for kids. Also, Gordon's mother lives here, and it is so nice to have a grandma around.

It appears God is teaching me how to be a parent.

Thank you for your miraculous provision for my week before school starts.

Day at the Beach

2009-09-18T00:00:00.002-04:00

Collage from Beach Day
(Click on pic to see larger view)

Beach View

Lava Rocks

Sunset

Aloha, Welcome. The Gift of a Lei

2009-09-15T15:30:00.000-04:00

Journey to Hawaii: Part 2, Over the Ocean

2009-09-15T14:00:00.000-04:00

Flying over Islands of Hawaii

Sapphire Blue Sky & Ocean

The same color as the LORD's foundations.

And the foundations he makes for his people.

(Exodus 24:10 & Isaiah 54:11)

Rainbow Card from Becky, Full of God's Promises

Look closely. Miracle double circle rainbow I saw from the window. The shadow of our plane was right in the middle. Message to me: God encircles, holds, guards, & guides me.

I had a thought as we took off from Seattle:

A crowd of angels cheering as the plane lifted from the ground. She's going!! 30 years of preparation & finally I'm flying into this dream!

Flying over the Hawaiian Islands

Landing: Reefs & Rugged Lava in Kona

Double Circle Rainbow Story

Journey to Hawaii: Part 1, Seattle

2009-09-14T22:00:00.000-04:00

My cousin, Rachelle, and her family welcomed me to their beautiful home in Seattle,

for my overnight layover en route to Hawaii. Baby Zoe just learned how to walk!

Great to be with them.

Mt. Ranier, airplane level!

(My bro, Mark, guided on this mountain.)

Sunset at Seattle Airport

Getting Ready To Fly!

2009-09-14T19:10:00.000-04:00

My sweet sis-in-law, Sabrina, drops me off at Denver Airport.

God took care of all the details: packing, last-min errands, driving to airport on time,

and wonderful time w/ Sabrina on the way.

Details Coming Together: Child + God = Provision!

2009-09-12T18:00:00.000-04:00

Hawaiian Luau

2009-09-05T22:00:00.000-04:00

Sept 5, one week before leaving for Kona, the Lord and my community helped me throw a Hawaiian Luau. The purpose was to share my dream and to raise the support in the Vail Valley of Colorado.

The support and love received were more than I imagined.

The Vail Daily ran an article in the local paper, my parents flew out, brother Ryan transported chairs, sister-in-law Sabrina prayed, Lacey Gerard & family provided two pigs for the feast, Scott Green gave a whole day + to cook authentic Hawaiian pork, Becky Peterson & Abbie ran around buying supplies, Jennifer Downs loaned her catering equipment, the Eagle Methodist church & Gypsum Creek Middle School shared their tables and chairs, Ivan & Linda Stultzfus loaned their truck & help to transport the chairs, Barbara & her husband helped sponsor the event, Chris Emmer donated the use of his Glissade tent, and so many families brought delicious food and loving hearts.

That evening, God also brought in finances for my trip.

By the time I left a week later, He provided everything.

It was just like He showed me in Ezra.

He provided every detail for the house of the Lord to be built. (verse 6)

Sweet Family Time

2009-07-24T18:00:00.000-04:00

Before leaving Indiana this summer, God provided our family a week on Lake Lemon through the gracious lives of the East's and Mr. Terry.

We experienced a wonderful retreat and saw God move in significant ways to bring his unity and love to dad, mom, three brothers & two sis-in-laws.

What a precious God we serve. And what an amazing family he gave me.

Welcome

2009-07-01T16:39:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the new adventure.

Traveling to Kona, Hawaii.

September 24 begins my six month Compassion DTS (discipleship training school) with YWAM (Youth With a Mission).

Three months in Hawaii and three months in South East Asia (Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines).

Focus: Working with orphanages and safe houses rescuing children

from trafficking.

I'm excited to fly with the Lord into this new adventure.

He provides for each moment.

I left teaching again to pursue fully the dream that is in my heart: to have a house for kids that need a home and family, especially kids rescued from human trafficking.