Consumed in Love's Fire

Art Show

2006-07-18T00:28:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I know I haven't posted in a long time so here's a quick run down of my summer. Crissy and I moved into a great apartment in North Kansas City. We're slowly getting it furnished and it's really coming together great. I was offered a job back with the photography studio but now I'm transferred to the one in KCMO so I live less than 5 minutes from work. It's awesome and since Crissy got promoted to manager and acting as my boss she makes sure that I have Sunday's off so I can go to church (which was a big issue last year). I'm super excited about that. I'm visited a few new churches here in KCMO and I've met some really nice people but I miss the Vinyard in Leavenworth. Earlier in the summer I took an job in an advertising firm which was okay but dishonest and soon became something that I hated. However, I visited a business that happened to be an art gallery (I was on site for the ad company)...I was chit chatting with the manager and mentioned that I was a photographer on the side. She asked to see some of my work and later called me and said she had to find a new artist for a show on July 20th...they asked me to be apart of the art walk this Thursday and my photographs will be on display in the gallery in Lee's Summit! Yeah! So....
I have a few pics for you all to look at....I'll explain + I had to post a few pics of my family and my cats....Vinny and Fathead who live very comfortable in me and Crissy's apartment. So take a look and tell me what you think....God Bless and Much Peace....

The first one above is a result of candle experiments I did in the mirror....focusing only on the light of the flame...I'm slowly learning the different setting of my old camera and I'm messing with lenses....so this is a learning experience for sure.

The one above is another candle experiement (if you guys have any verses that might be better than what I've chosen....tell me!

Okay, the feet one below is a little different. I asked Crissy if she'd let me paint her feet. She was a good sport and the pictures turned out pretty good...better than I expected considering I was taking pictures of feet. This picture is actually a one part of a series of four pictures which were matted and displayed together.

In addition to the four feet things and the candle....I also used some of the pics I took in Guatemala....Everyone seemed to like the picture of the dock so I enlarged that pic and I'm using that and a few others. So the photo show is random and vary...but that's my work. I hope to do this again in the future and if I get the chance then I'll put pictures that tie together better.
I'm in the process of a photo project that involves the colaboration of several churches here in the KC metro area...I'm still praying about it but it's been on my heart for several months. Detail are in the works...so pray for me and this project that God may guide my heart so that He may be fully glorified in this project. I'm hoping to get this accomplished by September....but I will give details later. I hope to get a website up and running for the project as well. .....

Okay: so on to Family Photos! Yeah!

The Fam! Mom, Dad, Grandma, Baby Annika, Jenna, Jeremiah, Me, Angela, and Josh! We're a happy bunch!

Baby Annika...so so cute

These are my babies...me and Crissy live with two very lazy cats...Vinny and FatHead-Pretty Eyes!

Yeah!!! I'm done!

....Okay well that concludes my update! Love to all and Praise the Lord for He is awesome!

For Luke....

2006-05-13T11:10:00.000-05:00

Alright....this is rough...and I really don't like my own sound...but as part request from luke, jenna, and crissy...I put my music on myspace....Rough rough rough recordings...but I guess it's a good way to document my songs....
Lots of love,

Jubes

www.myspace.com/jubileeann

2006-04-26T01:06:00.000-05:00

I'm back! So long time no see...talk...um! Well, I'm super busy with school and finals. I'm in the middle of directing a One Act and I just finished the production of MadWoman of Chaillot....where I played the Madwoman of Chaillot....It was tough and tiring but I'm sad to be done with it....I loved the character...I loved the challenge and the play was amazing! Luke has a new music myspace....check it out.....www.myspace.com/LukeKillough. I knew you'd give in...You're songs are amazing! Keep writing! (You rock my face right off!) Thanks to my brother and Sarah who came to see my show....that truely meant the world to me....to know that family supports me in my efforts to pursue theatre. I had a great time with you guys....thanks a lot! Oh....and so my Gutatemala series continues! After about a month of posting nothing...well...I suppose I should try to make up for it! Ha! Love love love....Try to post more later....so crazy busy!

2006-04-26T00:57:00.000-05:00

My photography students....

2006-04-26T00:56:00.000-05:00

After class....

2006-04-26T00:55:00.001-05:00

Erika

2006-04-26T00:55:00.000-05:00

Jancy

2006-04-26T00:54:00.000-05:00

Karla

2006-04-26T00:53:00.000-05:00

Karla

2006-04-26T00:52:00.000-05:00

Islanda

2006-04-26T00:51:00.000-05:00

Picture taken by Iram...one of my students for the week....great picture don't ya think...awww Timing!

2006-04-25T23:58:00.000-05:00

Ask me any question for a reassuring thumbs up!....

2006-04-25T23:56:00.000-05:00

Destruction to one of the buildings Side By Side built in Chutenel...after the mudslides...caused by the hurricane last October.

2006-04-25T23:54:00.001-05:00

I'm not paying attention...

2006-04-25T23:54:00.000-05:00

There it is! Aww...cute is what we aim for!

2006-04-25T23:53:00.000-05:00

Back at the farm

2006-04-25T23:51:00.000-05:00

Nice earrings....

2006-04-25T23:50:00.000-05:00

Where did our arms go you say??

2006-04-25T23:49:00.000-05:00

what....I was chilly

2006-04-25T23:48:00.001-05:00

I found the lost door to Narnia!

2006-04-25T23:48:00.000-05:00

On the way to Panahachel and Santiago

2006-04-25T23:47:00.000-05:00

Kiddo's in Providencia

Guatemala Series...continued.

2006-03-26T19:09:00.000-06:00

So here are more pictures from Guatemala. I miss San Lucas already. I still have yet to post my photography project with the kids at the school. I wish I could share some of the pictures they took; they take better pictures than I do. :) Anyway....that's coming up...but enjoy these for now.

I never really leave this place.
Peace

2006-03-26T19:01:00.000-06:00

Sunrise.....

2006-03-26T18:59:00.000-06:00

Lake Atitlan...morning.

2006-03-26T18:58:00.000-06:00

Sun is setting...

2006-03-26T18:57:00.000-06:00

Be thankful I'm only posting four of these...there's more where this came from...but last June I didn't take advantage of the beautiful flowers there in Guatemala...so this is part of my flower series.

2006-03-26T18:56:00.000-06:00

There's just so many pretty flowers in Guatemala! (I'm actually doing a flower series for my mom...she's a fan of flowers)

2006-03-26T18:54:00.000-06:00

Here's another

2006-03-26T18:53:00.000-06:00

I like flowers :)

2006-03-26T18:51:00.000-06:00

William in front of the parish...he met us every morning.

2006-03-26T18:49:00.000-06:00

These kids were from the church I went to while I was there....I got worship in Spanish!

2006-03-26T18:47:00.000-06:00

I took a day and went back to Providencia to visit the kids I knew from last June...They all remembered me and it was so hard to leave them after one day...I may have gotten emotional...or whatever. I missed them so much.....I still do. It was a nice reunion.

2006-03-26T18:45:00.000-06:00

Olga and Ana-Sofia from last year...When I returned to Providencia these two girls knew me immediately..."Julia Julia."

2006-03-26T18:42:00.000-06:00

Ramo, Nelson, Me and Santiago, in the Casa de Miel...(Honey House) harvesting honey! This is how I spent my mornings! So much fun. Ramon in the red ( is my newly adopted grandfather...I've decided! He taught me so much....about the Mayan people, about bees and honey, it was all just so fun.

2006-03-26T18:38:00.000-06:00

The Parish

2006-03-26T18:37:00.000-06:00

Me and Miss in front of the parish with the kids

Guatemala Series: An Intro

2006-03-20T19:29:00.000-06:00

For lack of funding, I am slowly but surely getting my pictures developed from Guatemala! So I'll start you off with a few pics I messed with.....and then some others that people took of me....okay...so here's the beginning!

Okay...so the picture above is a a building in Antigua just as the sun was setting...okay...so...moving on....

I call this one...bird lovin! Look at'em....their kissing.....there are so many parrots in Guatemala...I must admit....I tampered with this pic...used a spot light/ cool tone lense...then later brought their colors out on the computer....so much fun!

This is our group...we are 11 from 45 that were originally supposed to go....It was really pretty perfect though. It was a good group.

Leave it to me to ruin a perfectly good picture....who is that nut? Man I love Guatemala.

This is me back in Providencia with all my kiddo's from last year. I missed them so much and it was amazing because they knew "Julia, Julia" as soon as they saw me! It was a great reunion! Olga was showing me her pictures from last year....they treasure pictures of their family. So very cool!

Well, I guess that's it for now...I willl surely post more throughout the week. The end will be more of my project with the kids and the school. But before I go....I must show you...

Action Figure Jesus.....breaking the bread!

Peace

When in Rome.....(um yeah that doesn´t really apply here)

2006-03-09T18:54:00.000-06:00

I´ve just decided....I´m not coming home.

Peace

ReadySetGo!....

2006-03-06T16:52:00.000-06:00

Okay, so day...um...day four! Right on....these days seem to run together like nothing else.

Okay...so things continue to be rockin my face off down here. It's so amazing! I left off on Saturday...and after dinner I took myself to the Ingelsia de Penecostes....Oh Man!...To worship in Spanish is crazy fun! It was awesome! You guys just don't know.....just so cool. The people there welcomed me and Melissa, Sam and Becca and they put us in the front row and after church we were greeted by the people there....Let me say that I have never been welcomed into a church like I was at this church! Every single person came up to me and shook my hand or hugged me, thanked me for coming...said it was so wonderful to have young people from the US come to their tiny church...such a blessing! It was so cool! And worship rocked!

Okay, so after that, we met the rest of the group at Casa Vieja...which is a little hole in the wall discoteca....And I learned how to Marange...(don't know if I spelled that right) so much fun!

Okay....Today! (BIG BIG SMILES AS I TYPE THIS!)

I got to work with the kids today on the art project and I get to do this all week. What I'm doing is helping out with an afterschool art project which will teach the kids how to use and operate a camera effectively so they can take pictures of their family and things in the city that are most important to them which is awesome because I will get to see the city of San Lucas through their eyes! I might learn a few things as a photographer. Today, we did introductions and I am working with kids in the fifth grade....mostly boys. I learned that, if the families have a choice in educating their children then they will most likely put the boys in school and keep the girls to work at home...so since this is an afterschool project we only have like five girls and about 21 boys. So tomorrow will be instructions on the pictures and I'll get group and travel around the city to take pictures....they each get about 10 pictures which will be put into an album for their family. Today, we had them fill out questionaires about them and different questions that stretched their creativity...(I guess here they are not encouraged in art or creativity so this will hopefully be beneficial for them) Then we had them decorate the front of their albums with pictures and such things.....and I took a portrait of each one of the kids and that will be the beginning of their album! Each kid gets a back of paper, crayons, a pencil, a magic marker that turns different colors (even I was super excited about that!)....and a photo album....Oh man...the smiles and excitement on the faces of these kids were amazing! It was so exciting!
SO MUCH FUN! Great project and I can't believe things fell into place so perfectly!

This morning I traveled up the mountain with the group to the village that was supposed to recieve the building....and met the leaders of the community. Ken arranged a project then...so for the rest of the week....In the morning for me....I'll be with the group painting the school building at the community so we still have chance to make connections with them and get to know them before the next group comes up to build with Strickland. The kids are hilarious there....so much fun! The community we're working in is Chuicnja...which is more likely spelled wrong and I don't know how to write things in Chat'che'kal...which is their first language....Anyway....It means.....sweet land...because they raise sugar or honey....or something sweet like that....I need to stop talking!

Okay...Keyboard is different here...Kind havin a hard time typing and such...

Okay...well that's all for now! I'll write after a couple days of working! Oh man....love it down here! No worries though...I will return!

On a side note:
CONGRATS TO MY SISTER AND THE BELLEVILLE LADY BUFFS FOR MAKING IT TO THE STATE BASKETBALL TOURNEY! YE'AH! (WAY TO GO BEAN AND GOOD LUCK)

Okay....well...Love to all!
Jubes

Hola To All My Homies!

2006-03-04T14:22:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone! Well, I made it safely to Guatemala! Yeah! Today we all went on a tour of all the projects that the parish is involved in so we get a better feel of what kind of volunteer opportunities we will be involved in since building the school fell through. For those who do not know yet, the school building we were going to build did not make it through customs so Melissa and I are the only two Saint Mary students that decided to go ahead and come here because I know that the parish can always use volunteers. Today, on the tour I had to be the translater for the group because since the trip was almost cancelled the translaters were not needed....so they backed out and I became the only person in the group who knows any kind of Spanish....which is scary...but really it wasn´t too bad....We don´t know what kind of project we´re going to be helping with yet, but there are several options....They are building a women´s shelter that will house woman who are not married and teach them how to read, write, and cook and bake and so on....another option is helping the people here clear out land that the parish bought after the hurricane....looks pretty sad....but by clearing the land out...then within a couple of months the people will start building new community for the Mayans there....so that´s a cool thing!

For me however, I met this woman who came down here to teach for a week and I talked extensively with her....she´s a spanish teacher in Nebraska, and she asked me, since I speak spanish...(more or less) to help her in the classroom.....Here´s the cool part....I would be teaching at 3 every day....grades 1 to 4....and the project she´s involved in is art based....really though...We are teaching the children about photography and how to work a camera and then the art project is putting together albums of their families....How cool....Me, teaching kids, using art and photography.....I knew there was a reason I came.....God works in awesome, amazing ways! So that´s my project for the week....I´ll work in the morning on the parish projects and then in the afternoon....I´ll be teaching photography to the kids....YEAH! (Big Smile!)

I´m staying in a different place than I did last year but it is still so beautiful! I remember everything!...The smells, the people, the city of San Lucas....Loves it! Oh...and Marta, this woman I remember from last year....she remembered me and she invited me to salsa tonight....so I think Melissa and I are going dancing with Marta tonight! How fun!

I´m having such a wonderful time so far and I´m so glad that I had this opportunity to come and experience something completely new! God is awesome....

Okay....well, I´ll post more later.....
Lots of Love,

Jube

Guatamala: Here I Go Again!

2006-03-01T22:59:00.000-06:00

Hey y'all! So I leave for Guatamala at 3:45 A.M. on Friday....Yikes! So close and I really haven't even packed. But, I'll be gone for a little over a week and even though I'm so excited, I'm don't feel as prepared as last time. I could use all of your prayers and good thoughts: God is doing amazing things in my life and I'm so excited that He's chosen me for these adventures. Please pray that God will be present in through the whole of our journey and we will be fruitful in our endeavors....I can't wait to go back. This.....in a way for me....is like going home....Last year my heart never really left Guatamala and I can't believe it's been less than a year and I'm returning to a place that continues to change my life and touch my heart.

I'll be posting while I'm down there so be sure to check back in!

Peace and Love to all!
Jubes

Yep

2006-02-22T00:46:00.000-06:00

I'm 22.

New Song

2006-02-19T22:49:00.000-06:00

Okay...here the lyrics to a new song I've been working on...don't know...if i can ever figure out auidoblogger then i'll post it....but it's more punk ish...better with an electric...but okay...anyway....that's all that's really going on...super busy with school and such things....and i'm leaving for guatamala in less than two weeks...oh and i'm 22 on wednesday: my favorite day of the week! Ha ha! Love to all!

Don't have title yet?

i can't tink about your face without smiling/ i shy away from the bottle that's spinning/ hide my cheeks so you won't see/ color of my heart's complexion//drink it down to the background spinning/ all the images of the room dancing/ in this crowd i'm losing time/ but you find me in a sea of faces// you find me// always pacing off a guilty disposition / seeking beauty in elevation/ i find my virtue in short supply/ but you always seem to raise me higher// oh why do you choose to seek to make me new, oh why do you choose to set me free/// you call my name, call me, seek me, come to me, and I will meet you in between the ending to my mean, i choose you choosing me, willing to set me free//i don't know about the stories ending/ after living a tragic beginning/ the only audience that i have is the one who joins me in desperation// all i have are a couple of verses/ add a bridge and and maybe a chorus/ by the end will all resolve?/ for the man who loves me more than i know/ i don't/ (chorus)/ I can't think about your face without smiling

Rocket Summer

2006-02-18T14:47:00.000-06:00

Never Knew

I just ran into a few someone's today
Someone's that I never really knew
And I used to think how I had them all so figured out

But no, none of it's true 'cause I never knew you
and now the truth of it is, is I wanna be like you
So hello, good friend, I wanna be next to you
For my head, for my heart, for what's true

So I'm burning the thoughts of the things that I once said
Because you tore down the walls that the world that has put inside my head
And I just get sick of the things that we think, we think we know

And no, none of it's true 'cause I never knew you
and now the truth of it is, is I wanna be like you
So hello, good friend, I wanna be next to you
For my head, for my heart, for what's true

So take me and save me and change me and then make me
And embrace me and then brave my heart for you
No, no, 'cause I can't go on without you
And it's time for something never knowing, oh

And no, none of it's true 'cause I never knew you
and now the truth of it is, is I wanna be like you
So hello, good friend, I wanna be next to you
For my head, for my heart, for what's true

And as they as strolled along
My heart broke out in song
From all the things and the thoughts and assumptions that I had wrong
See now I'll be on my way to make this claim
I'll make it famous in every way
I'll make it stay when I will save it...

No, none of it's true 'cause I never knew you
and now the truth of it is, is I wanna be like you
So hello, good friend, I wanna be next to you
For my head, for my heart, for what's true

Feb. 14th

2006-02-14T00:50:00.000-06:00

Happy Single's Awareness Day!

Lyrics to Phil Wickham's Song "Mystery"

2006-02-13T00:56:00.000-06:00

here in the quiet speak to me now
my ears are open to Your gentle, sweet whispering
break down the door come inside,
shine down Your bright light
I need a lamp for my feet, I need a lamp for my feet

I want to hear the thunder of who You are
to be captured inside the wonder of who You are
I want to live, I want to breathe
to search out Your heart and all of Your mystery

You were the first and You'll be the end
time cannot hold You down, so why save a wretch like me
no eye has seen, no ear has heard no heart can fully know
all of Your mystery

Your glory burns in the stars
shine down Your light let it burn in my heart
bring me to glory bring me to You
Lord it's Your heart that I will hold onto

Just thought I'd share....I found this song on Myspace...you can hear it at
www.myspace.com/philwickham

Peace

A Father's Daughter

2006-01-25T00:37:00.000-06:00

As part of my English requirements, I am taking a Writer's Workshop with one of my favorite Sisters...the resident poet here at Saint Mary. Her passion for poetry is incredible and I so much enjoy her class. Every week we are required to write three poems. Concrete in matter so that a reader would perhaps see what the poet sees. I don't consider myself a poet in any sense...most of my works include abstract dribble...so I was challenged to tell a story. So this story is about my father. He told me when he first learned guitar, he watched others and repeated what he saw and played and played. Self taught. I play guitar today because of my father. It's the sound that ties me to the memories of him when he plays and when he sings. I am my father's daughter and he has inspired me and still does in so many ways. It is no wonder that my first assignment should be inspired by him as well. Untitled, but here it is:

I saw his fingers bleed.
Each callous surrendering to the cold course steel,
And still he played for hours,
Bowing his head at the center; an act of prayer
Though his hands never met.
I saw his fingers dance,
Each one to a different tune, a different rhythm,
My father knew this song.
Every note and chord,
Every curve and direction of the grain
Excited the possibility
For a knock, thrap, hum that would escape the hollow belly.
I would hear it whisper.
I would hear it roar.
I saw his fingers write poems that echoed no words.
I watched,
And soon my fingers would find their own song

Late Night Update

2006-01-21T02:15:00.000-06:00

It's been a while, I would agree. I haven't been a writing mood recently. I've read a lot...a lot! But writing...ehh. I got through the first week of classes this semester and well...I'm in it for the long hall. Hard core English and Theatre classes that require a lot of time, reading, writing, time, early mornings and, time. No worries- I no longer have a job, I've taken a break from the Good Samaritan Project in KC and I did not audition for the upcoming production. So time, I have. So really, that's just turning a frown upsidedown. :)
Late this evening I helped the tech. director build the set for the upcoming show "Honestly." Patrick, Tyler, Crissy and I worked for several hours tonight and last night and I finally have a break to sit, relax and study the several blisters I received from hammering nails and redoing a frame for a trap door because one of the sides was an inch shorter than the other...and cutting 48 legs and braces...yada yada...and so on and so forth. I must say, I have some pretty attractive blisters. Though rewarding, I don't believe I will be making carpentry my profession. Patrick and I decided that building a set is really just like playing with a really expensive lego set save the exciting colors. Good times. :)

Something Beyond

2006-01-08T16:54:00.000-06:00

"I think all Christians would agree with me if I said that though Christianity seems at the first to be all about morality, all about duties and rules and guilt and virtue, yet it leads you on, out of all that, into something beyond. One has a glimpse of a country where they do not talk to those things, except perhaps as a joke. Every one there is filled full with what we should call goodness as a mirror filled with light. But they do not call it goodness. They do not call it anything. They are not thinking of it. They are too busy looking at the source from which it comes. But this is nesar the stage where the road passes over the rim of our world. No one's eyes can see very far beyond that: lots of people's eyes can see further than mine. "

-from Mere Christianity
C.S. Lewis

About 12 hours early....

2005-12-31T11:11:00.000-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! (yeah...throwing glitter, wearing a ridiculous hat and such!)

P.S. News about the Onething Conference in KC coming soon. Spending New Years in Omaha with brothers....O the joy of family!
Love to all...
JP

Simple

2005-12-25T10:01:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas Everyone! May your day be full of blessed joy and love.

Blessing in disguise?

2005-12-23T23:48:00.000-06:00

So while I wait for the parts to come in for my car, I decided to take it for a check up and have the oil changed and the tires rotated....yada yada...Turns out my two front tires are shot, the radiator is busted...again..leaking fluid all sorts of places, and the break pads are worn to the point of being seriouly dangerous. Before my car could have really fallen apart or been a hazard on the road...I was crushed by a blessing in disguise. Yeah!

Coming Home for the Holidays

2005-12-20T11:48:00.000-06:00

Just this last Saturday I was driving home in the snow and ice, ready to start my vacation from school. My mom was in a car behind me and we kept an eye out for each other the whole way; I would check my rearview to makesure the little white car was still visible as the snow continued to cloud my vision. My mom would continuously check the ditches when she didn't see me in front of her, "just in case." My mom and I are just on the west side of Marysville about an hour away from home and I was amazed neither one of us has slipped off the road in the past two hours and as the snow was lifting slightly, I started to let my guard down since I was so close to home. Not ten miles out of Marysville I jumped to see a deer bound across the highway. Clenching my steering wheel I sighing in relief considering the deer was only about 100 yards from my car. Within a split second I smiled, shook my head and caught a glimpse out my right side window. Without warning the rest of the deer family came charging right for me. Only a few feet from my car and not enough time for me to react, I held on as the two deer slammed into my car. BAM! Knocking me to the left side of the road, I watched as one flipped over the hood of my car after taking my side mirror with him. The other deer I caught in the rear view flying like santa clause's reindeer clear over my car and landing close to my mom's car. I didn't know what to do. I was already on the side of the road and so I decided to put my blinker on, and drive over a little further. Hazards went on, my mom is screaming behind me and I got out of my car to watch the deer get off the road, startled at first and then shaking it off and ran away. Crazy. I went to the other side of my car and saw the damage. Mirror and window gone, passenger door seriously crushed and the hood and the back-rightside door sustained multiple dents and scratches. Hair everywhere! Well, I reported it at the nearest gas station and as I was doing so I saw a comic on the cashregister with two deer on the side of the road and one is saying "Car Season." It made me laugh, knowing it could have been so much worse. My neck was sore for a day and my car is fixable. Praise God for His protection.
The past two days I have been getting things in order for the insurance company and I took my car to the body shop. My car is fully covered so over my vacation my car is getting a facelift. Estimated damage-$2300. Coming away from an experience with a story and a thankful heart....priceless.

You know me

2005-12-19T17:25:00.000-06:00

Daddy,
You know my heart, my thoughts and every cry. Grant me the patience that will allow me to remember to put other's needs in front of my own. May I hold my tongue through this difficult decision and a difficult situation and turn to You. Father I will trust in Your guidence, in Your grace, in Your love. May I follow in the example set before me. Humbled before You, I cry to You in the beautiful name of Jesus,
Amen.

Remember Today

2005-12-01T18:47:00.000-06:00

December 1, 2005. Every December 1 is a day dedicated to AIDS Awarness. A subject close to my heart. There is a lot here...kind of scattered and changes from one subject to another but here it is...My thoughts, my heart. This is for James(1968-2005), Darrel, Jubilee, Kristie, Vince, Chipper, Hank, and Jonathan-who all live with AIDS. Friends of the Good Samaritan Project. My friends.

Christian Reflection on the Social Issue of AIDS:

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray…Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and the let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And prayer of faith will save the sick and the Lord will raise them up, (James 5.13-15, NKJV).

As the AIDS pandemic sweeps across this world and wallows in the very heart of Africa, Christians are often faced with questions of how to minister to those who suffer from the disease. How do we as Christians see this situation and how can we act in the way God would call us to do so? I am sure God does not deny that there is innocent suffering within this world, but what is an answer to the pain and suffering in a world God saw was “good” in Genesis 1.31. For Christians, Jesus becomes a model for living, and as Christians, we are invited to care for the needs of others as Jesus did. Through education and research, spiritual care and prayer, as well as personal reflection, a compassionate attitude and outreach provides a justified answer for persons of our limited means of care. Though seemingly small in jest, the uplifting of human life may offer a healing beyond medicinal care. I offer two sources of support: hope and encouragement from scripture, and the potential of the church as a whole becoming a beacon of light for those in the dark. Kind words paired with the faith and hearts of humanity may be a temporary solution for the sickness.

“I accept scripture as an integral part of my faith tradition and a primary source for my spiritual growth,” -Rosemary Hubble.

I love the story of Job, and the parallels between Job and an AIDS patient today are astonishing in all areas of physical, emotional, and spiritual symptoms.

“[…] God might get their attention through pain, by throwing them on a bed of suffering, so they can’t stand the sight of food, […] They lose weight, wasting away to nothing , reduced to a bag of bones; they hang on the cliff-edge of death, knowing the next breath may be their last,” (Job 33.19-21 The Message)

When God allowed Satan to test the strength and faith of Job, Job suffered unimaginable loss. His family, his property, and his health were eventually stripped from away from him. Yet, though the man was sick, vulnerable, frail, afraid, and lost, Job’s trusting faith in God prevailed when he exclaimed: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed is the name of the Lord,” (Job 1.21 NKJV). For the millions diagnosed with AIDS, I am sure that Job’s words of praise do not come easy. In fact, expressions of pain and suffering were expected in the time of ruinous loss suffered by Job, and we experience the same today in the time of AIDS. The tragedy of the disease brings pain, suffering, disorder, and chaos, but when reflecting upon this pandemic, Job validates human response to tragedy and reveals a God who cares for the human spirit always.
Job 3.26 reflects the darkness a person with AIDS may experience from the time of diagnosis: “My repose is shattered, my peace destroyed. No rest for me, ever; death has invaded my life.” The prospect of death was an issue of possibility Job struggled with, but for anyone infected with HIV/AIDS, death is an unavoidable certainty with no available cure that is currently known.
Job also questions the point of life in his darkest hour
“May the stars of its morning be dark; may it look for light, but find none, and not see the dawning of the day,” (Job 3.9 NKJV), and “so I have been allotted months of futility, and wearisome nights have been appointed to me. When I lie down, I say, ‘when shall I arise, and the night be ended?’[…] My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and are spent without hope,” (Job 7.3-4, 6 NKJV).

As, Job experiences the emotional and mental adversities that are paralleled to those of an AIDS victim, many of the physical attributes of the disease are shared as well. In Job 30.30, Job describes a “black skin that grows and falls from” him which could be linked to what we describe to be lesions, a common mark among persons with AIDS. As revealed in The Message, Job also describes how his suffering “seizes” him and how the pain “never lets up,” as he tosses through many nights.” A patient who heroically lives in such suffering will teach us that life is indeed hard and finite. For those willing, we must be prepared to identify with and comfort others who suffer.

“[People] cried out to them, ‘Go away, unclean! Go away, go away! Do not touch us!’ When they fled and wandered, those among nations said, “They shall no longer dwell here,” (Lamentations 4.15 NKJV).

An HIV/AIDS diagnosis exposes a range of vulnerable issues including drug use, sexual preference and sexual activity, alienation from religious institutions, morbidity and morality. Through research of this pandemic I only want to reason that we must respond with compassion, not assumptions that are birthed from preconceived ideas.

In Rosemary Hubble’s book Conversations on the Dung Heap, she refers to those who are "isolated and undesirable [or rather] shunned because they are ill, sick and poor." Sadly, those on the “Dung Heap” of life, “they become the society’s untouchables.” Many people with AIDS were and still are pushed through the ‘dung heap,’ but who pushes them there? In the book of Lamentations, Jeremiah laments over the destruction of Jerusalem and the degradation of Zion as he witnesses the suffering of the people who suffer a devastating plague: “Now their appearance is blacker than soot; they go unrecognized in the streets; their skin clings to their bones. It becomes as dry as wood." Are we willing to merely lament over the suffering of those infected with AIDS, and then push them aside; to acknowledge and forget? In Lamentations it reads that God’s “compassions never fail. They are new every morning,” (Lord help my heart to be so strong)

It does seem that the universe groans under the weight of the universal suffering caused by AIDS, but we must recognized that life continues all around us with the pain and suffering incorporated into [our] "joyful" lives.

“This attitude toward life, this willingness to allow healing in, to investigate the nature of disease as a means of investigation life seems a basis of healing,”-Walter Smith

Though AIDS research may not offer people a cure, "there are certainly opportunities for healing." In this article I saved from last year “Spiritual Care of Person’s Living with HIV/AIDS” Walter Smith shares that the “ultimate expression for care is being loved. This love is manifest in the way one person patiently and attentively seeks to understand and respond to the other,” He suggests that spiritual care is “the work of communicating the inner meaning of God’s revelation” to people, helping them utilize their “spiritual resources” to assist them in dealing with the disease. In other words, I don't have to understand the cause of the disease and then solve the problem, but rather get close enough to the disease to love and/or even restore a connection with the life at which it inhabits.

I have had personal experience with many who suffer from this disease that invades our world. They have left a permanent mark upon my heart and I cry only that they find peace in knowing that God’s compassion and love never fails. I have been touched by them like I have been touched by the Spirit who provokes my heart to reach out and touch the “untouchables.” My heart cries out to the sick and suffering, and through prayer and reflection, my realization of God in the midst of this tragedy grows stronger every day. Though I value and pray for technological and medicinal advancement in finding a cure, my faith is the strongest resolution I offer.

Returning to Job, he challenges us to respond to the world’s pain and suffering and leaves us with the reminder that God is present in this world always.

This issue, stemming from the catastrophic situation in Africa, has brought to light the experience of human frailty. Two decades has past since the AIDS virus was recognized in the United States and within that relatively short amount of time, no other disease has mounted to so much destruction and so much progress simultaneously.

Pray for those who suffer tonight. It touches us all.

Peace.

More Annika

2005-11-08T03:17:00.000-06:00

So cute! Okay, so it has come to my attention that the majority of my blog is becoming a photo gallery. I need to actually post...like write something...Okay, so...coming soon...an actual post from me....for now you guys can enjoy the cuteness of my niece Annika!

Annika and her daddy, Josh.
(Trying to eat daddy's nose...silly girl!)

I'll Be There For You.....Cause You're There For Me Too

2005-10-20T23:47:00.000-05:00

So this past week has been sooo much better than the last couple.

Today my friends and I went to the photo studio that I worked at and took pictures as a group...just for fun. We're so close and most of us have been together for the past three years so we decided to take fun "family" pictures! They turned out really nice so I thought I would share them with you all.

Yesterday was kind of exciting. I got to play my first public venue at Tampico's Restaurant here in Leavenworth. My friend Tyler called me last night and told me that a guy, Bill, was playing there and Tyler had told him of a friend that played guitar and sang a lot of the same songs. Bill was nice enough to invite me to play with him and when he took his break I played sets of 20-30 minutes. I ended up staying for a couple hours trading on and off with Bill. It was so much fun. Tampicos' manager asked me back every Wednesday to play with Bill and Bill agreed. I don't know if I'll continue to play there every week...but here and there. It was a great experience and has encouraged me to keep playin'. Thanks Tyler for the call. That really made my night!

Work and school have been going alright. So busy! But contantly God has given me peace, reassuring me that He is always there, loving me. Most always that's all I need. To know that my Father in Heaven loves me infinitely....so much beyond my knowing....that is all need. For in that moment when I smile and my heart is uplifted, my day becomes amazing and I can only pray for God's grace to allow me one more day...one more day with Him, one more day with my friends and family; one more day.

Father, You are so good, and my heart overflows with a yearning for more of You. Thank you for the gracing me with Your love and presence this past week. Glory and honor to You the King of my heart.

Love and Peace to all....Love you guys! JP

2005-10-20T23:46:00.001-05:00

Family Picture

2005-10-20T23:46:00.000-05:00

Silly friends

2005-10-20T23:45:00.000-05:00

Me and the girls...Missa and Crissy

2005-10-20T23:44:00.001-05:00

The Boys...Zach, Tyler and Patrick

2005-10-20T23:44:00.000-05:00

Me and Missa

For Kyle

2005-10-11T20:14:00.000-05:00

This past week I, as well as my class suffered the loss of a good friend. Growing up in a small town, the kids we grew up with became our lifetime companions and our closest friends. Kyle will be missed. This is for all the friends you have now and the friends you had long ago, the friends you thought you would never lose touch with but have, the friends you have lost, and friends you'll never forget. For them, Thank God they were and are apart of your life forever!

What a blessing it is to share your life with a friend.

Something to think about. This is for Kyle.

Love and Peace to all,

Jube

I can't give solutions to all of life's problems, doubts, or fears. But I can listen to you, and together we will search for answers. I can't change your past with all it's heartache and pain,nor the future with its untold stories. But I can be there now when you need me to care. I can't keep your feet from stumbling.I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it and not fall. Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness are not mine; Yet I can share in your laughter. Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to judge; I can only support you, encourage you,and help you when you ask. I can't prevent you from falling away from friendship, from your values, from me. I can only pray for you, talk to you and wait for you. I can't give you boundaries which I have determined for you, But I can give you the room to change, room to grow,room to be yourself. I can't keep your heart from breaking and hurting, But I can cry with you and help you pick up the piecesand put them back in place. I can't tell you who you are. I can only love you and be your friend.

2005-10-08T02:04:00.000-05:00

My sister...the Homecoming Queen! Congratulations Jenna Bean!

For Every Season, There's a Reason

2005-10-06T00:11:00.000-05:00

Hey all! I know I haven't written in a long time! So briefly...I'm an aunt and I can't wait to get home to see my little niece! School is going well. I've made kind of a big decision concerning my majors and I'll post about that later. USM production of Carosel premiers...well I guess tonight! So excited! It'll be a great show. Congrats to my sister on the homecoming queen nomination! Best of luck Jenna Bean! Started an improv worship jam session with Brenton and Luke on Wednesday nights and I can't believe how caught I am in it. The Spirit floods among the three of us and it is so beautiful. One of my favorite nights of the week now! Lord I pray that you would continue to bless this new venture. What peace and beauty you bring to this fellowship. We come together for you, saying it is all about you, and we desire your presence in our voices, in our music, in our surrendering hearts. May we, by your will, continue to pour out our hearts and praise in song driven by your spirit. Jesus, in your beautiful name I pray, Amen. ---Great night! So thankful for Luke and Bob....great friends. My weekend was tough, my week was tough but tonight I found peace. Hopefully these nights continue. Other news? ummmm.....I told Luke I'd post these lyrics a long time ago. I wrote this song during a storm...called the storm. I guess? Don't know really what to call it. But I looked at the lyrics again tonight and it's amazing how they apply to my situation right now. Tough tough week. God has a plan and I know to trust it! So....what else can I say. Love to you all.....Peace and Love, JP

The Storm

1 a.m. and the storm comes rollin
With the gray clouded sky in my mind
You can see it in

My Eyes

Are the windows collecting dew
From the chaotic view on the evening news
What are we without

You

Are the one that bring us peace
Who can calm the seas
Lord please Set us free and

Bring on the rain of your glory
Of your majesty, of your eternal grace
Bring on the rain of your power
And let the storm call in the rain of your infinite love

4 a.m and my dreams are shaken by the
Thundering crash of your song
my trembling heart aches for you

I Long

For the wind that will whisper true
That my heart is new, I know it’s you
By your graces

You have renewed

All the love that you offered me, a prophets creed
A sinner freed
Promised eternity

Bring on the rain of your glory
Of your majesty, of your eternal grace
Bring on the rain of your power
And let the storm call in the rain of your infinite love

(Bridge)

Every day may we cower and fall to our knees
Unworthy and weak
And trust that you’ll meet us in storms like these

6 a.m and the day’s beginning,
With the glorious rise of your son
The storm is clear the battle

Won

Are the hearts of your children yearning.
For a love concerning
this fire burning
For the one

Returning

Is the infinite mystery, his majesty
the King of kings,
Oh, to you I will sing

Bring on the reign of your glory
Of your majesty,of your eternal grace
Bring on the reign of your power
And let the storm call in the reign of your infinite love

Aunt Jube presents....

2005-09-30T16:44:00.000-05:00

My beautiful niece...
Annika Michelle Paige
Born Sept. 29, 2005 10:41 a.m
8lbs. 14.5 oz
21.5 in

Congratulations Josh and Angie!

My Little Tiny Ducky Named Jamal

2005-09-26T23:14:00.000-05:00

2005-09-13T02:30:00.000-05:00

....

Quick Post....and I mean quick

2005-09-13T02:14:00.000-05:00

Okay: It's time for the shortest blog ever!
School's good, job's good, friends and family are great....and God is awesome! Peace and Love everyone!
JP

2005-08-23T14:51:00.000-05:00

These pics are a few from a collection of black and whites I took monday. Went with Tyler and Zack.....lots of fun.

2005-08-23T14:50:00.000-05:00

Tyler

2005-08-23T14:48:00.000-05:00

I like the twist....tyler again!

2005-08-23T14:47:00.000-05:00

Tyler playing my guitar

2005-08-21T00:34:00.000-05:00

A helping hand

Be Still

2005-08-21T00:07:00.000-05:00

So I had a day that was crazy fast, frustrating...really just a downer. Work was packed and I didn't have a break until 8:30 tonight when I got off of work. Anyway, I came home and complained about my hectic day to my friends like I sometimes do....and then went and laid down. I stopped and the verse..."Be still and know that I am God," came into my mind. So I stopped and was still.

Awesome day!

This was the product of my day:

Be Still

Another day has its end
Mark the page and cap the pen
Written down is my merry-go-round dizzy life

I close my eyes and fade away
Forget the mess that was today
Pray the Lord my soul to keep
Ask him for the remedy from this hourglass life I lead

All I need to do is be still and know you are with me
All I want to do is wake up from this reverie I'm living
Cause I know I'm exposed and it shows in heaven
All I want to do now is be still and know you

Another day will begin
Unmark the page and start again
Cast away all the trivial things in my mind
And draw me to you

All I need to do is be still and know you are with me
All I want to do is wake up from this reverie I'm living
Cause I know I'm exposed and it shows in heaven
All I want to do now is be still and know you

Oh, I know this life I'm living
Is but a vapor in this wind of a world
And even though my mind is spinning
I can always be still and rest in you

Oh all I want to do is be still and know you are with me
Yeah all I want to do is be still and know you
All I want to do is be still

Hope everyone has a blessed tomorrow!

Love to all-Jube

Father I love that I know I can be still in you.
Thank you for calming my heart today so that I could rest in your presence.
You are enough to make my day and all my days the greatest.
You are enough.
Amen

Let Me Explain....No, There Is Too Much...Let Me Sum Up...

2005-07-27T19:35:00.000-05:00

(Princess Buttercup is to wed Humperdink in little less than half an hour)...

bonus points if you can name that movie!

Okay, major catching up to do! So sorry I've been M.I.A. for more than a month but I've been keeping busy....So hold on tight kids...we're going for a ride........................>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Zoom Zoom!

I miss Guatamala a lot! Never thought I would ache this bad after a service project, but it's funny how God keeps your heart pulled toward certain things. Hopefully I will be able to continue my travels either to Guatamala or other places. I can only pray that I'm willing if my Father calls.

Family: I took Jenna Ben's senior pictures a couple weeks ago. She's 18 and in her last year of High School. Yeah Bean....I have to say she's look quite hot in her pictures too! Other than that....Baby time is almost here...Annika Michelle Paige should be here in as month or so and Josh and Angie are busy prepareing the house for a new member of the family. I want to take the baby pictures! I'm so excited for my family...what a joyous blessing to bring a baby into the Paige family! Congratulations to all y'all! Love to all my family...I'm three hours away but I miss them all the time. Praise God for the Love shared in our family.....what a treasure to be cherished. (Love you guys! )

Friends: Roomates are great! So funny. We all built a fort in the middle of our living room and traveled back in time to the time we were 12 and forts were cool! Ha ha. Called Josh Entremont, a good friend of mine from a long time ago...He is getting married so I wish him and Rene only the best: Congrats you two! Josh I'm glad to hear you're doing well.

Pets: My roomates and I have a cat! Silent Bob Buttons Lunchbox! We call him Bob...and he's a handful. My arm has become a scratching post. Loves it!

JOBS! I LOVE MY JOBS! Okay, everyone knows that I love the leavenworth times newspaper job....but loveing my new job at Portrait Innovations in Overland Park. Seriously, I get paid to act like a two year old, play with kids and take their pictures. So much fun. God truely blessed me with this opportunity. I Love taking pictures and I'm working with some amazing Christian people which is rare but such a wonder of God's work in my life. Greatness....just Greatness!

Church: Unfortunately the studio takes up quite a bit of my time and Sunday mornings are no longer available for me to attend the Vinyard. However, I am currently apart of this college/college grad. group called the Gathering. So I know the name isn't incourageing and it sounds a bit iffy...but the group is amazing and it's comprised of people my age. The messages are great, and worship rocks my little socks off! Last week Part 1 of a two part message entitle: Crossroads of Life: Dating....Dating tips....yikes. Good stuff but not for me right now!

Father,
Keeper of my Heart,
Praise You
For You are Enough!
Amen.

I'll try to keep up. Love to all!

2005-06-15T13:01:00.000-05:00

I am here in the states, but....

2005-06-15T12:59:00.000-05:00

My heart is in Guatamala.

2005-06-14T15:36:00.000-05:00

Sunrise in San Lucas: I woke up with the sunrise every morning. I couldn't wait to start the day....I had no watch or clock or schedule. Days were long and I have never enjoyed working hard so much....I loved it. What a blessing this trip has been. Thank you all for your prayers. I chose the sunrise because I pray that this is not the end of a trip but the beginning and a continuation of a journey God has in store for me. Such beauty.

2005-06-14T15:31:00.000-05:00

What a geek!

2005-06-14T15:30:00.000-05:00

At the dedication one of the older women of the community taught me one of their dances...I later showed them how to do the electric slide! Quite the sight!

2005-06-14T15:28:00.000-05:00

Playin soccer in the mountains....I played a few times with the kids...so much fun.

2005-06-14T15:27:00.000-05:00

Tara brought this huge soccer ball for the kids which turned out to be a big hit!

2005-06-14T15:25:00.000-05:00

Lydia and Mateo label their new school!

2005-06-14T15:24:00.000-05:00

The Crew: Courtney, Tara, Samantha and Jeff...Lunch break!

2005-06-14T14:31:00.000-05:00

Day before we have to leave: On the way to Antigua and Pannajachel we stopped at Ixmche...Mayan ruins about an hour from San Lucas. Cool stuff!

2005-06-14T14:28:00.000-05:00

I soon became a human jungle gym...they would swing, climb, hang, tickle...all at the same time! Time of my life! O...hanging on me would be Olga and Ronni and Juan David is waiting in line.

2005-06-14T14:26:00.000-05:00

Yosydie (Claira's older sister) and Douglas....We gave the kids magnetic letters so they could spell things out....the name game never grew old! "Julia!"

2005-06-14T14:24:00.000-05:00

Claira on the scaffolding...she was so much fun!

2005-06-14T14:23:00.000-05:00

Me and Hyme bolting the perlins to the main beams of the building.

2005-06-14T14:21:00.000-05:00

Kate and me up on the roof of the school. This was. Thursday afternoon and we're putting the finishing touches on the building. I'm doing something with a power tool...?

2005-06-14T14:19:00.000-05:00

Andrais y Marvin the Man! These boys were awesome. They wanted to help with construction so bad so we put them to work and Marvin (the short one in front) borrowed my work gloves and he stepped up to help build his new school.

2005-06-14T14:16:00.000-05:00

Me and Esther...Toliman is the volcano behind us!

2005-06-14T14:14:00.000-05:00

Providencia-(view from the top of the hill. This is the old slave owner's house when the community was a finca. Today the Parish has bought the land and the Mayans now own their land and it is slowly becomeing "Nueva Providencia"

2005-06-14T14:11:00.000-05:00

Lake Atitlan in beautiful Guatamala...nice huh!

Julia, Julia..¨mas chicle por mi!¨

2005-06-08T18:13:00.000-05:00

Hola everyone! What an incredible three days it has been. I´ll give you a brief overview of what´s been going on but I´ll be able to tell you more when I get back! Okay, here we go...

Monday: We started construction at seven in the morning. We are working with the community of Providencia which was an old Finca (property owned by one man who kept the Mayans as slaves) Since the Finca was destroyed the parish for whom I´m working bought the land and is handing it over to the community. The Mayans here are awesome. Twenty three families reside in Providencia and most of them live in one room stick houses. Each family has maybe one bed if their fortunate to split between families of 3 to 7 people. The head of the town, Marcus, or Cush as we call him which is a nickname for squirrel (ha ha) took us around to meet each family and said that it is very sad the way they live. (Vida es triste en Guatamala.) But this is their home and how they live and he said he feels blessed that God would give us gifts to share with them. The whole community is very excited about the new school. The present school is the finca ex-owner´s old house. Delapedated, it is quite inefficient. Bullet holes from the guerilla wars mark the building. It is quite sad.
However, hopefully things will change after we finish this school. The first day we errected the frame of the new school after carrying the parts up the mountain by hand or head or shoulder....however we did it, we did it. Sun was hot, the beams were the heaviest things I´ve ever put on my shoulders and I was soaked from head to toe after two trips. I made at least 20 trips. My legs hurt, my shoulders are bruised and I´m the sun has officially fried me like a chicken.....but I have never felt to good! It´s really all worth it when you know you are serving God through a service to others.

Okay, Tuesday: After two days, I was up on the beams about 12 feet in the air connecting perlins across 74 feet. So much fun. Again, fried like a chicken but the afternoon rain was welcomed by everyone. After two days every kid in the community knew me as Julia...most can´t pronounce Jubilee so I introduce myself as Julia (hoolia). I have made about 23 new little friends who all know my name and today (Wednesday) I have finally learned everyones name. I took a break from construction in the afternoon and played soccer with the kids with a giant soccer ball that we brought from the states. They were so excited. What was soccer, soon became soccer with no boundries and no rules, which soon developed into a cross between soccer, football americano, y rugby. Crazy fun! After the game which lasted forever, (by the way Melissa I get a green star for running today and tuesday!) I gave the kids Chicle...gum. Wow what a mob scene! Now I am known as the girl with the gum...Julia Julia mas chicle por mio!

Today: We´re more than half done with the school and will probably finish tomorrow. I got to play with the kids again. Then they sang to me and I to them...then I read to them...then we had a lesson in English...then they all followed me down and fought to hold my hand at the end of the day. I love them all! Honestly...I don´t want to leave! I could stay probably another month or five! ha ha...No but I will come home....sometime.

That´s all for now. I love you all! I can´t wait to tell you more! Keep praying and I´ll see you on Sunday...All my love and God bless....
Saludos,
Julia

Beautiful, Gorgeous, Wish You Were Here!

2005-06-05T18:07:00.000-05:00

Hola from Guatamala! Just a quick note really before I have to go back to the parish. I love it here. We arrived safetly and took a ride up and down the mountains to reach the city on the hill...San Lucas Toliman right by Lake Atitlan. From our lodges we can see right out onto the lake and seriously, I have never seen such a beautiful sight. The environment is incredible and the people are amazing as well. So far I´ve had so much fun just getting to know the area as well as the children, who happen to be the best sales people I´ve ever met in my life. Crazy fun! I can´t believe I´m here sometimes. The area is a valley of communities and we are enveloped in one large mountainas circle.
Yesterday I walked around the community and met a lot of people. So friendly. The culture and the people truely are beautiful. Went to church this morning which was interesting. The music was amazing. Ah...I just love it here.
Tomorrow we go to work on the school for the little mayan community of Provinica. The people are so nice....openly friendly. A mud slide has take this whole town out the people are pretty much camping in tents. This is there way of life and they are the happiest bunch I´ve seen. Smiling faces eager to say hello and know your name. So tomorrow´s the big day. The group I´m with is wonderful and we get along famously. We are all going to be working our butts off tomorrow but we´re eager to get to work and finish by Thursday at least.
God is good and I am so thankful that I have this opportunity to be here. Thank you all for your love an support. Missa, Crissy, and Katie...thank you for my luggage buddies and the cards you sent. I love you guys so much and I will be back before you know it.
Mom and Dad, I´m safe! I love you too!
Please continue to pray for all of here! What a blessed journey this will be!
Love to all!
Jube

Today is the day....

2005-06-03T08:55:00.000-05:00

Hey all:
Today is the day I leave for Guatamala! Yikes...and Yeah (all at the same time!) I leave in about an hour so I can't write a lot. For those who are visiting my blog for the first time...um...Welcome to my Blog!

Today we leave for Guatamala city and I believe I'll be spending the majority of my time in a plane! Yeah....long plane rides. (Not like Todd's though I'm sure....sorry Todd) Tomorrow I leave for Antigua and I get to ride out on Lake Atitlan, which I heard was just beautiful. Op, times almost up...I'm really excited to be going on this trip. I know I'll have a great time and I'll be sure to take lots of pics to you can all see what I was up to! Please pray that everyone will be safe and each heart will be blessed as we leave to give our selves and our services to others. Lord protect this group as we travel today and continue to bless this trip and enrich the lives of our group and the people we come to know. May each one of our lives shine brightly with your love. Keep our hearts and our eyes open to new adventures and new and wonderful people. I offer all this up to you and ask that you would just keep us safe and bless our journey. I love you Lord.

That's all from me! Take care everyone-Peace and Love-Jubes

I am so not good at this....

2005-05-31T23:44:00.000-05:00

Okay...so I've decided I'm not really good at keeping my blog updated. But, better late than never right?
Quick update:
Okay, so class has ended and summer is here! I did well on my finals I think, and my family, friends, and jobs are great. I leave for Guatamala on Friday and I'm so excited. Everything has worked out for me to go on this trip and I am thankful that God has seen me through to this point. I'll blog later with details and while I'm on the trip. Please pray that things will go well on this trip and everyone will be safe and blessed. I'll write more tomorrow. So tired and I have a long drive back to Leavenworth tomorrow. I came home for a couple of days to see my family. Ah, so nice to come home.
Oh, also pray for a friend: Todd-he's traveling to Pakistan tomorrow and will be gone for month. Todd, I know your frustrations with this trip but I know you will have an amazing time. I pray that God will keep you safe and bless your time there. I can't wait to hear your stories.
Take care all; I'll write more tomorrow.
Peace and Blessings