The last week or so hasn't been the most exciting here at The Dream Project. Lots of busy work. Trying to catch up with contacts that Julie has made over the summer. I've also done a bit of organizing the office... it's looking MUCH better! I'll post more pics soon, but I want to get some things hung so you can see the final product =)
I did have an appointment with our Accountant last week. I'm supposed to be learning Quickbooks but TDP has the 2007 version and our Accountant has 2010, so I'm praying that Techsoup will come though on this one for me. Techsoup is a website for non-profits. Companies donate software and you just pay an admin fee... pretty cool!
Since moving to Michigan I've been attending Genesis the Church. Last week they kicked off a new Small Group series called Portrait of a Disciple. So I joined a new Small Group and went last Wednesday for the first time. About 10 or so ladies showed up and it's a mix of singles and married women, with and without kids. I'm a creature of habit and had gotten so used to my Small Group in Wheaton that was 20 something singles so I wasn't really sure how I was gonna feel about this new group. I'm happy to say though that I had a really good time and the mix is actually quite nice. The best thing is that this weekend The Women of Genesis went on a retreat. I would say the group was about 35 and it was really nice to meet so many of the women I go to church with. It was really funny too seeing the mom's out of there element. On the way up my car stopped at Jimmie John's and Niki (mother of 4) got a cookie and said something about how nice it was to have a cookie in front of her and not have anyone ask when she was gonna eat it and if they could have some. Maybe you had to be there but I thought it was funny =) The retreat was great and I'm so thankful for the ladies that I was able to meet but it hit me while I was there that in October of last year I went on the Connect (20 something group at Harvest Bible Chapel) fall retreat not knowing anyone. That is where I met some of the amazing ladies I spent the last year hanging out with. It's just weird to think how little we know of God's plans for us.
Oh one other thing about this series last Saturday at 8pm I got a call from one of the pastors at Genesis asking if I would be willing to share some of my journey over the last year the next morning in church. Yeah. Of course I did it but that kind of stuff sure does make me nervous, but I figure God has given me this story of course I'm gonna share it. It was a Q & A that was supposed to last about 3 minutes so it's a lot of info in a little time but here are my note:
How did you get here?
A few years back a coworker and I started talking about working with the Peace Corps. I started the application process but could never bring myself to finish it because of the details. In February 2009 I got laid off from my job and four days later my Peace Corps application was submitted. I made it though the first few rounds but they could never place me. I really wanted to go with PC bc they pay for everything and even pay you a monthly stipend so it's not that I was against missions I just didn't want to have to raise support. By August of that year God had changed my heart toward the idea of raising support and I applied to International Ministries. It was strange though they almost couldn't understand that I would be willing to go anywhere so long as there were children, so I was waiting to be placed and I think they were waiting for me to pick a location. In January I applied to International Teams and heard about TDP for the first time. I met with Julie and the Garlands to talk about the Ministry. Shortly after my return from that trip I was accepted to International Ministries and The Peace Corps. I decided that I would continue to pursue all my options until God closed the doors. I was one question away from completing my TDP application when I got an email saying that TDP was going through a transition. I waited to hear what that meant and went on with International Ministries to be place in Bolivia. I declined from the Peace Corps feeling that God was leading me a different direction. Sent an email to the Missionary in Bolivia saying what next and because I couldn't stop thinking about the Orphans in Mozambique I emailed Julie to see what was happening and to ask her if they were accepting applications. Julie wrote me back immediately asking me to send her my application and I didn't hear back from the Bolivian Missionary for a month. A week or so later I got a call from Julie asking if I would be willing to work in the office here in the US. After a few trips up here, prayer and the blessings of those around me I accepted the position here in Royal Oak.
How did you know that was the right choice to make?
Throughout the last 2 years God has had me on this really strange journey of highs and lows but through it all as I look back the thing that I see is growth. So even though I would have never imagined myself living in my parents basement in Royal Oak, Michigan, I'm here bc I feel as thought it where the Lord wants me and I have Peace about it.
Given that this is not the normal path of a college graduate? Why?
About a year before I got laid off it hit me that all I was doing was making rich people richer. At this time I was also volunteering with Campus Life and my work there is what got me through the day. Volunteering with them helped me to discover who God created me to be, I learned things about myself that I never would have in my 9-5. That is when I started thinking about the Peace Corps, because 5 or 10 hours a week just didn't feel like enough. I wanted to be able to serve 24-7.
In closing I came across this verse in my Small Group study this week:
Luke 18:14b For everyone who exhalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
The last few years have been very humbling for me, but I hung this on my wall in the office as a reminder for this next 'chapter' in my life.
Well congrats if you made it though such a long post! Feel free to leave a comment, don't be shy I'm curious to find out who is actually reading this =)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Support Letter
Major changes are happening in my life. You may remember that I was laid off February of 2009. I knew God's hand was in that situation, but couldn't figure out exactly what He was calling me to. I applied for the Peace Corps and different missionary organizations. To say it's been an interesting journey would be an understatement. I would be approved but wouldn't hear back from people for months, then I might get an email response and the waiting game would start all over again.
That is until I found out about The Dream Project, an organization that works with orphans in Mozambique, Africa. I met Julie, one of its founding missionaries, within weeks of hearing about the organization. While I was filling out my application to work in Mozambique for a year, Julie asked if I would be willing to help here in the states. My answer wasn't immediate. Over the next few weeks I prayed, went to a few meetings and asked a million questions before realizing this was a great fit. I feel that God has been using my volunteer experiences with Campus Life to prepare me to work with The Dream Project.
The Dream Project's US headquarters are in Royal Oak, Michigan, where I just moved. I have been volunteering with them from Illinois since early June, working on a policy and procedures manual, brainstorming and organizing. For those of you that don't know, I'm a huge detail person and I love to organize... just not my own things =).
In December I hope to go to Mozambique for two months. As much as I'm excited about working behind the scenes in the US, it pales in comparison to how I feel about meeting those touched by this ministry. While in Mozambique, I will take pictures and videos of what happens on the ground, gain a richer, first-hand understanding of The Dream Project and Mozambique, and bring that back to share with others.
The Dream Project primarily works with children orphaned and abandoned by the AIDS epidemic. It provides fresh water, food, medical assistance, education, vocational training, and homes for countless children and families in this war- and AIDS-ravished country. Most importantly, The Dream Project brings the love and hope of Jesus to those who so desperately need it. Rather than build large orphanages, they place children in small, home-like settings with loving Mozambican houseparents. We empower them to be self-supporting leaders in their communities. We also invest in the communities by teaching practical life skills, as well as training in the Word of God. Our desire is to raise up Godly leaders, equipped to help others suffering from spiritual and physical poverty.
I am writing today because I need your help. I know that money is tight in this tough economy. If you do not feel God leading you to support me financially, I ask that you would still support me in prayer. In return for your help, I will be able to work in The Dream Project's headquarters helping to keep the “dream” alive.
My goal is to raise $2,400 per month and an additional $3,000 for my December trip to Mozambique. If you wish to support me financially please fill out the enclosed form. All donations are tax-deductible since The Dream Project is a registered 501 (c)3 organization.
Please let me know if you would like more information about The Dream Project, or visit our website www.thedream-project.org. You can also check for updates at www.amanda-nichols.blogspot.com. Thank you for your support!
That is until I found out about The Dream Project, an organization that works with orphans in Mozambique, Africa. I met Julie, one of its founding missionaries, within weeks of hearing about the organization. While I was filling out my application to work in Mozambique for a year, Julie asked if I would be willing to help here in the states. My answer wasn't immediate. Over the next few weeks I prayed, went to a few meetings and asked a million questions before realizing this was a great fit. I feel that God has been using my volunteer experiences with Campus Life to prepare me to work with The Dream Project.
The Dream Project's US headquarters are in Royal Oak, Michigan, where I just moved. I have been volunteering with them from Illinois since early June, working on a policy and procedures manual, brainstorming and organizing. For those of you that don't know, I'm a huge detail person and I love to organize... just not my own things =).
In December I hope to go to Mozambique for two months. As much as I'm excited about working behind the scenes in the US, it pales in comparison to how I feel about meeting those touched by this ministry. While in Mozambique, I will take pictures and videos of what happens on the ground, gain a richer, first-hand understanding of The Dream Project and Mozambique, and bring that back to share with others.
The Dream Project primarily works with children orphaned and abandoned by the AIDS epidemic. It provides fresh water, food, medical assistance, education, vocational training, and homes for countless children and families in this war- and AIDS-ravished country. Most importantly, The Dream Project brings the love and hope of Jesus to those who so desperately need it. Rather than build large orphanages, they place children in small, home-like settings with loving Mozambican houseparents. We empower them to be self-supporting leaders in their communities. We also invest in the communities by teaching practical life skills, as well as training in the Word of God. Our desire is to raise up Godly leaders, equipped to help others suffering from spiritual and physical poverty.
I am writing today because I need your help. I know that money is tight in this tough economy. If you do not feel God leading you to support me financially, I ask that you would still support me in prayer. In return for your help, I will be able to work in The Dream Project's headquarters helping to keep the “dream” alive.
My goal is to raise $2,400 per month and an additional $3,000 for my December trip to Mozambique. If you wish to support me financially please fill out the enclosed form. All donations are tax-deductible since The Dream Project is a registered 501 (c)3 organization.
Please let me know if you would like more information about The Dream Project, or visit our website www.thedream-project.org. You can also check for updates at www.amanda-nichols.blogspot.com. Thank you for your support!
 |
| TDP orphanage is in Pemba, the government has also given us 6 acres in Ponta D' Ouro. |
Sink or Swim
Today was the start of my third full week at The Dream Project. The last two weeks have been full of meetings with Julie, volunteers and supporters of TDP. I've also done a lot of organizing, you can't tell though. Literally every time I would get one box put away Julie would show up with at least two if not three more boxes of stuff! I'm excited to make my way through all the stuff and find it a home... even if it is the trash =) Today I did find some cool painting from Mozambique, so I hope to get those up on the wall.
I think it was two weeks ago now, we had a volunteer meeting. It was a really exciting night. That night was all about brainstorming and where TDP was heading. One of our volunteers is going to start sharing in Small Groups about TDP and trying to get people to partner with the 2010 campaign (TDP is trying to get 2000 people to give $10 a month). He is so passionate about sharing with Small Groups... it was GREAT!! We also received two checks that night totaling a very unexpected $5,000!!!!
Julie is on her way back to Mozambique. Good news is she can't bring any more boxes into the office, bad is she isn't just a phone call away. Well I guess she is, but I'm not sure how easy it is going to be to get a hold of her. I've been thinking of this day for a while and I am nervous but also very excited! It's time to stop talking about what I'll do once Julie is gone and do it.
I haven't had as much time to dig into my journal and share about the last year. I hope to be able to pull out some stories still, but if you want to hear more feel free to ask.
As always thanks for reading.
Amanda
I think it was two weeks ago now, we had a volunteer meeting. It was a really exciting night. That night was all about brainstorming and where TDP was heading. One of our volunteers is going to start sharing in Small Groups about TDP and trying to get people to partner with the 2010 campaign (TDP is trying to get 2000 people to give $10 a month). He is so passionate about sharing with Small Groups... it was GREAT!! We also received two checks that night totaling a very unexpected $5,000!!!!
Julie is on her way back to Mozambique. Good news is she can't bring any more boxes into the office, bad is she isn't just a phone call away. Well I guess she is, but I'm not sure how easy it is going to be to get a hold of her. I've been thinking of this day for a while and I am nervous but also very excited! It's time to stop talking about what I'll do once Julie is gone and do it.
I haven't had as much time to dig into my journal and share about the last year. I hope to be able to pull out some stories still, but if you want to hear more feel free to ask.
As always thanks for reading.
Amanda
 |
| The Dream Project's U.S. Headqarters |
 |
| Usually I would say that if you have time to clean at work, you must not have enough to do, but this is just insanity! |
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Journal Entry 3.4.09
I found my journal tonight. I don't write as often as I would like only a few times a year. I always find it interesting to read back over what was filling my thoughts. I think it will help you to really see my journey, so I'm going to post some of what I have written. Not necessarily word for word but along those lines:
3.4.09
Last Tuesday at BOL (Balsamo Olson & Lewis, the architecture firm) we all got called into the conference room, and told that the place was going 'barebones' and that the rest of us would be on 'furlow.' So as of this Monday I am jobless. I'm actually ok with it. I feel like God is definitely at work in this situation and it's time for me to find something I am truly passionate about.
James MacDonald has been speaking on trials and I have been really encouraged by these verses:
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 1That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Hebrews 12:7-11 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
1 Peter 4:12-16 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
It's interesting looking back, sure I had been laid off and had a lot of decisions to make but I wasn't even in the real trial yet. I think God was gearing me up for the year to come.
I don't have journal entries for the next few months.
But a few major things happen. I have a garage sale and sell just about everything I own. On June 1, 2009 I move into Tara and Matthew (my step-sister and brother-in-law) basement and my animals (Pepper & Maddox) go to live with Dad and Nay. I decided that if I was going to be serious about being open for anything the less 'stuff' I had the easier any transition would be.
I also hear back from the Peace Corps. I went in for an interview and was told that spots are opened about four times a year. My advocate would nominate me for a spot and then we would wait. I got the first 'No' in the summer of 2009.
3.4.09
Last Tuesday at BOL (Balsamo Olson & Lewis, the architecture firm) we all got called into the conference room, and told that the place was going 'barebones' and that the rest of us would be on 'furlow.' So as of this Monday I am jobless. I'm actually ok with it. I feel like God is definitely at work in this situation and it's time for me to find something I am truly passionate about.
James MacDonald has been speaking on trials and I have been really encouraged by these verses:
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 1That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Hebrews 12:7-11 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
1 Peter 4:12-16 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
It's interesting looking back, sure I had been laid off and had a lot of decisions to make but I wasn't even in the real trial yet. I think God was gearing me up for the year to come.
I don't have journal entries for the next few months.
But a few major things happen. I have a garage sale and sell just about everything I own. On June 1, 2009 I move into Tara and Matthew (my step-sister and brother-in-law) basement and my animals (Pepper & Maddox) go to live with Dad and Nay. I decided that if I was going to be serious about being open for anything the less 'stuff' I had the easier any transition would be.
I also hear back from the Peace Corps. I went in for an interview and was told that spots are opened about four times a year. My advocate would nominate me for a spot and then we would wait. I got the first 'No' in the summer of 2009.
Monday, August 9, 2010
What's next...
This is part of a STRIVE (Campus Life Fundraising) letter that I wrote back in April of 2009. It's also were I got the title of my blog =)
-Amanda
I'm also writing to give you an update on my life. =) I always plan on writing a Christmas letter, but not much changes from year to year. However, 2009 thus far has been filled with change starting in February when I got laid off. If anything, I was happy it happened. My firm has been laying people off for almost two years, so things have been pretty tense at work for awhile. I've wanted to leave the Architecture industry for some time, but feared making the jump... especially since I didn't know what I would jump to! I really feel as though this is God's will for me. Time off to regroup and try to figure out what comes next. As a matter of fact, the night before I got my pink slip, another Campus Life volunteer (who knew my office was really slow) suggested that I ask my boss if I could go part-time so that I could also work for Campus Life.
After I stared volunteering for CL, I realized how much I enjoy the whole process from brainstorming behind the scenes to spending time with the kids. For probably a year now I have been thinking about applying for the Peace Corps, but the planner in me wanted to have everything figured out first. The dog, the cat, all my belongings, would I still remember autoCAD if I was out of an office for two years, you get the idea. At the beginning of this year it hit me though that there is a chance that I won't even get in. So I decided that I would worry about this stuff when/if the time comes. All that is to say that the first thing I did after I got laid off was email CL, and then apply for the Peace Corps!!
Currently I am working part-time at CL and going through the LONG application process with the Peace Corps. Apparently my fingerprints checked out okay and now I'm on to the interview process. From what I understand, that can take up to a year. I'm not planning on the Peace Corps but I'm preparing for it. I've got a few back up plans in mind, but I feel at peace about where I am now. I finally have the time to work more with CL and heck, I'm even getting paid for some of my work. As stressful as it can be, it's a good stress. Please keep me in your prayers as this next year could be one of major changes.
-Amanda
I'm also writing to give you an update on my life. =) I always plan on writing a Christmas letter, but not much changes from year to year. However, 2009 thus far has been filled with change starting in February when I got laid off. If anything, I was happy it happened. My firm has been laying people off for almost two years, so things have been pretty tense at work for awhile. I've wanted to leave the Architecture industry for some time, but feared making the jump... especially since I didn't know what I would jump to! I really feel as though this is God's will for me. Time off to regroup and try to figure out what comes next. As a matter of fact, the night before I got my pink slip, another Campus Life volunteer (who knew my office was really slow) suggested that I ask my boss if I could go part-time so that I could also work for Campus Life.
After I stared volunteering for CL, I realized how much I enjoy the whole process from brainstorming behind the scenes to spending time with the kids. For probably a year now I have been thinking about applying for the Peace Corps, but the planner in me wanted to have everything figured out first. The dog, the cat, all my belongings, would I still remember autoCAD if I was out of an office for two years, you get the idea. At the beginning of this year it hit me though that there is a chance that I won't even get in. So I decided that I would worry about this stuff when/if the time comes. All that is to say that the first thing I did after I got laid off was email CL, and then apply for the Peace Corps!!
Currently I am working part-time at CL and going through the LONG application process with the Peace Corps. Apparently my fingerprints checked out okay and now I'm on to the interview process. From what I understand, that can take up to a year. I'm not planning on the Peace Corps but I'm preparing for it. I've got a few back up plans in mind, but I feel at peace about where I am now. I finally have the time to work more with CL and heck, I'm even getting paid for some of my work. As stressful as it can be, it's a good stress. Please keep me in your prayers as this next year could be one of major changes.
Welcome to my 1st blog!
For the last year or so I have been telling myself that I need to start a blog. Well today is the day.
My life for the last 2 years has been on a path that is not my own. I'm still not exactly sure where the Lord is taking me, but this journey has been one of growth. Even though there have been ups and downs it has been a blessing. I have journaled some about it and will try to add anything I can to catch thing up to date.
Thanks for reading!
Amanda
My life for the last 2 years has been on a path that is not my own. I'm still not exactly sure where the Lord is taking me, but this journey has been one of growth. Even though there have been ups and downs it has been a blessing. I have journaled some about it and will try to add anything I can to catch thing up to date.
Thanks for reading!
Amanda
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)