What in the World...

Growing, growing, growing....inside and out!

2008-03-26T10:27:00.001-07:00

Almost 35 weeks.....

2008-03-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

Well, the boys weighed in at 4lbs 14oz and 4 lbs 6oz. They said I can go anytime, but I am still praying for the end of March. As you can see my back is sure holding up a lot of weight, so you can imagine I dont do much but lie around and eat. :) It is so crazy to think that there are two little people living inside of me! WOW!

34 weeks - anytime now......

2008-03-04T18:35:00.000-08:00

Well, we didnt think we'd make it this far and we are praying that the boys stay in the "incubator" until the end of the month. They will be 37 weeks and their lungs should be developed by then. Can you believe how much my belly sticks out! WOW these boys are heavy!!!

Bigger and bigger!!! No babies yet!

2008-03-04T12:07:00.001-08:00

30 Weeks

30 Weeks

28 weeks

24 Weeks

Married one month...pregnant the next...Yeah!

2008-03-04T11:59:00.000-08:00

22 weeks

20 weeks

18 weeks

16 weeks

13 weeks

Wedding pics #2

2008-01-25T07:35:00.001-08:00

Mark and I taking a little walk before the wedding. It was so nice to spend time with him at breakfast in prayer for the wedding. We really wanted the Lord to be glorified and asked for a soul to be saved as a result of the wedding.

The great guys and gals in the wedding party.

Wedding Pics

2008-01-25T07:19:00.000-08:00

The whole gang. Girls: Becky (sis-in-law), Jodi (sis), Missy (friend, maidof honor), me (!!!), Celeste (friend, matron or honor), Julie (friend), BobbiJo (sis) Guys: Volker (bro-in-law), Johnny B (friend), Chris (friend), Mark (!!!), Michael (bro), Jarrad (friend), Paul (friend)

Allen (dad), me, Ed (step-dad), Vicki (mom)

Mark and I

A little bit of swing before the ceremony (this is called a candlestick)

My bro-in-law Peter and my nephew, the ring bearer, Peter Jr.

A few wedding snapshots!

2007-08-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry this has taken so long to get up and running. These photos are actually thanks to Reb Nelson. Our photographer's computer crashed so we are waiting for him to figure that out. If you have any pics from the wedding you can send them to tatjapkes@yahoo.com (my new email) The wedding was wonderful! The best wedding I have ever been to! Thank you to all of you who shared in our special day! Whether in person or in prayer, we appreiciate all of you!

Wedding Details!!!!!!

2007-05-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

If you are reading this post, you have probably recieved our wedding invitation! We are all set to be married on Saturday, June 23rd at 2:00 in the afternoon at Chisago Lakes Baptist Church. If you plan to attend the wedding, please RSVP to markandtracywedding@yahoo.com.

You may also be wondering about the area. Here are a few important links you may need:

1. Click here for mapquest directions to the church.
(Located 45 minutes north of the Twin Cities airport)
2. Click here for a Google list of hotels in Forest Lake (the closest major city).
3. Click here for Target's Clubwedd where we are registered.
4. Click here for a link to Chisago Lakes Baptist Church.

Our address will be: Mark and Tracy Tjapkes
26396 Fenwick Ave #3
Wyoming, MN 55092

We hope these links are enough to help you plan your trip, whether near or far. If you don't have enough information, please feel free to contact us for questions. Thanks for your replies and we look forward to seeing you June 23rd if not sooner! Blessings!

The date

2007-04-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars! June 23rd, 2007 will be the official date of the wedding! Hope to see you all there!

It's official...I'm going to marry Mark Tjapkes!!!

2007-03-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

Go ahead…..rub your eyes….read it again…IT’S TRUE…WE ARE ENGAGED!!!!!

Ok, here’s the story…

Well, let’s start from the beginning…

Mark and I met at his sister Becky and Volker Weise’s wedding Thanksgiving weekend 2005. We hung out then, but due to life circumstances and challenges from friends, our relationship didn’t go anywhere; not even to a pursued friendship.

Then, Christmas 2005, Mark’s brother Michael got married. Becky and Volker came home from Germany to attend the wedding. Since they were in the country, they decided to venture up to Minnesota to visit the old churches (Chatfield and Chisago) and school (CLBS) where Volker, Becky, Julie Morrell and I taught. Mark had the time off to spend with his sister, Volker and their new baby Joanna, so instead of staying in Indiana (where Michael’s wedding was and where Mr. and Mrs. Tjapkes are currently in ministry), he decided to come up to MN as well.

We all spent the evening at Julie and my house entertaining a few guests and oooing and ahhing over baby Joanna. Becky sent Mark and me on an adventure to Wal-Mart for baby stuff….our first bonding experience. The next day he came to school and hung out with us for the day. Then he left…….I didn’t know that a guy could do this to me…..my heart felt like it was ripped out, I couldn’t concentrate……..so I text messaged him…basically, “nice to see you, have a safe trip, have a nice life.”
Over the next successive days we talked on the phone for HOURS. Then I went to Alaska for a week to visit my sister Jodi. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder right? Pretty sure I knew I HAD to continue this friendship. Every time the conversation was finished my view of God was greater, my desire for God was stronger….I was addicted to talking to Mark!
The second week of Christmas break Julie and I went to visit Mark in Michigan. Mark, realizing the cost of overage minutes, bought me a phone on his family plan…..so this gave a license to talk even more…for free!!! January and February were filled with many hours of phone conversations and a visit a month. We both had an opportunity to spend time with each others family and friends and really get to know the real Mark and Tracy. The more we uncovered about each other the more we realized how perfect we were for each other. God made us for each other!!

…….So, Mark came out last week and got all the details for living arrangements when he moves to MN, working arrangements, and had an interview at a church for leading worship and other details…. Then Friday after school, the beginning of my spring break, we drove out to Michigan. The weekend was filled with wrapping up the details of his ministries, many good-byes, many tears and hugs, and packing up the truck. It was amazing to see how I fit into his world in Michigan!!! Wednesday we packed up the truck, cleaned the house and said farewell to Grand Rapids. As we drove away, on the way to visit his parents in Indiana, we prayed and thanked the Lord for all the many things he had done in Mark’s life over the past few years at Cornerstone and ministering at Shiloh Church and Connect.

What I didn’t realize was that we were driving north……when the scenery looked familiar I said, “Is this Grand Haven? Ahh, I am so glad we came up here, this is the first place you told me you loved me! Are we going to see great Aunt Clara?” Mark, “ahh……umm…yeah…we can.” So we got to the place (see picture below) and I said, “Wait, I really have to go to the bathroom.”
Grand Haven is a seasonal town, so almost nothing is open this time of year. We drove and drove and finally found a bathroom. Then back to the pier and lighthouse on Lake Michigan.
As we walked down the pier, the storm began to roll in. We got to “the spot” and Mark began to tell me how when he first came to Michigan he had spent some time up here with the Lord. He vowed his life to the Lord and asked Him to change him and direct him. He also told me he thought he would find his wife in Michigan. This seemed the appropriate bookend to his time in Michigan, so he wanted to come up here and take some time to reflect and thank the Lord for the things He had done. He wrapped his arms around me and began to pray. He thanked the Lord specifically for so many awesome blessings, transformations, ministries, and for leading us together. He asked the Lord to make the way clear as we begin our life together and keep us humble and focused on Him. Then he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

Of course I said YES!!!!!!!!

I thought I would cry or shriek or something, but as he put the ring on my finger and explained the significance of it, all I could do was enjoy the moment and be so humble and grateful that it wasn’t just the two of us or a crowd of people and pomp and circumstance; it was a moment of worship and consecration before the Lord. No other proposal would have been more fitting. We are both humbled to the fact that God orchestrated every event in our lives to bring us to this moment and we wouldn’t want to begin our lives together without Him. I tell you all….Mark Alan Tjapkes is perfect for me!!!!

The ring: The picture doesn’t do it justice of course, but: it has a 1/3 karat princess cut diamond at the center with 3 smaller diamonds on each side. The ring is a picture of what we want our lives to be: both Mark and I are committed to serving the Lord with our lives. So, the 3 diamonds on each side are a picture of each of us. Each side is 3: Mark, Tracy, God and the union in one that we want to be, But there are 2 sides with these diamonds, because together we want to make God BIG in the eyes of others, which is the picture of us on each side and the larger diamond in the middle. It is the most amazing ring I have ever seen….but I guess I’m bias. I never thought something so beautiful and sparkly would turn this little tom-girl into a giddy one.

I am humbled and amazed to be here at this time in my life with this man. I know that only perfect man was Jesus, and he died on the cross for my sins, but I am so grateful to be redeemed and beginning the journey of life with the man who for the glory of God will complete me and make me a better servant of the Almighty. WOW! When Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10)….He wasn’t kidding!!

Love you all!!
Plan for a summer wedding!!
Much love, Mark and Tracy
(Doesn’t that sound great!!!)

As of March 2007

2007-03-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

Teaching at Chisago still....love them all!
Dating this wonderful guy...his name is Mark...love him too!

Ok Tracy, I'm on your blog and now I'm confused...

2006-08-13T20:31:00.000-07:00

HOW TO USE MY BLOG:
1. We left for the Africa May 31st, so scroll down and click on the May archives and start at the bottom with the post entitled Reb, Candi and Trace. Then read up to the top.
2. Click on the June archives and start on the bottom and read up
3. Click on the July archive and start on the bottom and read up
4. Click on the August archive and start on the bottom and read up

The first post you see is the most recent post, so if you want to read from the beginning you need to follow the directions.

A Quarter of a Century Ago..........

2006-08-13T16:18:00.000-07:00

I WAS BORN!!!!!!!!!! On July 24th, I celebrated my birthday, now being a quarter of a century old. Candi planned a big party for me it was so fun and full of surprises. I had a ton of visitors and even some guests I didn't think would be there. My mom and Jodi started the day with a trip to the Science Museum of MN to see the "Body World" exhibt, all the while, Candi was at home plotting my party plans. We had a BBQ at my house and ate ice cream cake. After a while, we all hiked down to the Wyoming school to play some 3-on-3 beach volleyball. When the bugs started to get to bad, we decided to go bowling at Stars and Strikes also in Wyoming. The bowling alley even had a Happy Birthday message across the score screen for me. After bowling, we went to another part of the building to play laser tag. While we waited for the other boys to finish their second round, Candi and I talked and Jodi tried to play video games and win at basketball. Finally we went home and watched the movies Jos, Josh and other guys had made. Everyone fell asleep except Jos and I, who talked til 3 am. On the 25th, my dad came over to take Jodi and I out to breakfast. He had this cool new truck and I got to sit in it. Candi and I took it for a drive and Candi couldn't find the gears so I had to run home to get my dad who was talking to Jodi to come help us get the truck.

Brian Alexander of the USA Water polo team

2006-07-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

In case you needed a better picture of my pillow from the first couple posts about flying to Africa and getting"stuck" next to one of the members of the USA water polo team. This is a pic of the whole team (who were on the plane) and Brian (remember the one who's arm I fell asleep on) in action in the pool. Look at those pipes!

The Mozambique team

2006-07-19T21:53:00.000-07:00

There is a map of Mozambique at the beginning of the Africa posts if you need to refresh in your mind where Moz is check there. 4 days after Candi and I returned home, the Zak-pack (excluding the kids and Krista S.) left for Mozambique. Below is a picture of the entire group which consisted of the Zak-pack, a group from South Carolina, and a group from South Africa. See if you can find: Mr. and Mrs. Zak (down front), Rebe G (2nd row, blue shirt), Reb N (2nd row, grey shirt, red shorts), Mike H. and Jason S. (on the truck red and white shirts), and Amy N. (ok, I never met her, so if you find her let me know)

Benjamin Todd Quiring: Enjoying the presence of Almighty God

2006-07-17T17:33:00.000-07:00

1985 - Benjamin Todd Quiring - 2006

Benjamin Todd Quiring age 20 of Slayton, formerly of Westbrook, passed away Friday, June 30, 2006 as the result of a plane crash near Slayton. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday at the Walnut Grove Community Center. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am Wednesday and will continue until the time of the services at the community center. Interment is in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. The Westbrook Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Benjamin Quiring was born on December 12, 1985 in Shakopee, MN to Todd & Melodie (Wesselink) Quiring. The family moved to Brownton, MN, where Ben attended 1st and 2nd grade. The family then moved to Westbrook. Ben attended Westbrook Christian School, and graduated from Q-Acres Christian Academy in 2004. Ben became a licensed pilot prior to his graduation from high school. Ben then went to work full time at Page One Printing in Slayton while taking Bible Courses, Spanish, Business and Real Estate Classes on line. He went on to become a partner in real estate- property investments. Ben had a great personality and always had a warm smile. Ben was baptized after he accepted Christ at the age of five. He was a member of Heritage Baptist Bible Church where he was active as the choir director, as a song leader, and also in the youth group. Ben loved flying ever since he was a child. He enjoyed music, computers, studying the Bible, and spending time with his family and friends. Ben had a love for learning, and always enjoyed helping people. Benjamin is survived by his fiancée Candice Viancourt of Wyoming, MN; parents Todd & Melodie Quiring of Westbrook; brother Mitchell Quiring of Westbrook; sister Hannah Quiring of Westbrook; grandparents: Louise Quiring of Mountain Lake, and Dannie & Elizabeth Wesselink of Rock Hill, S.C.; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandpa Donald Quiring.

Just look up....

2006-07-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

Have you ever sat down to post and stared at the computer wondering what to write? That is where I am right now. Ben's funeral was a blessing. 10-15 people were saved because of it and the memorial service. Many other people were stirred on or back to the Lord. I have had many witnessing opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Candi: She's doing alright. I guess as well as could be expected after the loss of her love of 4.5 years, her goals, dreams free time, phone calls, etc. She is optimistic and has her bad days, but the Lord has given her amazing grace and people around her to help her heal.

Me: Struggling. Its hard to see your friend hurting like this. Its good to be home. I dont know where I am going to live til school starts. The first team just got back from Mozambique and had a wonderful time. Its hard to see your friend hurting like this. Its so great spending time with my nephew. We found out that the tickets home werent paid for and we both need around $2,000. I got to work with my mom again on an estate sale, she's so fun. I have alot of decisions to make concerning the future. My family is getting along very well and is very supportive. My step-sisters and I have had some really good talks.

As you can see, I am struggling. My heart desires Africa, yet the Lord has me here. I think it was the right decision to stay, yet every day is hard. The Lord is blessing me, but I am weary.

Encouragemet: "I will praise You in this storm...I lift my eyes unto the hills; where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."
"He gives and takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord."

God's will is not always easy, but it is ALWAYS BEST...

2006-07-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

Day 29 -
We all had plans to get up and do some errands this morning before the man came over to fix the old geyer (hot water heater). I however, was sick, surprise surprise. Ben (Candi's fiance) called and we had a nice chat. He just bought an airplane and wanted to let Candi know. It was 3 a.m. his time, but he just got off work and was so excited he had to call her. She was gone so I told him call later. When the "fam" got home, we all worked on the benches. It is amazing how God melded (is that a word) us all together. I really enjoy working with Jason, Mike, Nathan, Reb (she hammered!!), Rebe, Candi and some of the kids. After lunch we all went back to town to go to a farmers market type thing called Montana's Traders Market. Candi bought Ben's wedding ring. Its pretty cool. We got home and started supper and the neighbor brought his horse over. We took turns riding around the ostrich field. Ben called and talked to Candi for awhile. We sat down to dinner.......then the phone rang. For the next 3 days I have been in a blur. Ben, Candi's fiance, died in a plane crash, so we were on the next plane out of South Africa. We spent the next 24 hours on planes to come home. We arrived in Mpls on Sunday at 1:30pm. It was a blessing to see Joanna and Judy Hedrick, Ashley Julien, My mom and sister and Candi's family at the airport. But it was very hard to not see Ben, just 2 days earlier we had made the weekend plans for when we came home in August. What next? Please pray for Candi as she needs to make decisions about her future. Please also pray for me as I seek to accomplish the Lord's will. I feel as though the work I started is not done in South Africa and Mozambique. However, God's will may have been to see and change the things about me He revealed there, and then to bring Candi home. I've asked the Lord which path to take. If He provides the money for tickets to return and the blessing of my mom I will finish what I started in June. If not, I will seek his will here in Minnesota for the remainder of the summer.

Day 28 -
Ok count em up! How many days have I been sick over here? I think it could be the drastic change in weather from morning to afternoon to evening. Or it could be that I am eating a lot of dairy products and sugar. You cant really be picky when you are at someone elses house. Or it could be that it is going around. All I know is last night through the service I hurt all over and was freezing. This morning I felt awful as well. Mrs. Zak took Mike, Jason, Krista and Kim to Bela bela to go horse back riding. Reb and I were going to go with to buy souveniors. But I felt just awful this morning. So once again, I was in bed half the day. I did get up enough energy to help Candi make one bench and walk back down to the scrap yard with Jason to get more wood. Today was also Mikes bday - he is 20. The girls also sang around the piano for awhile - what a blessing, while the boys entertained the kids on the trampoline. Well, their all having family time watching Rigoletto so I better go join! Love you all!!!

Traditional African dresses and 2 guys

2006-07-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

Day 27 -
Today Jason Smith and Mike Havlik arrived. Sarah dropped Nathan, Rebe, Cortney, Jacob and I off at holiday Bible club and went to Jo-burg to get the boys. I got to help Mpho lead the giraffes. I think a kids got saved today, but I am not sure. It was fun to help and play woth kids from many different African tribes, Afrikkaans, English, German, Korean, Indian, and other ethnicities. Central is very diverse. When we got home Mike, Jason, Ben, Candi, Caleb, and I went to the scrap yard down the road to see if they would like to donate some wood so we could make benches for the Onderstepoort church. They did, after a wild goose chase, and we all carried home an old palet. Then we all went to Jo-burg to see Erin and David Debrain (and the baby), have dinner and visit their church. Erin is originally from Prior Lake and married an English South Africaner. Krista, Kim and Erin had a lot to catch up on and hold baby Jack. Erin's husband is the pastor so we went to their Wed. nite service.

Day 26 -
This day was so long, and frustrating, but also fun! We got up early and drove up to Soupan to get Salome and Komotso. We were going fabric shopping! Salome knows how to sew dresses and skirts of each of the traditional tribes and she wanted to sew for us if we bought the material. At first it was really fun bc we got to buy fleece pieces and make tie blankets (for about $10-this is way cheaper than the states) Then we went downtown Pretoria - watch your purses!!!! To the place where all the black people shop. This was supposed to be a very fun experience, but you all know me and shopping and you all know me and coordinating colors. I was ready to leave when we were done!! Even with the watchful eye of Reb Nelson, I got flustered, but at the end of the day she approved my choices. :) After shopping we took Komotso, Salome and Gladness (Salome's daughter) to the Ludwig Rose gardens to walk around and eat lunch. They dont get to go out to luch very often. It was a blessing to be able to treat them. When we got home I washed Salomes clothes. She recently had a sugery and had trouble washing all the clothes by hand so we did them in the machines. While I was washing, Reb was teaching Salome and Komotso how to bake a chocolate cake. They only have paraffin stoves to cook on. I really enjoy spending time with these people. Some let you know how rich you are and make you feel guilty, but some love you for who you are and make great friends. Today I was kind of bummed. The dog got ahold of my camera when we were shoveling yesterday. I thought another girl took it in the house, until later when I couldnt find it. Its pretty chewed up, but praise the Lord it still works!!

Phone-jacking, baling hay and being un-African

2006-07-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

Day 25 -
Today we dug a trench, well we started digging a trench. We have to uncover the wires to the pool and pool lights so that they can be fixed. Dont worry mom, all the electricity was shut off. Later we went to the mall. I dont think I go to the mall as much in the states are I do here. The phone has been giving us trouble so we couldnt get the email so we had to go the cyber cafe at the Kolonade mall to check messages. When we got back Candi, Rebe and I helped the neighbor, an Afrikkaans guys and his Tswana servant bale hay. It was very primitive - just pitch forks and a wagon - but fun. I guess he is going to come by later this week to let us ride his horses. When we were getting home the Afrikkaans man was driving his Massey Fergusen tractor into the yard. I greeted him in English and then the black guy in Tswana. You should have seen the look on the white guys face! Sarah said it is very un-African to greet the black hired labor, ooops, oh well.

Day 24 -
I love Sundays!! However, there was not Sunday School and there werent very many people there due to holiday. The schools here go all year-round so they get breaks every couple moonths for a few weeks. We found out that not all white South Africans are Afriakaans. We told the people our age that we wanted to hang out with them and see the Afriakaans culture, Bradly (British descent) and Z (Zulu) I think were kind of offended. I guess the Afrikaans and English dont always get along. They let us know quite quickly they werent Afrikkaans, but said that we could all hang out sometime. We found out that the guys finally made it into Zambia yesterday. The border patrol gave them a hard time and stole their phones, then they were allowed to go in. They were all many different churches this morning preaching. AND they got to eat dinner with the Chambers last night. I was jealous - the Chambers are the family I lived with while in Zambia. Mrs. Chambers needs some good inspirational cards, aloe vera juice, and olive leaf extract if anyone wants to donate it they can send it with Bethany Harrington when she comes in October. I guess you cant get these items over here or its very expensive.That night the Soupan church came over and we all sang around the piano, ate banana bread (panana boroto) and played games. I love these people!

Rugby and power outages

2006-07-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

Day 23 -
Today Krista and Kim (her mom) Smith came to South Africa. Sarah, Nathan and I went to get them. Krista had visisted SA last year with her church and decided to come a stay for a year with the Zaks. Nathan and I had a good time being silly next to the "pilots", watching the planes and getting snacks. We got the girls home ate lunch and went to the mall. I got some pretty cool wire figures and Reb got her tree. It was a fun day! The power went out 3 times because the dryer, Mrs. Smith's heater, the freezer, frig, and oven were all on. too much for these power boxes.

Day 22 -
Rebe and Candi went into Central to paint today for the holiday children's group while Sarah ran errands. Today was the last day of school for the kids. Reb made lunch and I deep cleaned the house and did laundry. When they got home we did a few projects then went to McDonalds!!! Then to my first rugby game. The Pretoria team is the Blue Bulls (Blou Bulles), they won 18, 16. The rest of the family went to Friday night youth group.

Guns, Zambia and cookies with kisses

2006-07-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

Day 21 -
I cant remember what we did this day except watch soccer, try to learn some Tswana songs and stand on our heads....literally. Oh and I went running with Caleb - a whole 3k!

Day 20 -
When I woke up early this morning I felt a huge headache. I decided to take some vitamins and go back to bed. When I actually got up I felt horrible, achy all over. I decided I was going to work anyways. So I went outside and painted the interior wall of the pool area. I told Josiah, the gardener I would help him today since yesterday I was feeling a little tired and spent the time reading. After about 45 minutes I was worthless help. By this time Candi and Rebe had come to help. Josiah told me to go to bed. So I did. I slept until 4:30ish. What a wasted day, the painters got all the outside walls done, and I ...slept. If you think to pray for me please do, I dont know why I am getting so sick lately. Mr. Zak, Dr. Casey, Tim, the guy from PE and many other men left very early this morning to do Pastor's conferences in Zambia.

Day 19 -

Today was Cortney's bday! We did little jobs around the house, then got ready for her party. After her party Tim, Nathan, Ben and Candi had a air-soft gun war. Candi was totally the victor! There was a man here from Port Elizabeth, he will be going into Zambia with the guys. Muli Bwangi!

Carnivores: Everybody in!

2006-07-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

Day 18 -
Today was a real treat. We drove north to Hartebeesport. This is a port city where a lot of rich people live. It was absolutely beautiful to see the houses up the mountain. We didnt get very good pics, sorry. When we got to the markets we were overwhlemed with people with goods. I decided to be talk only in sign language. This, although I realize now was decietful, was very funny. It also gave me time to figure out how much I was spending on each item. When you barter and begin buying things you get surrounded and overwhelemd by the people trying to sell you things. When you cant hear what they are saying to you, they leave you alone. It gave me time to think, a few good bargains, and I did feel bad afterwards. After bartering we went to a restaurant called Carnivores. Here we ate: crocodile, pig, cow, blesbok, lamb, kudu, antelope, and others meats. It was all very good. I took pictures of every course. Then the long trip home.

Day 17 -
I love Sundays!!!! HAPPY FATHERS DAY! In the morning we went to Central in Pretoria as usual. I love the young adults here! They are very fun! I wish they would ask us to hang out with them. I met a girl named Mpho, she is hilarious! I also got to talk to a family from Zambia. I exhausted my Nyanga knowledge in the first sentence. I also met a guy from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. That night we served soup to those who were in the service. The gardener, Josiah, came to church!! He is not saved, he goes to a ancestral worship church called ZedCC. It was very fun to listen to Dr. Casey preach and Pastor Mnaka interpret and then to spend time fellowshipping with the people. I love these people. Then, Dr. Casey packed in with the Soutpan church to go home - 24 in the Combie!!

Youth Day and Diamonds: lets celebrate!!!!!

2006-06-28T11:14:00.000-07:00

Day 15 - Youth Day; This is a holiday for all of South Africa. Almost everything closes down and there are speical events all over the country for kids (who have the day off of school). I think it started in 1992. The Afrikaans people were forcing the African children to speak Afrikaans instead of their tribal language. So, in silent protest they marched from their schools through Sweato (south of Jo-burg). Gun shots rang out and a young boy was killed. This was the start of apartied. Since then the day has been celebrated as Youth Day all over South Africa. We went to Bethesda to celebrate Youth Day. The churches from Onderstepoort, Soutpan, Central, Kekana Gardens, a youth group from Iowa, a campus outreach team and a few other groups were there. We had an authentic African Braii. This means you bring your own meat, all grill together, and then mingle when your food is finished. When we got there half of the group decided to mingle on the volleyball court. (Dont dive, its dirt). Tim, Caleb, Ben, Candi and I however, picked it up a little with a ruthless game of soccer. By the end of the day I hurt so badly, but it was so nice to get out and do something strenuous. We sat down to eat lunch, then were back at the games. The African girls play a ruthless game with the jump rope. Dr. Casey and I watched but did not try. There was singing and a history of the day then a challenge about education. Then we had to go home. From the sun I had a pretty good migriane, but it was a good day. I really enjoyed being with Americans, different groups of Africans, and Afrikaans all fellowshipping together. Mr. Zak ran the Comrades marathon today. When we got home we watched the TV to see if we could see him. We did see him twice, but did not see him cross the finish line. He did finish though, praise God! (Unlike last year) I guess this is a monumental thing over here. AND if you have run (or even attempted) Comrades it gives you a certain clout in the community with the people.

Day 16 - We went to the diamond mines!!! "Millions of years" ago a volcano erupted in the area today known as Culinan. A young boy almost 100 years ago stummbled upon some pretty rocks which he used for playing marbles. (They were great shooters) Later a family friend discovered they were diamonds and asked the boy where he had found them. This man, Mr. Culinan offered a pretty price to the owner of the farm where the diamonds were found, not offering the information about the precious gems. The man refused; not until his death, did Mr. Culinan purchase the property. Today the Culinan mines boast the largest diamond ever found (one piece of which is a part of the British crown jewels), the patented Culinan cut (with 58 facets),and a whole bunch of other things I was going to write, but Candi was just driving me crazy and I forgot. Anyway, the mine does not do underground tours any longer, so we had a surface tour. It was very interesting - especially the geology lover in me. (Yeah! Earth Science!!!!) After the tour we were supposed to go to a place that sells the diamonds for pretty cheap, however, the store had closed down. We asked if we could order diamonds at the same cost, I'll let you know. Some of you have already put in your orders and deposited $$ into my account. I'll do my best. After the tour we ate at a fabulous resturant, met a guy that looks like Jos Riebe, and got ice cream from a ding ding ding ice cream truck.

A day in the life of missionaries.

2006-06-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

Day 13 - Mr. Zak left for Durban to run Comrades race (89k from Durban to Pietersburg), Sarah got the kids started on school then her, Ben, Nathan and August left to Jo-burg to pick up Dr. Casey and Tim. So Reb, Rebe, Candi and I had to help with school and make lunch for everyone. We managed ok, Dr. Casey and Tim arrived safely, and Mr. Zak got to Durban in time to get rested for the next day. Mary and I practiced our song for special music for Sunday. "Lerato le Jesu la makatsa who nna (Tswana)
The love of my Jesus is wonderful to me (English)
Die lief van de Here es wonderlik vir me (Afrikaans)
El amor de Jesus es tam bueno para mi (Spanish)
(Then sign language)"

Day 14 - Not much happened this day. Candi and I walked around the outside of the house and outbuildings trying to find something to clean and paint, but we really didnt accomplish much and Mr. Zak did not leave us a list. Mr. Zak called, his group was going to drive the route of the race to get a feel for it before they started the run. We watched some world cup later that evening, AND I have now officially seen a complete Lord of the Rings movie (actually I am on #2)! The phones went out today too. That means no internet either and Mr. Zak had the only working cell phone so we were kind of an island.

Hi My name is Tracy, who speaks English?

2006-06-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

Day 11 - On this day we went to assit a pastor's wife in Soutpan. Her name is Salome. She has 14 children that she keeps from 8-4 everyday and does preschool type work with them. We expected that she would tell us what to do, but instead she said, "the day is yours," and left. This would've been ok because we were prepared, however, the kids didnt speak any english. We struggled through the day, learned from them, and had fun. During the course of the day a puff adder slithered its little self across the street from the preschool. It was a village event to kill the snake. Reb wanted the great footage so she, camera in hand, ran to the site. She asked if the snake was poisonous and thought the people said no, so she got up real close and captured the whole draging out, bashing and killing of the snake. (This and another video were later lost in the transfer from camera to computer, to all of our dismay). After lunch, Mr. Zak picked us up and took us and the loaded full combie (what they call a van over here) to Stinkwater to drop off all of the free clothes for another orphange. We also bought honey made there and saw the witchdoctor's house. Its interesting how all the people live in shacks and the witchdoctors (yes, plural), live in castles. On the way home Reb and Rebe stopped to get their picture taken next to the fresh fish (no, US history class, not new POWs, real fresh fish). Hungry anyone? When we got home it was a mad dash to get the gormet supper finished before Erin Will (now Debrain) and her husband and baby came over. The meal was beautiful and a success. One of my favortie pasttimes while I have been here is to relax with some Roibos tea and watch the world cup with Ben.

Day 12 - This day was very tiring, but very rewarding. Mr. and Mrs. Harding are a retired couple that used to work with Bethesda. Later they felt burdened to help HIV infected babies be cared for and find homes. Bethesda is unable to do this at this time, so the Harding started their own orphanage type ministry. Many times they get calls from hospitals and get sent babies who were abandoned, found in long drops (like outhouses), or in other ways neglected. Then the Hardings nurture the babies back to health and try to adopt them out. South Africa does not allow Americans to adopt because they believe we are war mongers and we have not signed the habeus corpus bill against kids in the military.What they dont understand is that our ROTC program is not a military full of kids. Anyway, off of the political "box." We had a great time playing with the kids and loving them up! The little boy pictured with Reb, Fetsi, has cerebral palsey. She is so good with kids with diabilities! On the way home we stopped at the mall and drove home through a smoke filled night. Its winter here so there is a lot of preventive burning being done. The plentiful amounts of long grass make for a sky filled with fire and smoke.

More troops!!!!!!!!!!

2006-06-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

Day 9 - Rebecca Garyaldhe arrived!!!

It is such a blessing to see how the Lord orchestrated the personalities of the girls so far on this trip!

The 4 of us get along sooooo well! I love these girls. We headed to Jo-burg to: drop Courtney off at a bday party, pick up Rebecca G from the airport and minister at an older folks gathering.

We ate with the folks, sang special music
and Mr Zak showed the ministry. It was great!

Day 10 - I love Sundays! In the morning we went to Central in Pretoria. This is where the Zaks usually go to church. This was an interesting mix. The Sunday school was a bit small and the 4 of us dominated the discussion. It was good to hear different views. Then the church service. They sang a mix of traditional hymns and newer choruses. There are a variety of instruments in the orchestra. After we got to fellowship with people from many different countries and a few groups working here in SA from the states (one with Bethesda and a campus outreach group)
Then afternoon was very relaxing and I think the whole house fell asleep. That evening we went to the Onderstepoort Church and showed The Passion movie. The people were really confused at first because it is in Hebrew and the subtitles didnt work. Soon the problem was fixed and the movie was very emotional. This was a very interesting experience for me. I very much enjoyed the opportunity to explain what was happening to the girls around me. It was also very moving to hold the arm of a girl who was weeping over the same thing I was weeping over too. That movie is so gripping. The whole time I thought, by His stripes I am healed. We are so unworthy of the sacrifice Christ gave for us, but He did and now we need to walk worthy of the calling. WITH JOY!! I was also struck by the flashback to the Tiumphal Entry as Christ drug the cross up the hill. How quickly we change from praise to ourselves. After we werent able to stand around the fire and fellowship due to the many drunk guys so the Soutpan and Kekana Gardens and Onderstepoort Church came to the Zaks to fellowship. On the way to drop them off I had a good talk with Mary (and Gift sleeping), her sister Sara, Sauki, Bongane, August, and Henrick. I really love these people. On the way home, I was very reflective. I really love these people.

Special Homes, New Churches and Wildlife

2006-06-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

Day 7 - This was a very full day! In the morning we went to a preschool of almost 200 kids.
There were 6 rooms in the school: toddlers, 4-5 (2 rooms), a sick room, a kitchen, and a nursery. We told Bible stories with a translator, helped with a craft, learned a new word (ema=stop), served lunch and played with the kids.
After that we went to Joanna's place. She takes care of people dying of AIDS and the mentally handicapped. Most of these people would be deserted or their care would use all the family's money. Then we went to Pastor Nicholas' house to drop off some Sunday School Material. He passes it out to churches that we dont know. They were very grateful. His church, shown in pic, was built by Samaria Mission. We will work with Samaria Mission in Mozambique in a few weeks.

Day 8 - I DID IT!!! I RODE A HORSE! I know to some of you this seems like a small feat, but to me it is huge! I am afraid of horses! I got on ok, but as soon as it starting moving toward the water trough I started to cry. I couldnt stop. The white people here speak Afrikaans. It is in the same language family as German and Dutch, so even though the man was talking to me in English, his accent sounding harsh like he was yelling. I tried to quit crying, but this didnt help. After a few minutes I was in control of my emotions, but still holding the reins pretty tight. Overall it was a good experience. The park we went to was a resort in Bela Bela (AKA Warmbad, Warmbaths) We saw: Warthogs, Zebra, giraffes, pythons, impala, eland, vervet monkeys, anteater holes, and various birds. On the horse we could get very close to the animals, and an eland let followed us almost the whole way. After the ride, we went into Bela Bela and Candi and Reb had their first bartering experience. I saw alot of neat things, but I wasnt in the mood to barter. Both girls bought something. Then, we dropped Mary off at Hamenskral, stopped by Bethesda and went home. That night the Zaks gave all the girls the night off, so I chose to go into town with the boys and attend Youth Group. It was about edification so the teens had to do alot of activities working together and building things. The speaker, Brandon (his cousin Bradley is the music leader) did a very good job with the Word. I was very impressed. It is somewhat difficult for me to love and appreciate the Afrikaans at first. I am growing to love the church at Central, but it was a transition to go, as a wealthy person, and minister to them, when a half hour away people were poor and living in shacks. It would be like Brazil sending missionaries to Chicago and telling the people of Illinois about it. The more I listen to these youth leaders, however, the more the Lord humbles me to my need to study His Word more. Before the Youth started, everyone else had music practice and the younger kids had their time. So Nathan and I went exploring. We walked past the U.S. Embassy, which is guarded by South Africans, to a coffee stop called Cafe 41. I walked up to the host and said, "I need a mocha, do you sell mocha here?" I got this weird look on his face and showed us to a table. Other places we have gone for coffee have only served black coffee. Then a waitress came up to us and took our order. A few minutes later the hostess came with 2 mochas. I apologized for the confusion and he took them away. Then our waitress brought our order. I felt so bad I tipped both of them 5 Rand (equivilant of $0.83, which is a good tip). Nathan decided he likes older sisters because they embarass themselves and they have money. After church Mr Zak took us to McDonalds for a apple pie. They fry not bake....Mmmmmm.....

Fellowship, Relaxation and some NUTS!!!!

2006-06-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

Day 5 - I was sick this morning. I think it was one of those catch-up sicknesses where your throat, head, ears, skin...everthing hurts and you can sleep it off. I, and the family, were very pleased to see me feeling better by the evening. We all went out to sweep down the house of cob webs.

Then Ben and I climbed up the pecan tree and shook it as the others laid tarps down and picked up nuts.
We have a lot of nuts!! I have been shelling too so my thumbs are pretty sore. Later Sarah and Candi went to a Sunday School meeting. While they were away we got a phone call that our gardener's wife (Felina) was in a taxi accident. So Mr Z and I went to the hospital to care for her and then take her home. We had to go to 2 hospitals because Pretoria Academic has an old and new location. There were no computers, everything was done by hand, the conditions were less than sanitary, and the waiting conditions as well.

Day 6- This was a relaxing day.

We went to the mall to get money, groceries and duvet insides to prepare for Rebecca G and the others coming.

Then when we got home Mary (my new friend!) was cleaning and we made Jimmy John's type subs. We also got to stop at a thrift shop and dig through mountains of stuff looking for something we could use in the church for chairs. Right now at the Onderstepoort Church the people bring their own chairs: plastic, wood, metal, a log, a blanket for the floor, or they stand. We also kept at the endless craking of nuts. That evening, Sarah and Candi went to a ladies meeting at church. They do not have regular Wednesday night services. While they were gone, we got a phone call that Josiah's wife was in a taxi accident (see day 5 - oops, I put it on the wrong day)

E-Mail me please!!!

2006-06-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

When Brian Dobson came home from Nigeria he said that it was so discouraging that more people didnt send him mail. I always thought it would be a hassle to get mail, but since I have been here and have only rec'd 2 I get the point. I realize you are all very busy.

South Africa is fun, but it would be better if you emailed me! Use this address: zaks1@worldonline.co.za and put my name (Tracy) in the subject line.

You can also reach Candi or Reb by putting their name in the subject line.

The Dump, Christian Fellowship and Rebuking Myself

2006-06-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

Day 3 - It seems like we have been
here for a week. I dont know if it is because we have done a lot or if its still the jet lag wearing off or if its running with the Z-pak all day (there are 7 of them) Well, today is Sunday. The Zaks usually go to a church in Pretoria called Central. This church has a mix of like 20 different nations. It is mostly white Afrikkaans. (This is the youth from the pics above, Day 1) However, a group of ladies from a church in Kekana Gardens were preparing lunch for us and to not go would be offensive (even tho they didnt tell us someone else did). So we drove about 30 mins north. The service was phenominal! I ran out of battery and couldnt video, but their singing was absolutely breathtaking! The service was about 15 people in a 10x10 room that during the week holds 200 for preschool. They filled the room with their singing. It even drowned out the roof rats. Candi, Reb and Mrs. Z sang and I gave a testimony.
After service we went to Mary's house for lunch. I got to lead the pack, so, like Blake said, I prayed and ate. It was good...well, almost all was good. We had milli-pot (like enschima or thick grits), rice, a spicy thing with meat and bones in it, and two other warm cole-slaw like dishes...and the sausage. I have never had to hold back from throwing up in my entire life!! I was rebuking myself in my head, "swallow it Tracy Ann, just swallow! Drink water!!" I managed to clean my plate without throwing up but it was a challenge. After lunch I helped with the dishes. It was cold water and soap in a white porcelain basin. I washed, Candi dryed...yep, no rinsing. Later a group from Kekana Gardens and a group from Soutpan came done to Onderstepoort where the Zaks are starting a church. This church is about 2k from the house. We all huddled around a fire before the service started. Once again the music was amazing. Mr. Zak spoke on loving the sinner and hating the sin, and how to help those around you know Christ. After the service the 3 groups came to the Zaks house for cookies and rebose tea. Mmmm! We played games and fellowshiped, then Mr. Zak drove them home. Whew! What a night!! I got to use and learn a lot Tswana and get laughed at alot!!

This is Nathan and Ben....members of the Zak pack that are master Rook players.

Day 4 - Well, today was a relaxing day. We slept in a little bit, and cleaned. Then Mr. Z, Reb, Candi and I went to the mall to exchange some money so we can start paying for the Moz trip. I found out that the pick-pockets here are very good so you have to be especially careful when withdrawing money and carrying a purse. Thanks to Al Blesner I have a purse that holds my passport and money under my jacket. When we got back we ate lunch - brier rocks (like stromboli) with ostreich meat. Then Josiah (an African) and I painted the walls. It was funny, not too long after we started, Caleb, Courtney and Josiah were out there helping. Nko Thusa? (Can I help) Lil Josiah, now known as Moto (because the Tswana word for painter is Motokagana), was even using a paint-set paint brush. After painting, Caleb and I read, we ate dinner, and I shelled probably 2 pounds of pecans from the pecan tree. Then we relaxed as a family. Even though I was expecting a rigourous schedule, I am very glad for the down time. While I was painting the girls went to the dump, dropped off the garbage and gave oragnes to the poor people. I will have to tell you more when I have a chance to go.

MPLS, MN to PRETORIA, AFRICA

2006-06-15T05:59:00.000-07:00

6-1-06 Candi and I had a send off
party at the MPLS airport. My
mom, and sister and Candi's fiance'
We got to D.C. just fine and after walking like 30 J terminals we finally reached the boarding area. I found Reb right away and we got on just fine. The stuartess from Mpls-DC was hilarious! Candi and I had a great time with her.

From DC-Frankfurt a group of very tall, big boned, husky, cute guys got on behind us. One was in the seat next to Candi so we struck up a conversation. Turns out they are the U.S. Water Polo team and they are traveling to Croatia to play. Pretty cool! As I mentioned before they are all quite large. Candi was practically in my seat bc the kid was so big. So switched seats with her (figured Ben and Joe (Reb's bf)) wouldnt appreciate the girls hovered over by a muscular, friendly, very attractive guy. What a sacrifice I made!! LOL Anyways, Candi fell asleep on my shoulder and his extremely large shoulder made for a pretty good pillow for me. He has a girlfriend, dont worry.

We arrived in Frankfurt Thursday morning. We had a 10 hour layer there, which we were pretty stoked about exploring. We checked our bags into a locker place and set out to exchange currency and get a train pass. This was my first experience, well lesson, in saying exactly what I mean. So I walked up to the Welcome desk to ask what the guy recommended we do since we had "10 hours to kill." Seemed like a good question to me until he said "kill!" really loud and 2 security guards rushed over. The man preoceeded to talk very swifty to me in German. Politely I said, i didnt understand as Candi and Reb were saying, "to wait" "to waste" "a layover" " a train ticket." We then were directed to the train station with still no idea of what we were going to fill our 10 hours with. We got on the train and headed for downtown, where all the shops are. After walking to entire shop section we decided to get some food. We walked into a shop, had no clue how to buy, how to ask, they didnt speak english, and is that raw meat for sale on a slice of bagel? We also realized that we didnt have enough euros for us all to eat. As we stood there pondering and discussing a very well dressed man asked if we were Americans. He proceeded to buy us lunch, call his secretary and find things for us to do, offer us money for a train ticket and give us a small tour (dont worry mom we were leary and very careful). Turns out his family owns one of the 10 companies in the world that sets up the sponsorships for all the big events like the superbowl, olympics, and World cup (since that starts in a few days in Germany). The rest of the day we got a very good tour of the German railway, tried to buy a souvenior with euros and a little bartering with American cash, and picked out any American we could hear in a crowd. It was funny, I felt deaf all day because I couldnt understand, but when I heard english it was like I could hear again, We were in the crowded subway and we could pick out an English speaker many rows back. We were kind of lost and walking to a museum when we met "Texas" and "Shakopee." They were two 21 year olds living in Germnay for the summer doing public relations. We didnt spend 10 hours in the city, to be quite honest, Frankfurt is boring, so we went back to the airport and tried to take a nap. German people stare and German airports are messed up. We got kicked out of the terminal "for our safety." They were about ready to unload an airplane from China, what are they going to do trample us? I tried to ask the guy why, and he gave me the German blunt brush-off. We, along with many others moved to the next terminal. About 5 mins later we all get kicked out of that terminal as well. We were confused so I tried to ask the lady why. She tried brishing me off with the same attitude but I persisted, "where would you like us to go? We have a layover here and this is our terminal!" She pointed to the hallway or offered the lounge upstairs. So we packed up again and headed to the hallway. There were way too many chairs for all the people waiting and the lounge upstairs was for business executive only so we laid out our kyped blankets from United Air and Reb and Candi tried to sleep while I read. Its funny how many people wouldnt just glance, they wouldnt look and when you returned to eye contact look away, but they would STARE! After Reb woke up we made a fun time of it (well it could've been lack of sleep, but we got some good lauhgs). The layover turned out to be very good for the 3 of us to learn about each other, relax, and depend on each other. This summer is going to be great!! I overheard English again and asked a group if they were Americans. Yes, and they were working Swaziland building churched for 2 weeks. The man convinced the lady at the counter to let us sit in the terminal (they have 13 people with them and had been traveling from OK City, OK since Tues morning. They invited us to join them. About 10 mins later we were all kicked out of the terminal again to be checked and let back in.Wow! Their system is very confusing. We got on the plane and headed for South Africa (SA) By this time we were all exhausted and all out before the first snack/drinks were being served. We woke up for dinner, them Candi and Reb were out again. I think I read 3 chapters of American Gov't, I couldnt sleep. Pretty sure I drove the flight attendants crazy. We landed in SA, had no problems in customs, and found the Zaks right away. We drove back to their house, unpacked a little and got a short nap. Then we ate lunch, had another short nap and went to Youth Group. Mr Zak (Kevin) spoke about sanctification, it was very good.
South Africa - you wouldnt believe it! Almost all the kids were white (Afrikaans) and most had cell phones. The city of Pretoria is just like a mini Chicago. It also boasts the veterinary clinic that did the first animal heart transplant. This was not the mission field I was anticipating.

At youth group we made ice sculptures and played foosball. The kids are very close,hand, putting their arm around you, hugging...one girl Candi talked to is 15, plays for the SA nat'l soccer team and both of her parents are dead so her older brother takes care of her sister and her.

After youth group we headed home, had soup (Mmmm it is so cold here! Seriously!) and tea. Then off to bed.

Day 2 - We were up at 5:45am and on the road at 6 am to run a 5k race. (Mr. Zak ran the 15k) We all got metals!! Oh so Candi and I walked most of the way because I sprained my foot awhile back and it was bothering me and Candi's foot got run over at the airport by a luggage cart. We still got metals! :)
Then back home to eat breakfast. The sun was out today and I even broke out the capris and T-shirt. We hung out with the kids and relaxed. At lunch we went to the mall (just like home), ate at the first Subway in SA, exchanged Rand (6 Rand=$1.00), got groceries for the gang and headed home. Then we jumped into the car and headed for Soutpan. This IS what I was expecting. Tin shacks, garbage, dirty kids, poverty. We dropped off stuff for their church tomorrow, met a few people and headed home. The ride was pretty somber. Then we made dinner, ate and now I am off to the intiation meeting.

Today's the DAY

2006-05-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

I fly out at 5:00pm!!!!
Layover in D.C.
Layover in Frankfurt, Germany
Arrive in South Africa

Keep posted!!!

Am I excited?

2006-05-31T07:36:00.000-07:00

Everyone keeps asking me if I am excited. Well....of course! As soon as school work is done. I mean really, how can you get engulfed in excitement for Africa when your surrounded by this:

As of yesterday, grades are in, classroom is clean, house is boarded up (j/k), and all my clothes are packed. Africa here we come!

A little more...

2006-05-31T07:21:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my mom set up a garage sale and the ladies from the church baked for a bake sale. This was a wonderful chance to relax, spend time with mom, and talk to people about my trip. Not only was the garage/bake sale successful in putting me one step closer to paying for my whole trip, individuals gave money. It is such a blessing to see God work. It was also good for me to have to explain my lack of fear. THE SAFEST PLACE IN THE WORLD IS IN GOD'S WILL. For me next summer it is South Africa and Mozambique. Land mines, malaria or instability, its better for me to be there than driving down I-35 out of God's will. Thanks to all of you who have provided funding, encouragement, and baked goods to my trip. Someday in Heaven, you will have your reward.

Little by little, a lot by a lot!

2006-05-18T16:11:00.000-07:00

It is absolutely amazing to me how God works! I was being very prideful and not telling people I needed money for the trip. Prideful you ask? How is that being prideful? Well, I wanted to do it all on my own, I felt dumb asking people for money...I mean I am 24 years old, I have a career, this is my second missions trip, and a lot of people had already given to my mission trip to Zambia 4 years ago. But then I talked to PM and he asked me why I was keeping the blessings to myself. He said people want to support mission and ministries, many just don't know how or where. So, I asked God to forgive me of my selfish thinking, wrote a letter about my trip and handed it out. (It is the letter you see below) In 3 days God provided $1200 for my trip through the church, parents from the school and employees of the parents of the school. I was moved to tears each time I recieved a check. Not only did the gift impact my life and humble me, but I know that God will use this money and my body for His service this summer. I just pray that God will bless those who gave, because I know I could never do enough.

Maybe one day in heaven you'll hear, "Thank you for giving to the Lord. I have a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave...A missionary came to your church, his pictures made you cry. You didnt have much money, but you gave it anyway. Jesus took that gift you gave and that's why I'm here today! Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave" (-Ray Boltz)

Prayer

2006-05-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

You know, as I grow more as a Christian I realize how selfish, independant, weak, prideful and well, how much more I need to grow. Listening to Blake and Brian talk at dinner yesterday really got me excited about Africa. I have 2 days to teach, 1 day of review and 4 days of finals and grading....then rearrange my room and all Africa. Today I did some preparing for the trip and I got a real sense of how independant and controlling I am. I asked God to really grow me this summer, stretch my faith and make me dependant on HIM alone. PLEASE pray for me. I am very self-sufficient, but I need to be a learner, a helper, and a servant this summer. At church tonight Pastor Matt said he prays that God will keep him humble so he doesnt have to be humiliated. I pray that God will keep me weak so that I dont have to cry out in desparation! Brian assured me, God isnt an amature at this, He knows what He's doing. How great to be in the Father's hands!

Mmmm...African food

2006-05-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a group of us went to the cities to try some African food. We headed to Mpls for Wazobia Nigerian Cafe. Brian, who had lived in Nigeria for a year, and I had eaten there last summer. We found out the restaurant had closed. Blake, who had just returned from a year in Zambia, suggested the Blue Nile resturant in Mpls. The food was Ethiopian and delicious! It wasnt at all like the food Lianna, Blake, or I had eaten in Zambia. Brian said it wasn't very similar to that in Nigeria either. Steve, Candi, Julie and Jeff, who haven't been to Africa YET, all agreed it was good.

Meet the Zaks

2006-05-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

Kevin, Sarah, Ben, Nathan, Caleb, Luke, Courtney, Jacob, and Josiah

Maps of where we are going

2006-05-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

South Africa

Mozambique

Its official!

2006-05-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

After many long months of stress and orbitz, travelocity, mobissimo, lowestravel, airgorrila...websites, which of course was self-inflicted because God had it all planned out anyway...IT IS OFFICIAL!! The tickets, the passport, and all the shots are done! All I have left to do is finish teaching and pack!

The first provisions of the trip

2006-05-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

My mom and the members of Faith Baptist Church of Hinckley put together a pancake breakfast fundraiser.

Candi- Cala

The intial funds were for a small church in Stebbins, Alaska where my sister Jodi has relocated to teach.
Hannah -Reed and Josh

After the materials were purchased for that endeavour, the remaining money went toward Candi's and my shots and passports.

Tracy-Patty
Thanks for all the work!!
Hollie-Patty and Vicki

Seeking to do His will and to glorify Him...

2006-05-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

Friends and Family -

DO YOU EVER JUST KNOW YOU ARE EXACTLY WHERE YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE!?!
I am looking for some warriors…some prayer warriors. I am heading to the countries of South Africa, Mozambique, and Germany this summer as a missionary. I anticipate being there from early June to the middle of August and will be ministering alongside the Kevin Zakariasen Family.
Early last spring, Mr. Zak emailed me requesting that I pray about coming over and being part of his family. He foresaw me helping with cooking, preparing for the teams that will be coming, and possibly helping with the home schooling of the Zak-pack. When the Zaks came home on furlough, Candi Viancourt and I traveled down to New Prague to meet with the family. Candi was also impressed with the ministry possibility. As we talked through his past 2 years in South Africa, we all got excited about how the Lord seemed to be opening the doors for us to spend the summer with them. Mr. Zak was excited about us coming as a team. This team was soon enhanced by Rebeka Nelson joining us.
The more we talked through the fall and winter, the more the Zaks and “the team” saw in what areas we could be of help to the family. We are not sure of the exact ministries we will be tackling while in Africa, but we do have a rough game-plan. We will help fulfill the mission of the Zak family, which is, “strengthening African Churches by: Biblical Training, Church Planting, Compassion Ministries, and Resource Bridging” by: traveling to Mozambique for 4 weeks, being involved in the Zaks local church, finding a ministry in the African churches during the week, visiting AIDS patients and orphans, cooking and cleaning for the work teams coming over, helping with the home schooling of the kids, teaching some Sunday school flannel graph stories and overall assisting the Zak family in any way possible. On the trip home, we will be stopping in Hamburg, Germany for 4 days to assist the Volker and Becky Weise Family and church.
The final details are still in the making and in the ears of God as we lay our plans before Him, seeking His direction. We have purchased the tickets ($1,575.00), are preparing to send money to the Zaks so that they can prepare for our living expenses (approx. $12.00/day), and are saving funds to supplement lost income from the summer. If you would like to give to the cost of my trip, please designate it and put it in my church box. Thank you.
Most importantly - would you pray for us? As we have seen the Lord direct and bless and answer many prayers already this year, we are seeking those who will stand in the gap for us as we travel and minister on the other side of the earth.
Because of Calvary, Tracy Grewe

Reb, Candi and Trace

2006-05-13T20:39:00.000-07:00

The 3 lovely ladies you see pictured here are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime! Malaria-ridden mosquitoes, live land mines, scorpions, the Zak-pack, and well...three girls of this caliber living together for 70 days ought to be crazy enough.....oh, where was I?....and the chance to do the most challenging thing asked of the human race.......serve and be spent all for the glory of an awesome GOD. Stay tuned for more...

Spring Break!

2006-03-20T11:49:00.000-08:00

Well, my whole family left on a cruise yesterday. That is, everyone except, Jodi, BobbiJo, a few other cousins and I. Since then I have been vigorously searching for tickets to go see Jodi. My attempts...unfruitful. She is definately worth the $1000 for the trip, but its going to have to wait until I pay off my credit card with the Africa tickets. Julie and I were looking for last minute deals to somewhere warm, but that was unfruitul too. Oh well, I guess I'll just be sensible for once in my life and stay home and get stuff ready for the rest of the year. I may pick up some hours working for Dave to help supplement some of this Africa trip. Spring break...MN winter again....hmm...maybe I'll go see the nephew - that'll warm the heart!

January-March Update

2006-03-11T11:53:00.000-08:00

Wow! I just jumped online and realized I had not written since soccer. Soccer is over now, which means I am gaining all my weight back, but the weather is getting nice so I am able to run outside. I am have been super busy with school and trying to accomplish a lot since there is only 10 weeks left. I have also been online as much as possible looking for travel deals to Africa. Did mention I'm going to AFRICA!!! Yep, round two, but this time to South Africa to help the Kevin Zakariason family. Well, off to cheaptickets.orbitz.lowesttravel.mobissimo.clarkhoward. 1800fly.europe and MORE!

Link:Ben

2005-12-03T12:02:00.000-08:00

The Ben link is a link to Candi's fiance' if you care to know about him....:)

Soccer league!!

2005-12-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

I recently joined a soccer league. John Capetz and Billy Ullom are on my team. If you click on the Soccerblast link and go to "Schedules/Standings, then "Coed rec Wednesday" and scroll down to see how the "Lynchmob" is doing. That is my team. I did not pick the name!

2005-12-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

Candi moved in one week before Julie left in May. She is a a good roommate and I get her to correct papers too! :)

2005-11-21T15:54:00.000-08:00

Kyle and I at my first Wild game!