BEER AND MORE BEER! KEEP READING.... ANOTHER EXPERIENCE.......

Well I know what you may be thinking.... Ashley buying beer???? 1st of all I dislike beer very much, can smell it miles away! The smell and taste is nasty ( one time I tasted it from my uncle- never again!!!)

Two mistakes when going into the supermarket:

1. Do not take your backpack when shopping. Leave in the desginated area.

2. Being a American does not help your reputation very much, cause the next time you come in they will still remember you....

Getting on with the story......

So on Sunday, I was on my way back from lunch at a missionaries home after church, and I decided to stop in the supermarket the one near my house. Well I was in a rush and thought I am only getting 2 things, so I will leave my bag on! Never make that mistake again!

So I went back to the juices section, was pulling what I needed from the shelf what I needed. I flipped around ( not slowly!) and hit the beer bottle rack! 3 bottles came tumbling down, and 2 unfortunately broke! Beer was all over my pants my shoes my feet!!!! I smelled awful!

Here is a comparison.... In the states, if you break something in the grocery store, they do not make you pay for it! Here they do! There is a cultural difference....drum roll please.... I got to buy my first beer and did not get to keep it! Like I would drink it anyway! Of course they did not give me the cheapest one there! What a difference in culture.

Well I got home took a shower got my pants in the laundry and everything is fine.... I have to run errands there again in there tomorrow. So I am DEFINITELY leaving my bag in the desginated area and going to swallow my PRIDE ( because Americans are rare- so they will remember my accident with the bottles!)- Brings laughter ! Hope you enjoyed one of my experiences in Albania!

My first Albanian Birthday!!!!

Well I am happy to report that I just celebrated my first albanian birthday! It started out interesting but ended up great!

I couldn't sleep the night before because of all the noise, so I got up at 3 am. Went back to sleep and missed my alarm. My ride called me right when I was supposed to be there and I was still asleep. I was leading assembly at school and set my alarm earlier so that I could prepare! So before the day even started I was in tears! Not really the best way to start out my day!

Well my assembly was on determination of all things. Pressing on toward hte goal. Funny how God had that message for me to relay to the upper school students when I needed to hear it myself!!! God is good isn't he???

Well I was kinda unssure of what the rest of the day would hold. Did not have any plans, and when one of my friends who is on my mission team found out, she said, " we will have to change that real quick!!!"

so we ended up making plans and a group of 15 of us went out to dinner! It was so fun! so we asked the taxi driver ( who gives us a ride to school each day) to pick us up at 6:15. We he misundersstood and thought we ssaid 6:55!!! Anyway we walked to what we call the " Unuaz"- or known as the ring road- trying to hail a taxi. We arrived at the resturant to celebrate 45 min late! It turned out to be a good day!!! God really answered my prayer.... I was hoping to celebrate with friends! God really encouraged... Thought you might enjoy my thoughts!!!!


Have a great day! I really enjoyed my first Albanian birthday!!!!

Earthquakes......

Well I am back....

Last night was an experience that I have lived to tell about...

I was in bed sleeping when all of sudden my dresser and bed and table started shakin. I was in the middle of an earthquake. i have never had this experience before so I did not what one felt like. It took me a while to fall back asleep. I have some obsevations from last night.

When I awoke during the earthquake and it was over there were things that I was trying to figure out.

Ok Here they are:

1. Was it me? Was I dreaming that there was an earthquake and I was just moving in bed?

2. Was it an earthquake? Really? Nobody forwarned me of this!!!

3. I must be crazy! Insane actually. Maybe I just woke up suddenly.

4. There were some parties going on next door, so I thought that it was so loud that it was shaking my room! ( that is by a longshot that answer).

Well when I got to school I found out from people that yes there was an earthquake, and that made me feel good that I am rational and not seeing things!!!!

Thought you would like to share in that humor.... Have a great day!!!!!

Ashley:)

Update....:) Thoughts from a Teacher.....

Hi Friends,

I know that I should have already updated this blog but I have been extremely busy with lotss to do!!!!

I have arrived in Tirana, and it has been wonderful.

Here are some of my observations since starting school;

1. God has brought me to such an amazing school who is very much focused on the students and their hearts.

2. I am encouraged by the teacchers remarks of how they are so excited that they have a bible teacher which has been a real need at the school. I am excited that I can fill that need!!!!

3. The students. The classes are small and I am looking forward to developing good relationships with these kids. I am working with middle school students and which was my hardest part in school life. I think that God has done this for a reason. God is so good in his promises.

4. One of the classes that I am teaching is Acts, and I am doing that in my devotions,God has been teaching me some awesome stuff through the Book so that I relay that on to the middle school students.


Thank you for your involvement in my ministry, and until we talk again....

Ashley

Tadpole......

I thought that I would entitle my blog tadpole today because of the things that I am thinking about.

Today is my last day at my job, and I have been here 2 years. I think back to when I first started about how scared I was, and especially when in less than 3 days my trainer was put on maternity bed rest! I felt like a tadpole in a 10 lb fish pond! I like the saying that my dad quotes alot, " Life is like being a freshman all over again".

I have grown in my knowledge but also spiritually as well. I am so thankful that God gave me this time at my job to focus on missions and eternal things. God gave me the amazing opportunity, through my job, to help out with the Perspectives class each spring semester I worked here. I got to hear amazing speakers and develop good relationships!

As I start this journey as a freshman again, I can look to the one who is always there for me!


Psalm 28:7- "The Lord is my strength and my shield. my heart trusts in him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks for Him in song."

Thanks for all your prayers and support!

Passing By.....

Hi friends,

These days keep passing by. I cannot believe it. It is impossible to believe. In less than 23 days I will be leaving for Albania. It is crazy. There is so much to do in so little time. I am packing my house and then repacking for Albania. Packing up my house is a little different for me this time, as I am getting rid of alot of things that I do not need. It is a emotional process.

This last month, God continues to show me the importance that we put on material things and how our focus needs to be on Him. I am so thankful that I have this time to simplify my life. One quote my friend said once and it has stood with me for a long time is " The only thing that does not change is God" Boy, that is so true these days. I am so grateful that we have a personal God who does not change when our surrondings do.

I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR THIS NEW ADVENTURE! There are going to be trials and hardship but I know that with God on my side anything is possible... I am so thankful that I have HIM!

Well, I better close out for now.

For His Fame and Glory,

AV

One Month and Counting!!!!!

Friends,

I cannot believe one month from today I will be checking in at the airport to Chicago and then 2 days later fly to Albania. A month from today I will have left the great state of SC!

There are mixed emotions happening, but I am getting so excited. My list keeps getting longer everyday! I do not get it! Isn't it supposed to be getting shorter?????

I am about 300 dollars short of the money that I need to have monthly. I know God is going to supply all of my needs, as he always has in the past!!! He is so faithful. Please be praying that God would lay on peoples hearts to give. If you are interested in helping with this need, please let me know....

You can email me at ashvan185@gmail.com, or call me ( 312-1955)!

Either way, I would love to hear from you!


In His Love,

On the Plains of Oklahoma..........:)

Hi!

What a wonderful trip this was! I am so thankful that I had this time with my family!

This picture we went to visit my dad's old farm that he grew up. It was great to hear the history of all of this!

Rooms

Hi there friends,

I know that this has something to do with my blog a couple weeks ago, but God is bringing it more and more to my heart!

I am in Texas right now, about to go and drive to OK later on this morning. I woke up earlier than expected, which is from the time difference.

I knew it was God waking me up, so I did my bible study and then had some time reading through John. I love verses in John Chapt. 14 1-4 about how God is preparing for us a wonderful place in heaven. God has just really been growing me in this area of my life of trusting him in this and having a confidence that He is preparing a place for me.

I know that I place too much time doing things in my own, but I know that God wants me to share with people this amazing truth. What is the purpose of my trip? I want people to know HIM! HE DOES NOT WANT ONE TO PERISH! THere is not a better thing in this life than to do this! What a wonderful opportunity! Even though it will be hard and there will be spiritual attack, I know that I have God's word and His Presence to help me in all situations!

I wanted to title my blog ROOMS because in John 14: 2-" In my Father's house there are many rooms, if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you."

I love the passion Song that came out a few years ago

" Better is one day in your courts, than a thousand elsewhere!"
_ Man those words are so true for me!

I want to see the world come to faith in Christ, so that I can have neighbors in heaven!

IS THERE ANY THING ELSE BETTER TO DO? : NOT AT ALL!!!!

Is it going to be hard?: OF COURSE

Would I have it any other way: NO

Observations and Emotions

Hi there,

Thinking about this just blows my mind!

Thinking about all of this, knowing all that I have to get done and get ready for, is overwhelming at times. I am so thankful that we have a wonderful God who takes care of all of our worries and fears!

Thank you for your prayers they have been much needed. I have felt them for sure!

I wanted to entitle my blog today " Observation and Emotions" because that has been the roller coaster ride I have been on these last few days!

I am going through things from my house I am renting. It is starting to become emotional.
The cool thing about all of this is that I am beginning is observation. Observing the things I keep, and how much stuff " I really need". When I leave on the 15th of Aug, I will have my whole life in 3 suitcases. The Lord is really showing me how our world puts too much emphasis in material things instead of eternal things.

Update on Teaching:

I am going to be teaching grade 2 bible and art! There is also a high possibility of teaching Grade 2 handwriting and library time.

I am so excited~!

Please pray as I continue to prepare to go and move.

Update on Finances:

I still am in need. please continue to pray that God would lead people to give towards this ministry. He has already provided in so many ways!

Have a great day!

Suitcases

Hi there friends,

I wanted to title my blog today " suitcases" because that is the way I have been doing these last few weeks.

Suitcases you may say? in what regards do you mean this? For the last few weeks, I have been flying around busy! These weeks have been flying! Both literally and as a simile!
I literally would be flying on an airplane 3x in 4 weeks. Then that is not even my trip in August!~

Parts of my heart, feel that not until I move to Albania will I ever be out of a suitcase. I pack to leave my house in W. Cola in 3 weeks, and then I am in transition for 2 weeks then pack and move again! Suitcases! I am ready to settle down and get situated. This reminds me of something I think of daily in my relationship with God..

I have been reminded daily of the aspect that this is not our " real home". Our real home is in heaven with the Lord. How often do I focus so much on the material things and not on eternal things? I constantly have to refocus my mind that this is not my definite home and that I should be doing this for HIS KINGDOM. This is just a pit stop, and we should be reaping eternal things, and not material things! My dad always used the analogy " we are in a layover in Atlanta!"

Let us know lose heart of this that we need to live in our suitcase here on earth ready at any moment to travel to be home with Jesus- where our real home is!

Hope this encourages you today!

Waiting for His Glorious Return,
Ashley

For a financial update:

I have a LONG way to go in a few short weeks! Please pray that God would lay on peoples heart to give!

skype: ashvan185
ashvan185@swissmail.org
803-312-1955 ( till Augst 12th)

New Letter Update:)

Hi Everyone,

I have just sent out my monthly newsletter. If you would like to recieve this letter, please email me your email address!

My email is ashvan185@gmail.com

Thanks!

God is working and I am so thankful!

Grieve with Hope

Dear Faithful Friends,

It comes with a heavy heart but a hopeful heart. As most and some of you know, my grandfather went to be home with the Lord last weekend( the 9th of May). It was a sad day for all of us, as it was very sudden.

But with hope, I come to you too.... We have hope in a higher place- in eternity that we can have full hope. My grandfather ( Paw Paw)- my mom's dad is in heaven away from all pain, etc. We can grieve with hope that will see Him again! I am so thankful for that hope. Even though each day is hard, and each day has it trails I love that I can have that assurance in the one TRUE GOD!

When my Grand-dad died back in 1999 ( my dad's dad)- this song had come out by Steven Curtis Chapman- Called WITH HOPE: It just is encouraging during this time....:) Hope this encourages you today.

 Here are the lyrics to this song:

This is not at all how
We thought it was supposed to be
We had so many plans for you
We had so many dreams
And now you've gone away
And left us with the memories of your smile
And nothing we can say
And nothing we can do
Can take away the pain
The pain of losing you, but ...

We can cry with hope
We can say goodbye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no
And we can grieve with hope
'Cause we believe with hope
(There's a place by God's grace)
There's a place where we'll see your face again
We'll see your face again

And never have I known
Anything so hard to understand
And never have I questioned more
The wisdom of God's plan
But through the cloud of tears
I see the Father's smile and say well done
And I imagine you
Where you wanted most to be
Seeing all your dreams come true
'Cause now you're home
And now you're free, and ...

We have this hope as an anchor
'Cause we believe that everything
God promised us is true, so ...

So we can cry with hope
And say goodbye with hope

We wait with hope
And we ache with hope
We hold on with hope
We let go with hope

Resting on His Hope ,

Ashley:)

HERE I COME- Serving a Faithful God!

Hello Friends,

Just wanted to update you once again on where God is leading me! I am so excited about going overseas in August. I cannot believe it is only 3 1/2 months away! God is so cool in the way that He works these things out!

I wanted to share with you a story that happened to me on Sat. I was spending some time with the Lord, and pouring my heart out to Him. I was worried about the finances for the trip, and He reminded me that He had and was in charge of it all! Later on about 30 min later, after finishing my devotions, I heard the mail man. Checked the mailbox, and there was a card from a friend of mine. Inside was money that she had given. God really confirmed and showed me at that moment that this is where He is leading me, and he has provided amazingly in the last 3 days! 

Thanks for being on my team. 

Can you pray for a couple of things for me?

- My finances- most importantly that I will continue trust God.

- GDQ school- Pray that I hear from them this week!

Thanks again for standing by my side and my ministry!

Declaring HIS FAME,

Ashley:)

Joshua 1

Trust

We serve a mighty and Great God. The other morning I was spending some time with God, and was reading in Genesis when God called Abram. Through these verses the Holy Spirit just showed me that God is calling me in the same way. Some of the things regarding my trip are very unknown, but just as God called Abram with unknown things, God is calling me in unknown things. Abram was able to trust Him in midst the circumstances, and I know the Holy Spirit is asking me to do the same thing. I have read these scriptures so many times before, but this time I learned something new and refreshing.