Wednesday, August 27, 2008

P.S.

Angie said to say hello to everyone, to keep praying and that she loves you all very much, and if you can to please write to her.

Mt. Zion School of Ministry



We finally arrived at Mt. Zion School of Ministry. The road there was incredible. When we beheld the sight of this wonderful oasis, it was wonderful. We arrived only to be greeted by an entourage of beautiful young men and women willing to help in any way shape and form. The young men helped with the luggage, while the girls showed Angie to her room and the surrounding areas. It all was too much to absorb, but I could tell that Angie felt really comfortable with all these wonderful young men and women.

They left us alone to get Angie settle in her room. Angie met her roommate, Alyssa. Once we got all things settled we spent some time in prayer. Then off to see the wonderful grounds – amazing!

The school provided a BBQ for the parents and students. When we got our meal we weren’t sure where to sit and one of the young ladies flagged us down and asked us to join their table. Everyone goes out of their way to make you feel welcomed and there is no one that either sits alone or is left alone. They all extend a helping, welcoming hand.

The table we sat at had one girl from Ireland, another from Wisconsin, another from Washington, another from New York and Angie from California – yes, the gathering of the nations. We were told that the only California student was Angie. The have young people from all over the world.

Later we were invited to a parent/student orientation. Angie commented, “I hope they have worship at this.” And worship we had. The Spirit of the Living LORD was in that place. Angie worshipped with all her might. I was overwhelmed to hear young men and women belting out their voices to the Most High God. To my left there were the young men with incredible voices. To my right the ladies were incredible, too. My heart rejoiced at the fact of seeing and hearing young men and women worship their King in Spirit and in Truth. Needless to say this was a wonderful time.

We were off to a time of fellowship and dessert. As we stood in line to go into the fellowship area, Angie said to me, “Look Mom a rainbow.” Sure enough there was a beautiful rainbow in the horizon. Unexplainable to me because it has not been raining and in fact it was sunny with a few clouds – yes, it is so God.

Once again, everyone made you feel welcomed. There was not a moment that people weren’t introducing themselves to Angie and offering to help her and be there for her. One thing I did notice in the midst of all this was that the young men always stayed and attended to the new young men. And the young ladies always stayed and attended to the new young ladies. Even in the midst of a group setting, they all seemed to be very mindful and cautious.

The moment came when we had to leave. We walked out and started walking toward her room. That is when we seen the night sky which simply seemed to say “I AM”. HE IS, that is all we needed to know. All three of us walked quietly toward Angie’s room. I finally said, “Angie we have to go know. Where do you want us to leave you?” At that she fell into my arms and began sob profusely. We just held, I silently prayed for strength and courage to walk away and for my baby to have the courage to stay behind. My hubby simply turned around and watched the sky only to turn to us and held us both together. We held for what seemed an eternity, but we had to say goodbye. Finally, Angie said, “Mom, did I do the right thing? Is this what I’m supposed to be doing?” God gave me the grace to reassure her and gave my hubby wise words to say to her. We all walked to her house and then my hubby and I watched her walk away from us and into God’s protective and loving care.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. (Psalm 91:1-2)

Monday, August 25, 2008

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania





We arrived at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania at 11:30 a.m. there time (3 hours later than us). Yes, we were all extremely tired. Angie got really sick in the last leg of the flight. I think the emotions and the whole up and down simply was too much. We got our luggage and picked up the rental car and we were off to the hotel room. Don't ask me how we got there, all I know is that the LORD was driving all the way. I thought my hubby was going to be able to drive, but there was some problems and I ended up having to drive (scream!!!). Somehow, every turn and every road we took was exactly the one we were supposed to be on. We arrived at the hotel, Angie took a shower and rested a little. She finally felt a little better, in fact, she got on the phone for one last call to her friend, Loyda. That call really lifted her spirits. Then we were off to the school...here we go.

Charlotte, North Carolina



Here we are at our second layover, also of 3 hours. There was rocking chairs all over the place. There was cozy corners with a rocking chair next to a plant - really inviting. As we were walking to our other boarding gate, Angie said, "Ummmm, I'm really craving a juice." (she loves the 3G Energizer from Jamba Juice) Just then we came around a corner and guess what was there? Yes, a Jamba Juice! For me (Mom), this was such an awesome reminder of how God was totally in this. He is so personal. He will take care of even those things that we consider small and non-spiritual, because He cares about everything. When we saw Jamba Juice, Angie and I simply looked at each other and smiled - we knew!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Phoenix Airport



Our first stop with a layover of 3 hours. Lots of time to talk and reminisce, and spend LOTS of money on food. You would think that we had steak, but it was just pizza. We all laughed at the ridiculous prizes, but o well.

Ontario International Airport




Here we are at the Ontario International Airport. My hubby and I were so thankful that the LORD allowed us and provided for us to be able to accompany our daughter to Pennsylvania. And, yes, Angie is all smiles because she has a COKE in her hands (she hasn't had caffeine for a while - long story:)

Sunday at Church



And, yes, she also wanted to play worship with the worship team one last time. Church was sweet, exept when the goodbyes came around. Once again, the love towards Angie is amazing.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Saturday - Church Picnic



Saturday was our church's BBQ/Picnic. Angie, of course, wanted to go and say more goodbye's. She had a wonderful time - she was quite the little social butterfly, it was great to see her like this. In fact, she even played baseball. The picnic was done at 4:00 p.m., but we didn't get out of there until around 5:00 p.m. Once home Peggy came by to say her goodbye - so much love abounds towards Angie.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Friday



When we arrived at for worship practice I saw that there was lots of tables and chairs. Then I realized that the worship team had prepared a surprise going away get-together – AMAZING!

Much love was shown to me. Lots of food, fellowship and tears. They also prepared an incredible video where all the members got to say something to me – it touched me so much. Thank you to all who contributed and put this together, it was an incredible experience.



Moni, Lulu and Nancy came down the hill to visit us and spend some time with us. We also got to go to have some delicious pho noodles - although not all in the group had noodles, we all had a wonderful time. Thanks girls for coming down! We enjoyed our visit.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Purpose

Mt. Zion is a Training School for World Evangelism

First Purpose - To teach the students who they are in Christ, and to develop an intimacy through prayer and worship, brokenness through the work of the Holy Spirit as He conforms them to Christ, obedience to the Word of God, and how to recognize His voice and walk in the Spirit of Christ.

Second Purpose - To train and thoroughly equip men and women to make disciples for Christ throughout the world.

Third Purpose - To send out those fully trained to make other disciples for Christ in the nation to which they are sent. The nationals will then spread the Gospel to their own people until the whole world is reached for Christ.