27 miles
It’s 27 miles from Joseph, Oregon to my sister’s house in the middle of nowhere.
Two miles outside of Joseph your cell phone will no longer work. Four miles down the road you feel like you have entered another world of man verses wild. You are more likely to see wild animals than other vehicles along this narrow, winding road into Hell’s Canyon, but the scenery is stunning.
Usually when I travel this road, I anticipate the peace that awaits me at my sisters’ tranquil, five-acre farm. Horses, streams, stars, art, chickens, gardens and quiet define this peace of heaven on earth. And the road getting there sets the mood……UNTIL…….
You let your 15-year-old drive.
Yes, this weekend we let our daughter, who now has her driving permit, navigate this 27-mile stretch of road. No longer did this road offer me peace. At every corner I felt like something would lunge out and jump in front of the car causing her to panic and whip the car into a ditch. At every turn I expected a cliff to devour our mini-van. Sweat, rapid heart rate, and adrenaline filled my body as we drove the 27-mile stretch.
The good news is we made it! She did awesome. She navigated this road like pro and used great judgment.
After driving this 27-mile stretch with my life in my daughter’s hands, I thought about trust. (If your prayer life is suffering, just drive with a teenager and I promise it will improve).
Do I trust God? Do I believe that He loves me? Do I trust others to love me too? Do I trust my daughter to drive? What happens to our trust when something goes horribly wrong?
Trust is so central to relationship. It’s central to marriage, having children, being a mom and to our relationship with God. However, sometimes trusting others can feel like you are about to drive off a cliff. Sometimes trust feels reckless.
The bible makes it clear that we can recklessly trust in God. Jonah jumped into the ocean and ended up in the belly of a whale, Joseph married his pregnant girlfriend, Hosea stayed married to a prostitute, Job stayed faithful through loss, Abraham trusted God with Isaac, and the list goes on.
So I have asked myself this question and I will ask you as well.
Do you recklessly trust in God or are you safe and controlled with your trust? How would your life change if you did recklessly trust in God?
Possibly Another Steve Moment?
Today we are leaving for Imnaha, Oregon for the weekend……to camp on my sister’s property (in a tent surrounded by rattlesnakes). If you are not familiar with Imnaha, you either did not read the book,” The Shack” or you are not into rattlesnake festivals. Anyway, my sister lives in this amazing place, in a home built by two artists (her and her husband), in the middle of nowhere. My other sister from Florida will be joining us with two of her kids, whom I have not seen in several years. My aunt, the nun, and her friend, the nun, and my mom will be joining us too (though they have chosen not to camp…WIMPS). My brother-in-law has gone off to Siberia (long story).
So this leaves Steve with 10 women and one other male, who happens to be 10 years old.
I am a little curious how this will go. Seriously!
I will be off line a couple of days while we exist in Hells Canyon (that is the correct name), but will come back with a full report.
Hasta Luago!
Patricia
Chihuahuas, purses and planes
For those of you who know my husband, I laughed really hard as I adjusted the light in this picture to emphasize their beautiful relationship. He told me I was killing him… I love messing with this man.
Steve and Levi
Dear 22 year old girl with the Chihuahua in your purse on a plane,
You were next to my husband on his five-hour flight the other day. He was tired and looking forward to a peaceful trip, but your dog yapped the entire time. My husband came home edgy and angry at your dog. The guy next to him cussed at you. The people around you were over the top because for some reason, you felt it necessary to carry your nervous dog in your cute little purse on an airplane.
Possibly you should look into a sedative for your animal. Your dog hates flying. Did you know that?
I am a dog lover. We have a darling little fluff ball and a mini–dachshund. We have a Chihuahua next door who occasionally barks, but he is a cute little dog. However, my husband is not much of a dog lover. The fact that we have two dogs is an act of God because my husband just doesn’t enjoy having animals. So people like you don’t help keep peace amongst those of us who love animals, and non-dog lovers.
My husband almost cried when he got home and our miniature dachshund greeted him then peed with excitement onto the floor. My husband then scorned your Chihuahua again exclaiming his distaste in animals.
I saw a man who had been torn down, beat up and emotionally destroyed by his dog experience.
So Chihuahua girl, please keep your dog home next time, or talk to your vet about a nice little cocktail drink to help your dog chill out.
Do they make Xanax for animals?
Sincerely,
The woman who had to deal with the edgy husband after he had been on a flight with a yapping Chihuahua.
Guatemalan Journey
What an unusual trip this has been.
The first couple of days were a little more normal for me. We had two days of wonderful visits to Compassion church projects, meeting amazing project workers who are absolute heroes, visiting homes of children who have nothing and yet still have been instilled with hope for a future that will break the cycle of poverty in their lives. The two projects we visited Friday and Saturday both had water systems that provided clean water to their entire communities at one third of the standard price in town. It was so powerful to see the visions both of these churches had for their communities. They were not churches just making themselves feel good by taking care of their own needs; they were making themselves uncomfortable in order to reach out into a desperate and hurting world and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Both of the communities we visited were struggling with gangs, violence, drugs and alcohol addition, and desperate poverty. And these churches chose to do something about it. They have partnered with Compassion for training and funding to minister to children and to break the horrible cycle of poverty that is so present in their communities.
Then Sunday morning we headed off to visit an orphanage, Casa Aleluya, where Michael’s wife Debbie has come in the past on a missions trip. This is a huge facility where they care for over 400 orphans. We pulled up and walked straight into their church service where they were waiting for Michael to take the stage.
Later we got the tour of the facility and of course got to hold some precious little babies.
Then we were off to lunch and a press conference. This is where the trip left the usual…
And soon after that the day really changed when we found out that 10 of Michael W. Smith’s band and crew would not be making it for the big concert because of flight delays and cancellations. Krista, who plays violin and sings backup was the only one who made it. The restful day at the hotel that Spence, Keely and I had planned suddenly changed. The rest of the day Spence and I turned into production manager, road manager and sound techs trying to get everything set up for the show while Keely handled media and the meet and greet.
Even with the craziness of today, my mind keeps going back to this sweet, funny, barefoot little boy we met yesterday who lives in the Guatemala City dump. (And yes, he thought it was funny to stick his finger up his nose.)
He was one of many we saw who were not sponsored yet with Compassion but the church already had their eye on him. As you can see, he lives right in the city dump and as he ran out to greet us he was barefooted. We had learned just earlier that every sponsored child gets a pair of shoes every year, but it is children who aren’t sponsored who the church could not afford to provide with shoes. Keely and I noticed this little boys bare feet and went to mention it to the project director who we had just given three bags of shoes to. With a wide smile she told us through the translator, “Don’t worry, I am on it. I have already sized up his feet.”
It brought tears to my eyes knowing that these children who even Compassion isn’t reaching yet can be cared for by this amazing local church because several of you responded to Isabel’s heart for Shoes For Kids. All of those dots connecting can only happen because of a big and loving God. Thank you for being a part of this with us.
Fist Pump
Michael and I fell in love with little Raúl today. I promise I didn’t teach him to do this. He was so much fun to hang out with!!
Stephen left today for his trip to Guatemala (although he is in Houston for tonight). He toted a large bag of shoes for my daughter.
I want to thank all of you for your incredible response to helping Isabel. It warms my heart. I see her sparkle with each pair coming in. She wanted 20 pairs of shoes and we received funding and shoes for 60 little feet (30 pairs of shoes). How cool is that?
Here is something else that is quite fun. A celebrity will be helping with the “Shoe drop.” The purpose of Stephen’s trip to Guatemala is to hang with Michael W. Smith and his wife and family on behalf of Compassion International. They will be visiting Compassion projects, going to the dump where many kids salvage through garbage, visiting an orphanage and giving out the shoes. Sunday night, Michael has a concert in Guatemala. Keely will be taking pictures and Spence Smith will be helping with the trip too.
So that is that! My husband promised me he would write a post to tell us about this trip and how it goes, and Keely will be providing some photos. So I expect something from Stephen on Sunday or Monday for Jonesbones5 blog. Be watching!
Finally, for those you who don’t know, my husband has worked for Compassion for 16 years and oversees the Artist and Speaker program (artists w/ Compassion). He has an amazing staff that introduces Christian speakers and musicians to the ministry of Compassion. These amazing people then speak on behalf of the poor to their audiences. Michael W. Smith has been with Compassion for as long as I can remember and because of him, thousands of kids have been sponsored and lives have been changed! He has been an amazing advocate and we are grateful for his ministry.
So be watching for Stephen’s post! Also, if you are interested in getting on board with Compassion, here is a link to sponsor a child!
The Road to Camp Firwood
As we walked toward the lake for the swim test, Isabel looked at me and said, “I’m nervous and my stomach hurts.” She is a great swimmer so I knew the nerves were not about the swim test. The nerves were about the fact that she did not know anyone at camp, and she has not been away from home more than a couple of nights without me. I never told her, but I was nervous too and my stomach hurt. She is a mama’s girl and I am a freak of a mother.
Yesterday, I dropped my two younger girls at Camp Firwood. Twenty years ago I was a camp counselor at Firwood (I actually met my husband there). Yesterday, I was the crazy parent who was having a hard time leaving. I do believe the security guards were getting ready to escort me out. Twenty years ago I was the one trying to make all the campers feel ok and trying to help parents cope with leaving their child. Oh how the tables have turned.
Grace and Isabel rocked their swim test so we checked in with the head counselor to find out what camp counselor would have the privilege of caring for my beautiful children for five nights.
My inspection hat wanted to go on. I thought about using my CIA interrogation techniques on the counselor, you know, the ones I learned on TV from Jack Bauer.
Isabel’s counselor was called down, and as I was getting ready for full on interrogation, I looked up at this counselor and splashes of memory flood my mind; space milk, Saturday morning cartoons, tea parties and a sweet little brown eyed girl. Abby Smith was standing before me about to meet my daughter. She was going to be Isabel’s counselor. I use to babysit this girl a very long time ago. All I could think of was The Lion King and the song,“The Circle of life”! Here she was, a young adult about to care for my little girl, and to think I changed this girl’s diaper.
Grace ended up with Abby’s friend for a counselor and the world seemed ok. There was energy and excitement!
The girls settled into their cabins, met a few of the other girls they would share this experience with, and the time came for me to say goodbye. I didn’t want to leave so I lingered. Then I lingered some more until finally Julia ( my oldest) and Stephen reminded me that I was being a creepy parent and staying too long. We hugged the girls and they kicked me to the curb (not really but they were interested in moving on).
I left my kids without a cell phone, Facebook, and Internet for five days. I hope they will be ok with all those sail boats, ski boats, paint ball, water toys etc. I hope they won’t get too homesick as they play night games, sing songs, laugh at skits and eat junk food. I hope mama (that is me) will survive without all their noise!
Firwood is a place that changed me forever. Just like the circle of life, it’s now time to pass this gift on to my kids and give them the experience of camp. Sure, I have my parental issues of leaving my children in the trust of others, but I am confident God has a plan for my kids in this amazing place.
There are a lot of great camps in the northwest, but I must admit that there is something very special in my heart toward Firwood, not to mention it brought marriage into my life. It’s holy ground for me, and I am excited to see what kind of stories my girls come home with. I am confident they will have the time of their lives. This is the road to Firwood.
Our special guest stars!
I admit that we were a little star struck by our guests today. My girls scurried around the house getting things prepared, and they watched out the window anxiously waiting for their arrival. Finally Isabel proclaimed, “ They are here!”
Today we had the privilege of hosting two Leadership Development Students with Compassion International, who are here from Kenya for the summer. We fed them waffles and bacon!
Both Daniel and David grew up in the slums of Kenya and both were sponsored children through Compassion. Now in their mid-twenties, David and Daniel are here in the U.S. to tell their story and work for Student Life, and to inspire others. They will go back to Kenya in August and finish up college.
My family hasn’t been the same since our visit to Kenya over a year ago. The girls saw a big world and their eyes were opened to poverty. Isabel started her ministry, “Shoes for Kids” and I started working for Compassion leading trips. Today, having these two young men in our home allowed us to have a little “Kenya” come back into our hearts.
Both David and Daniel lost their mothers when they were young children. Both grew up in the slums where there were a lot of drugs, prostitution, little food, and no chance for education. Both told us how they had to trust God for every meal and food was scarce. David told us about how his 11-year-old sister had to work as a housemaid for $2 a month after the death of their mother, and basically lived as a slave. David, on the other hand, ended being sponsored with Compassion International.
David and Daniel became leaders in their community. “I give God all the glory,” said David, and he spoke of a God who answered all his prayers. He told us that most of his friends from the slum are now dead. Does sponsorship make a difference in a child’s life? The answer is obvious.
As I listened to David and Daniel, I was struck with their confidence and their joy. They would giggle and joke around. They liked our dog and said he looked like a little rug. Men don’t usually strike me as beautiful, but there was something so beautiful about these guys and their spirit.
I had a million questions for these guys. I wanted to know what they thought of America? What did they think of the church? What was it like to travel? What did they like about America? What didn’t they like?
Daniel and David commented on our distractions in America. They said it makes following Christ difficult. David is encouraging Christians to pursue intimacy with God. He said, “I was surprised by the lack of prayer. In Kenya we pray all the time. We wake up at 3am and pray. We get in the car and pray, then we pray over communities, and God answers our prayers.” He then told us he is encouraging American Christians to be like David in the Bible. Though we have everything, we know that everything belongs to God and we give it all to Him.
After all my questions were answered we got on the subject of our kids. Isabel then shared about Shoes for Kids. Daniel and David were very encouraging. David told Isabel that here in America, shoes are not that big of a deal, but in Kenya and other countries with poverty, shoes are a huge deal. He told us the story of receiving his first pair of shoes at age seven, when he became a sponsored child. Daniel told us that he never owned a pair of tennis shoes until he was in high school. Then the guys took pictures of all the shoes we had collected and told Isabel that they would pray for her ministry. We gave them some shoes to take back to Kenya to share with their family.
What a total blessing to start our weekend with such amazing guys. Today I was reminded of just how powerful and great our God is to take two orphans, who once lived in the grips of extreme poverty, and today can speak with great confidence about a God who saves. Truly our God can move the mountains. This is the power of sponsorship. This is the power of God.
A rare interview with Isabel
See this rare interview with Isabel regarding Shoes for Kids and why she does this.
Her sister was a real big help as you will see in the end.
URGENT HELP NEEDED – by Isabel Jones
Isabel wrote this and wanted me to post it. As you can see, she is all about business.
URGENT HELP!!!! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!!!
Hello people of the world,
We just found out my dad is going to Guatemala trip next week on Thursday! He is going to go to the dump where kids go to find garbage to sell, but kids in the dump only have flip flops to wear. My dad is also going to an orphanage. So I need your help. I want to have 20 or more shoes to send with him. I know we don’t have much time. Send a comment and we will email you the address for sending shoes! You can send money too and we will buy the shoes. I will be gone on Sunday so try to get them in before that. If your shoes don’t make it for this trip, we can send them the shoes with my dad to Columbia in August. Are you willing to help?
This message is sent from,
ISABEL JONES
President, Owner, Director and Publisher of
SHOES FOR KIDS
Photo by Keely Marie Scott
