News On China

Goddag min venner! (Hello, my friends)

I haven't been keeping my blog very updated lately, so I'm going to try and do better. The big news going on right now is that we are getting ready for our trip to China. We met with our contact person last night, who is actually a girl that went to school with Martin, so that was fun. She's a Danish girl who has been living in China for 5 years, but just recently moved back to DK. So, she will come with us and be our translator and tour guide. We'll be leaving the 23rd of November and returning the 4th of December.

We're going to a place called Chengdu. It's right near the center of China, they call it "The Gateway to the West" because you have to pass through it to get anywhere western. There are about 10 million people living in Chengdu (2ce the amount of people living in all of Denmark.) Here is a map, you can find it almost in the middle.

In May there was a really bad earthquake about 100 klm from where we are going to be staying, so for a couple of days, we will be up there helping out in the schools. A lot of our time in China will be teaching English. So, I'm the only native English speaker on the team, and actual English teacher, so I'm sure that will be mostly my responsibility. We will also be leading some sports camps and childrens programs in the area where the earthquake hit. This trip is what we are calling a "taste and see" trip. As a member of this kind of school, it's really important for us to learn how to organize and plan these trips as well as becoming more and more familiar with other cultures around the world. Our trip to Togo, Africa in the Spring will be almost 5 weeks and will involve much more.

So, please remember us in preparation for this trip and throughout our time there.

On another note, life at the school and with Martin has been going great! We had an amazing "Theme Week" last week that was so encouraging for both Martin and I because he got to come to some of the meetings with me. He is in the middle of a BIG project now building his brother's new house and he is loving it. It has just been Martin and Daniel building so far doing it all themselves, so he's quite busy, but it's been great experience for him. I need to get more updated pictures because they have come so far, but here are som just from the very beginning stages.

They now have the whole perimeter of the house done and the roof, so I'll get more pictures this weekend. Martin is loving it.

School has been great too. I'm developing some really good friendships with people from all over the world. I don't know what I'll do when I come back to a place where everybody speaks the same language. Of course, we all communicate in English here, but it's really fun to hear all the different languages all day long. I started Danish classes last week, FINALLY! So, hopefully it will come soon. I've learned all the basic sentences I need to know, like:

"Vi spise nu" (We're eating now) and

"Jeg vil gaerne ha nogle i drikker, ella spise" (I would like something to drink...or eat)

"Drengen er under bordet" (The boy is under the table)

Haha, just kidding, I know those are very random and all about food, but I'm getting the basics now and starting to understand a lot more!

I'm still loving Denmark...it's a bit cold, but I'm getting used to it. I've been wearing boots, scarves and gloves for a month now...ugh. But, overall de er rigtig godt! (It is really good!)

Martin's Birthday!

This is a fun tradition. Danes always celebrate birthdays with Danish flags. So there were Danish flags all over the house. This is Martin's family while we waited for him and Daniel to get there.
He was very surprised! They had been shopping for tools, so he got there a little later than expected. :)
His mom gave me some candle holder, but he seems to think they are glasses. :)

Ok, so Martin is probably one of the hardest people in the world to surprise. After lots and lots of change of plans, we finally were able to surprise him on his birthday. It was great fun. Pia, Johan and I took the train to Vejle (where his mom lives) and Daniel kept him busy at the Lumber Store so we could get things ready. When he came in, we had hot chocolate and his mom cooked dinner. After dinner, he opened presents and we celebrated with some really yummy (nothing like I had tasted before) cake. :)

I got us tickets to see Casting Crowns in Arhus in November, and he was really excited about that. Johan just got back from the States, so he brought him some Dr. Pepper. That was exciting. It turned out to be a really good night.

School days!

It feels like it's almost Christmas because it's gotten pretty cold the last two days. Although, it's been perfect weather for about a week. Denmark is really pretty nice in good weather. :)

So the start of school was really good. We went on a three day trip to the West Coast and it was wonderful! There are only 2 Americans here; me and another guy from Dallas, so that is fun. Everyone else is mostly from Europe, lots of Italians and Danes. It's helpful for my Danish, but everything at the school is either spoken in English or translated into English so I have to seek out people to speak Danish with.

This week started the first week of real school and I'm already enjoying my classes so much. Besides the Missions School, I'm taking a Biblical Doctrine class, Biblical Survey, Communication, Ethics/World Issues and Danish language classes. So, it's been really interesting. We had our first meeting with the Missions School today. It's a very small school because it's brand new, but I think it will be a really good group. We're planning two trips this year. The big one will be in April and we'll be going to Togo, Africa. At the end of November we will be going on a small trip to China. I'm really excited about these trips and I can already see areas of my life that God is shaping and molding. Missions is obviously something that God put on my heart many, many years ago. I could have chosen any of the other schools at the bible college because they all seem really great, but I feel so strongly that missions is where God is calling me for this year. It is both, Martin and my greatest passion, and we believe it could only come from the Lord. More details for those trips will come later this week, especially the China trip. Please just pray that we will continue to hear from the Lord this year.

Here are some of my classmates. This was on our trip to the West Coast. We realized after we had finished eating lunch that there were 9 different countries sitting at the table. It's so cool, I absolutely love it! In this picture we have 2 from Texas (the guy in the front is from Dallas) Japan, England, France, Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Wales and Italy. It's been a lot of fun hanging out with people from all over. You really learn a lot!

Back to school...back to school...(almost)

Ok, so here are some new pics of my nephew, David. I think I miss him more than humanly possible. Every time I get on Justin and Yvette's blog, I just want more than anything to be able to hold David. I've heard through my mom and Yvette that he's crawling faster than ever and saying "mama" now. I'm guessing that his next words are going to be "Aunt B" but I probably need to be coaching him a little more on that one. :)

We are on our 5th day in a row of sunshine in Denmark. I'm absolutely loving it. It makes riding your bike so much more pleasant when you don't have to worry about trying to do it in the rain. School starts on Monday. I am so excited. I've felt very encouraged this week knowing that next week, I will have a normal schedule, responsibility, homework, etc. :) I'm really excited to see what God is going to do.

I've become at peace with the fact that I won't be working while I am here. At first, it was a very scary thought, but God has already proven so faithful to provide whatever I need and I know I can trust him because he's called me here and still teaching me to depend on him for all my needs. I'm just so thankful for friends and for being a part of the body of christ.

Martin is working hard as always. He is almost finished remodeling his mom's house, just in time to begin building his brother's new house. I thought that I grew up in a family of construction, but I hadn't seen anything until this family. We've been working on new projects since I've been here. First it was my apartment, then his mom's house, now it will be Daniel and Pia's new house that they are building from the ground up. There is also another project in the future that is very exciting. The church has given Martin the opportunity to remodel this old farm building next to the church into a hang out/meeting place for the teenagers. With the help of Pia (she's an architect) they've made a plan for the space and the exciting part is that he will build an apartment attached that he will be able to live in, and then both of us after we are married. We'll get to design it ourselves and then also have someone pay us to build it. It's really exciting, but still in the very beginning stages, so we're still praying God will be done for it.

Teen Radical has been going great. I feel like I am finally really connecting with some of the kids and they are hungry for Jesus. The Danish church is very different from the American church, but I feel so blessed to be a part of this one, they are hungry for change and hungry for Jesus. I'm excited to see what will happen in this new year.

Check out the new pictures of Teen Radical on my Picasa.

http://picasaweb.google.com/LynseyWardlaw

The exciting world of no schedule!

So here I am on my 5th week in Denmark with absolutely no schedule. I must say, it does get a little old. :) I think you wish and wish for more time off, but then when you have too much, you can find another reason to complain. :) No, it's good really. I need to enjoy it and take it all in. I got to talk with my school leaders at the Bible College yesterday for the first time. I got a copy of the weekly schedule and it is going to be incredibly busy 5 days a week, so I know I will be wishing for that free time back again.

As of right now, I think I am leaning more towards the School of Missions than the Counseling School. I met the leader of that one and he was so excited about the new year. The Missions School will take 2 trips this year, one to China and one to Africa, so of course that makes it a bit more exciting. I have spoken with one girl who is also a teacher and she took the counseling school at the bible college. She said that it seemed like a lot of information that she already knew just from her education in being a teacher. So, I think I can see where God is leading me, but I am not for sure yet.

That brings me to my next prayer point. I just recently found out that I won't be able to work at all while I am here this year. Because of the type of school I am going to, the work/study visa doesn't apply to me. I only have a study visa. So...praise God, I sold my car, but I will have to trust the Lord to provide for my needs this year financially. I know he can and will do that, because I know he's called me here and he IS faithful. I am just having to learn how to live on a very small budget again...nothing like being a single teacher, who still lives at home. :)

We've been working so much with the teenagers. That is the one thing that really reminds me of home and I'm so glad that the Lord has given me the opportunity to step into that right away. Especially now, while I have a lot of free time. Martin and I are finding it hard to find time to sit down and plan our wedding...he is CRAZY busy. But, the reality is hitting me that I kind of need to get started on that, so hopefully soon we'll get the ball rolling.

I was kind of sad to miss the 1st day of school again this year, but I love hearing everyone's stories of ''school days''. It's just so fun.

Thanks for all your prayers! They're SO appreciated!

New pics of the apartment

http://picasaweb.google.com/LynseyWardlaw

Becoming Familiar

3 beautiful days in Denmark in a row! I've heard that that is not very common, so I'm trying to take it all in and enjoy it. It was a great weekend. They had a "Culture Weekend" in downtown Kolding this weekend which just meant that all weekend downtown had different activities, bands, food, etc. On Saturday, the church worship team led worship in the streets and that was really fun. It was a beautiful day. I'm starting to meet lots of people and I love that I can now ride my bike down the street and constantly be running into people I know. It's really fun now that I am starting to get involved. I keep making all kinds of connections with people in the school and in the church.



Last night was the first night for Teen Radical. That is what they call the youth group and I stepped right into leadership there because Martin is the main leader with the youth pastor. The youth pastor is named Matt and he is from England. He's a pretty cool guy. The kids were sweet, they are pretty young because their high school only goes up to 9th grade, then they usually go to Boarding School which has it's own youth events. So these are 7-9th graders. They were fun, and really enjoyed practicing their English with me. It's hard to leave a place like Lake Highlands because those kids are passionately pursing Jesus, but we have big vision for the kids this year and I just keep praying for a breakthrough. We're starting Life Groups with them at the end of the month, which is going to be a big change for them, but I think it will be good.



This morning I got to teach in a religion class at Lykkergard Skole, the Danish school that Johan's parents work at. Johan's dad has a 9th grade class that is about to come to the US, so he wanted me to come and talk with them about church in the United States. It was really fun. The Danish school system is very different from ours, but it was really fun to be in front of a class again. Then, on my way home I ran into a lady named Tina who goes to the church and is an English teacher at the Boarding School and she asked if I would like to come talk to her classes too. So, I'm getting to be in the schools a little and work with the youth, so it's been good.



God has really been taking care of my heart because I have not been nervous or overwhelmed to meet people and branch out, even though the kids only speak limited English. Usually, I would really be nervous about that. Everyone here seems to already know me though, so that helps. I'm sure that's how Martin felt when he came to the States and met everyone.

So things have been good so far. I promise more pics will come soon. The problem is, I have them all on my computer, but I'm always using someone else's computer for internet. I'm sure life will be normal soon. :)

Getting Settled

Well, I finally moved into my apartment. Kelly and I slept here for the first time Sunday night. We still have a lot to do, but we can function here now. So, in Denmark it is pretty custom/popular to paint every room in the house white, have white counter tops, etc. It's a very modern style. So, in order to keep our American style, we painted our living room GREEN, like leaves. :) and Kelly's room is bright blue. We felt it was necessary to be different in our style, since we aren't Danish. We had a great time doing it. For two American girls who moved to Denmark, we sure do have a lot of stuff, thanks to people constantly blessing us with furniture, dishes, etc. I just need a few more things, and we'll go to IKEA next weekend.

I got my VISA yesterday, praise Jesus! They actually sent it straight to my house so I don't even have to go to Copenhagen to pick it up like I thought I would. God is so good and faithful. It's my first day today by myself because Martin and Kelly both went to work today. Johan and I did some errands before he headed back to school and I got a lot of things done around the apartment, but I can tell that this is going to get quit boring after a while. Pray that God will provide me a job, now that I have a Visa. Pray that I will be led exactly where he wants me to be to work. It's kind of difficult finding a job when I don't speak Danish, but I'm confident that the Lord has something for me during this time, I just need to seek him to find out what it is.

Martin and I went to pick up Kelly and Johan in Germany on Friday morning. We left at 5:00 am to get there in time, but it was fun. We did a lot of shopping at the border of Denmark and Germany for really cheap. Then, we came back and worked on the apartment all day. The next day we worked at Martin's mom's house because she is remodeling, so I am pretty exausted today. I'm not sure yet if I realize that I'm still not on vacation, but I'm sure it will hit soon.

I hope everyone is doing great! I sure do miss all of you, and want to hear what is going on in your lives.

Vi ses!

Martin's little brother, Philip

His older brother Daniel and girlfriend, Pia

Welcome! I won't post pictures of the apartment until we've finished working on it. But, this is my front door.

This is when I found my newest surprise...my new bike!

After I arrived in Copenhagen...with all my stuff. :)

Well taken care of!

Wow, I sure do feel welcome and well taken care of by my new Danish family. Yesteday I got to see my new apartment and OH WOW! When Martin sent me the pictures of the apartment I was a little worried. However, he and his family took off work for 3 days and worked on it and it is amazing. I got new sanded hard-wood floors, new countertops, stove, sink in the kitchen and bathroom as well as paint in all the rooms with new trim, an awesome ''raining'' shower head and my bed was set up with a new duvet and pillows. And the big surprise was my brand new bike :) I was absolutely overwhelmed! (oh yeah, and very important...a very nice coffee maker) Martin's family has welcomed me and tried to make me feel at home from the second I got here. I will post pictures of the new apartment as soon as we get some things moved in.

We went on a bike ride to the Bible College today and the church which is right across the street. It took about 2 minutes on my bike, so that's great. Then, we went through downtown and I figured out how to get to the grocery store and the library, which is really nice. It's so nice here in Kolding. There is a big castle in the middle of town which is surrounded by a cute little ''walking strees only'' downtown area.

Last night I ate with Daniel and Philip (martin's brothers) and Pia, Daniel's girlfriend. They are so nice and speak English beautifully, so that was really easy and fun. Today I met Jakob and Gitte (the people that Martin lives with) and their three kids. I went on a bike ride with the little boys Hans and David even though they don't speak English yet (they are 2 and 4) we managed to stay alive. :) I am already starting to pick up a lot of single Danish words. It's been so great so far. My roommate, Kelly gets here next Friday, so I'm excited about that and we'll finish up the aparment before that.

God is constantly reminding me of his blessings and his provision over Martin and I. It has been so good spending time together and figuring out how to do life together. God is growing us and I just pray that we will always be growing and learning in his will.

Miss you all very much... more updates to come.
(Don't forget to email me and keep me updated on your lives and how I can pray for you!)

I made it!

Well, I'm here and I've had the most wonderful time already. Martin was there to meet me with a Danish/American flag and Starbucks. :) My flights were both great. I was a little delayed, but no big deal. Scandinavian Airlines are GREAT, and I got all my luggage, praise Jesus! We spent the night at Frank and Bitte's house in Copenhagen. (Johan's aunt and uncle who we stayed with last year) They are amazing people. They gave me the master bedroom while they slept outside in a tent. (Even though they had 2 other bedrooms) Martin also surprised me with a cell phone. His mom bought me a new cell phone and he got me service for it. It came supplied with all the numbers I will need and every pizza place in Kolding. :) It's been so great to be here with him. It's just so normal when I'm with him, just like it's meant to be. Today I will get to see my apartment. Martin and his family have been working really hard on it for days, so I can't wait to see what it looks like. I will post pictures as soon as I get them. We're going to eat at his older brother's house tonight.

The weather is beautiful and everything is going perfectly so far. Praise God for his blessings. I'm so overwhelmed by God's love for us. I miss everyone already. Blessings on your week!!

And I'm on my way...

Hey friends!

I figured this would be the easiest way to keep everybody updated on my new adventures in Denmark. I'm leaving tomorrow, July 29th, at 5:00 and will arrive in Copenhagen at 1:20 pm on Wednesday. I'M SO EXCITED! God is just so good. Over the past few weeks I've had to say goodbye to so many very special people and it's been really hard, but I know the Lord has exciting things ahead. For those of you who don't know, I'll be going back to school at a Bible College in Kolding, Denmark. I'm going to study either Biblical Counseling or Missions. I don't have to be decided quite yet. So, I'll be in DK for almost 2 months before I start school. Once I get there, I'll be looking for a part time job. This will be a great time for me to get settled...HANG OUT WITH MY FIANCE, and start to become familiar with the wonderful Danish culture!

I'll be there until the beginning of July when I'll come home to get ready for the wedding, which is July 17, 2009. Thank y'all all so much for all your prayers and support that you have given me over the past years. Pray for Martin and I during this time that we will grow to know and love eachother the way God designed it and always keep Jesus as our center.

Love you all! Keep checking back for more updates and pictures!