Proper Nourishment

Here’s a big, Big, BIG THANK YOU to everyone who financially supported my personal fund-raising. I raised $620 as of yesterday and the rest will be covered by a generous benefactor.  And as a group we are placing another order for more Hydro Flask water bottles, so anyone still interested in buying one can. (hint, hint!)

During my preparation for Haiti, I didn’t realize what all it would entail. Not only was I personally raising $1,000 but I was raising extra funds for the work we will be doing there. I also didn’t know how much of my own money I would need to put in and that’s when I felt stressed and worried. For a first timer (who doesn’t have updated immunizations) it cost me $226 to get shot up with needles. And because I’m of African descent, my malaria meds were $93 plus an additional $8 for other meds we needed. OUCH!  I also spent money for some skirts, a few shirts and goodies for the Haitians--expenses that added up very quickly. In fact, I spent the last few weeks crying about money, but in my heart I knew God would provide.

 When my fund-raising efforts began, I told my long time friend Andrea not to be offended that I wasn’t sending her a letter because I had people from the outside to help me. Then shortly after  I sent out 11 of my letters, my other dear friend Beth had contacted me wanting to help me out as well. Now, I intentionally didn’t send them letters because these two women have already been there for me beyond words, and I just didn’t want to ask for more. But their giving hearts just wouldn’t take no for answer.

March was my month of prayer; but more specifically, I prayed for financial peace and stability. Every night I would lay Landon down for bed and I would pray. I prayed for Landon to sleep well and for God to watch over him. I prayed that God help Landon to be sweet and for him to listen to his mama. I thanked God for always watching over us no matter what. And I prayed for God to help me watch my spending, especially now that I’m not working and am going to Haiti; and I asked for financial peace and stability. We asked God to bless (now it’s Landon’s turn to pray) Granddad, Nonni, Katie, uncle Rob, Shu, ‘Kenna, Lana, dodge, Ang and everyone who came to his mind--plus, Boomer and our two kitties. I’ve prayed this prayer for the past 27 days, and yesterday my prayer was answered.

Andrea and Beth didn’t know I was praying this and they both wanted to give; it couldn’t have come at a better time. Those two are amazing and now I’m crying tears of happiness, peacefulness and stability! God always provides and not in ways we expect.

Thank You Beth and Andy(Levi and baby Cole too)!  And Thank You God!!

On March 25, we had our group meeting and we talked about getting the proper nourishment. But in this case it was getting proper spiritual nourishment and how we need to rely on God for that nourishment. So, as a group we fasted for 24 hours starting Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and ending Wednesday evening with a taco dinner and send off.

A worshipful send off  

(photo taken by sister Lana)

Groups numbers 1 and 2 are heading out Friday morning at 5:15. It's SO EARLY, but I'm very excited and anxious for the adventures to come this following week. I'm comforted by the group that is going and ready to leave the rest up to God.

Group #2

Barry, Jen, Zachariah, Katie, Nick, Jodie and Me

Flights (through Continental)

Mar 30, Friday

5425: (BZN) 10:23am--- (DEN) 12:05pm

1742: (DEN) 7:20pm--- (EWR) 1:08am (MAR 31)

1007: (EWR) 10:00am--- (PAP) 12:56pm

RETURN:

April 7, Friday

1464: (PAP) 1:50pm--- (EWR) 6:45pm

April 8, Sunday (through United)

163: (EWR) 6:45am--- (DEN) 9:26am

6195: (DEN) 11:15am--- (BZN) 12:56pm

**Make sure to follow our group blog for updates on how we're doing and see what we're up to @ Missio Dei

No "I" in Team(BUT THERE IS A "ME")

When spring semester started, so did Tuesday and Thursday lunches with whoever could make it. God bless Jodie because every week she will text us "all" to see if we can make it or as just a friendly reminder. Now when I say "all" of us, what I mean is it's usually just Casey, Jodie, and I along with a few special guests like Sierra, Joe, Josh and Mel. But more often than not, it's just the three of us.
 
At first it was kind of awkward. I hadn't hung out with Casey outside of church and it had been years and years since I had even talked to Jodie, but here we are getting together twice a week. It hasn't taken long for us to get to know each other because we are all going to Haiti together, and have been able to bond over our fears about going.  Plus, we have connected by talking about all the things we need to do to get ready.
 
After awhile, I realized I had never seen Casey laugh so hard (mostly at with Jodie) and it was cool to see him come to lunch even though he was the only guy (most of the time). I also didn't know how knowledgeable Casey is; he had an answer for just about every question I had. Don't let his quietness fool you, because he is the most giving and hard working guy ever. And as for Jodie, I cannot say enough good things about her. I truly love this girl and I feel so incredibly lucky to have her in my life. She is so funny (who doesn't like to laugh), she loves God  and doesn't care who knows it!
 
Our tight knit group has really served us well as we have been getting ready to go on this adventure. But what happens when we get to Haiti? Will I feel so uncomfortable and out of my element that it keeps me from branching out and meeting new people? This is a very sobering reality for all of us. We were asked this question at our last Haiti meeting. 
 
I can't speak for Casey or Jodie, but for my personal contribution on this trip I want to be the strong silent type and I also want be a team player no matter what. I want to help out in any way I can and with no complaints. I want to learn all I can in a short amount of time, especially letting the Holy Spirit lead and work through me for who I am.

My wise friend LC said these words to me the other day and it kinda stuck--Be you. Spread your smile and love these people. Be you. When you meet new friends, help them feel God's unending love. It's going to be awesome and life changing. Remember that you can't always change their situation, but you can always show them God's love...

Children of God Love One Another 1John:3

(Click on the link above and take a moment to read this chapter, it's food for the soul)

The individual members of a team do not simply fade into the background. Each person has a responsibility to encourage, to commit, to involve themselves in the whole. Our goal as a group is to "bridge the gap" and make Haitian friends. We will share ourselves with them and by letting them get to know us, it will help "bridge the gap", winning their respect and trust. Even when we disagree, or think our way is better, we need to honor and submit to their ways of doing things. My team will also be serving according to their cultural patterns. In this whole learning process, we must try to understand their cultural norms and try to respect them.**
 
This new experience begins in a week and I'm praying that all my preparations pay off while I'm in Haiti. I've learned so much about myself and my friends that are going. Which reminds me: I still need to write up a contract for Jodie to sign, that says she is not allowed to complain about anything EXCEPT how hot it is... we'll be holding each other accountable. LOL!

Please pray for our safety and be kind to one another!

The Core Tuesday and Thursday Lunch Crew:

Casey Face

& Jodie

**from my Missio Dei Journal

Hope for Haiti

03.10.12

As most of you know last weekend was our Hope for Haiti Rummage sale. I was schedule to go and help out from ten to noon Saturday morning. On Friday night I had decided to stay up and watch YouTube videos until about one in the morning, which I was regretting when I got a text at 6:28am. My brother was needing someone to set up coffee for all who came to support us and I was more than happy to do it. Now being the planner that I am (and the fact I couldn't go back to sleep), I figured I had plenty of time to put on some mascara and blush and snatch Landon out of bed to make it to the church by 7:30.

Where's Landon?
...he's such a good sport!

By the time I arrived at the building at 7:24 people were already there and ready to spend money. Me and many of my teammates were barley awake but ready to help and eager to raise lots of money!

The hardest workers EVER!

Tami and Amy stayed stayed all day. Tami is an OUTSTANDING sales woman and I'm so glad I got to know her better. Thanks Ladies for ALL your help!!

We had a steady of stream of  people all day. And even though I was scheduled  until noon, I ended up staying all day-- I couldn't miss out on all the fun! Half-way through the day Jodie, Jen and I went downtown to set out jars for money at local businesses, we ended up getting lunch (well, Jen was eating the samples each place we went) and we laughed ALLOT along the way :) I love my team! 

Coffee and Donuts (we didn't actually sell the donuts for $1)

The Hydro Flask station... these are selling like crazy!

Our Homemade Table

Audrey and Katie from "team Haiti" made things to sell at the rummage sale. And one of our youth gals Catherine Witt made necklaces for us to sell...they were painted "reversible"' coins (pennies, nickles and quarters).

At about 3 o'clock, we were ready to start shutting things down. The plan was to take whatever didn't sell to Goodwill, but before we loaded anything up we made "Everything Free" signs. 

We even put some signs on the streets. Lol!

We ended up making $1,400 that day--It was fun to see everyone come together for a good cause. God is good! 

  

 1 Corinthians 12:27 says that 

“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.”

Defining a Worldview

Everyone has their own way  of learning. During my adolescent school days my learning style was well, not exactly "up to par." When I didn't understand something I wouldn't get answers, therefore resulting in bad grades and skipping classes... a lot! I got into trouble because my main focus was being social. By not understanding and not keeping up with my classes (other than my favorite lunch time and computer class) I would fall behind. 

Our lesson from two weeks ago was about "Defining a Worldview." We were asked several questions about cliches or stories we were frequently told in our family on certain values like...the value of work or the value of success or the value of conflict resolution? We learn from the time we are infants, the values of our culture, of our family, the ways of our environment. Surrounding and upholding each culture is worldview-both on a individual level, as well as on a community level. Because cultures are  always changing , it is appropriate to compare cultures  and to introduce new ideas and ways of doing things. This is how cultures become more effective at helping cope with the changing realities of life.**

As I prepare to travel and immerse myself in into another culture this bible verse sticks out in my mind... 

"Preach the word!  Be ready in season and out of season." 

-2 Tim. 4:2 

Which means being prepared. Now, the much  "older" and "wiser" me has done  some research and studying via Google to gain the proper knowledge about different worldviews (cultures) and how to confront certain situations with scripture. Especially now because it has to do with this mission and after we return. I have to  be honest and say that I don't know much about the bible other than what I hear on Sundays and passages underlined and highlighted in my bible from years ago. I like this verse because it says to "be ready in and out of season" and for the first time I can say that I am.

Thanks to these lessons we are do doing at our Haiti meetings I have learned asks questions about things I don't understand and more importantly it has taught me learn about the bible on my own and retain the information so that I can pass it on. 

 

ART AND CULTURE: Taste of Haiti

Haitian art became world famous in 1943, the year the Centre d'Art was founded in Port-au-Prince.

____________________________________________________________

Are you Curious?

Curiosity is essential for cross-cultural examination. We should seek to learn, to understand the "strange" ways people act, think, and live, to understand the meanings behind peoples actions, customs, and ways.**  I'm excited to see what this adventure has in store for me, and to see how God uses my curiosity and new found knowledge while I'm in Haiti.

 "Each day learn something new, and just as important, relearn something old." 
~Robert Brault

 Yours Faithfully,
 Jes Marie


**from our Missio Dei journals via J.D. 

Landon LOVES this ridiculous hat that is way too small for him. LOL!

Keepin' Track

"No one has ever become poor by giving." -Anne Frank

Sponsors:	Amount:	Haiti Fund- Raising Goal: $1,000
Anderson	$50.00	$950.00
Palmer	$100.00	$850.00
McLaughlin- Seyler	$20.00	$830.00
Ford@Three Forks Church	$100.00	$730.00
McCrary	$100.00	$630.00
Aunt/Uncle Partain	$50.00	$580.00

In Mark 16:15 Jesus tells us

“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.”

"Love the LORD your God, walk in all his ways,

obey his commands, hold fast to him, and

serve Him with all your heart & all your soul."

Joshua 22:5

Lets get down to Business.

I want to start out by telling you that I'm home alone. Yep, alone. I can hardly believe it myself. I've never been here without Landon and I have to admit it's a little weird. It's so quiet...and peaceful. I'm not sure what to do first, nap, clean, nap, or do homework or nap. Bottom-line I will get a lot done today!

So about a week and a half ago I mailed out eleven fundraising letters to my family and friends. Since this is my first time fundraising I'm not exactly sure how long it takes to hear back from them and as of right now I haven't gotten any responses... that I know of. I will keep you posted on how much I've raised because some of you have been asking and I'm sorry for not  having an amount for you. 

In our team efforts to raise money we are doing a Garage Sale March 10 @ Missoula Valley Church for those of you who will be around and bring your $$$.$$.  We will also be setting up tables at the University on March 13 and 14th to reach out to our fellow college students/faculty for their spare change. And last but not least we are selling Hydro Flask.
Hydro Flasks are  Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Water Bottles. Check out the link for more information and for anyone interested in buying one let me know and I'll get details up for you. I will be getting one for Haiti!  

Just in case you were wondering we are trying to raise an extra $4,000 to purchase the supplies for a home.

And finally... IT'S MARCH!!!!!! We leave at the end of this month. I'm getting very excited to leave. On Feb. 26th we had our Haiti meeting (which I will talk more about next Friday) and that's when reality set in and I started feeling nauseous and anxious about going. As of right now, I'm back to being excited!

My last shot for Hep B is scheduled for  March 7th and then next I will need to get my Malaria pills.  That's all I have planned for travel arrangements but more things will be added to my list as our departure day draws closer.


Well, it was nice talking shop with y'all...until next time!

"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own" Matthew 6:34
-Jes

HAppY BirTHdAY Dr Seuss

**HydroFlask.com

Team Haiti...32 days left!!

 Here is our group that's going to Haiti. Since there weren't enough seats on a flight for all 26 now 25, we had to break into three different groups. All except for Amber (who found out she's pregnant...Congrats! But now she can't go...Amber will be missed) and Tyler(who IS going and in group #1 but missed today's meeting...shame on you! J/K)

Group #1

(from left to right: Misty, Casey Face, J.D., Shu, Lana, and Audrey)

Group #2

(from left to right: "Jack", Barry, KP, Nick, Jodie, Jen and ME!)

Group #3

(from left to right: Joe, Stephen, Jess, Danielle, Joe, Amy, Kevin, Seth and Sierra)

Sean and Heidi (the Canadians)

(I stole this pic from Facebook...I hope they don't mind!)

Please pray for our TEAM!

Our Classroom : the World

It has  been two weeks since our last Haiti meeting. Our homework is to use the world and our everyday lives as the classroom. The teachers are God's people and the holy spirit.*  I personally feel like I should get an A+ in this so called classroom of Missoula. 

At the "deciding" to go to Haiti meeting  awhile ago my brother J.D. was giving us all the raw details of what this trip would entail. Not much of it  bothered me much except getting my shots (check!) and having common sense. Now some of you might be thinking "Jes, you have common sense" but no joke I seriously thought I couldn't got to  Haiti because I had no common sense. I told several people afterwards "well... looks like I can't go" and many thought I was being silly. But this was weighing heavily on my heart.

I cannot tell you how many times I have bought random crap from the vendors in the malls of Portland and on the streets all because I couldn't say no. I would leave feeling taken advantage of and stupid. No common sense.  I am the type of person who won't t say anything to the waiter if they have gotten my meal wrong or go to the mechanic if there is a strange sound in my car until I'm stranded on the side of the road. And sometimes I am the daughter calling her dad to bring gas because I have run out... again. No common sense. Are you starting to see a pattern here?!

A few weeks ago,  for whatever reason I decided to skip my math class. Instead, I was spending time with Landon, cleaning and working on Haiti stuff. Around 11 or so I got a call from a Los Angeles number and I ignore it. They kept calling and left voice messages. After listening to the messages, they sounded urgent and threatening so I called the number back. Sure enough it was scam, but with my history of no common sense and ignorance I fell right into this mans game. Most people after just listening to the voice message would have ignored it but I couldn't.  The more this man talked I thought he could be legit but also a part of me knew something wasn't right. After spending a hour in tears with him, I FINALLY told him I had to change my sons diaper and put him down for a nap, then immediately called 911 to make sure I wasn't being arrested. 

Now I can look back and laugh but in that moment I was so scared. My bestie Courtney left work early that day to come to the police department with me for some extra piece of mind. The narcotics cop was a no non sense kind of guy and had my back. At the end of the day I was so proud of myself. After looking back on the day I realized that I was stronger than I thought. And having COMMON SENSE I walked away from this situation holding my head a little higher. But most of all ready for Haiti!

"...So that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of GOD." 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 

says: "Your travel choices within the next year will bring serendipity"

Now that my two concerns about Haiti had been prayed about and overcome, I feel unstoppable and confident. Well, now for part two of my homework, the "treasure hunt". God is inviting us on us on treasure hunt. Our privilege is to be so led by the spirit of God that we can find treasures in this new context that had been hidden from our eyes previously.*

Remember, no matter where you are our world is a classroom, so how can we seek these treasures through the people that we serve.  Let me show you how...

• Walk with humility- keep in mind you are showing up late to a meeting. God has been at work among these people long before you arrived.*
• Embrace with affirmation- your greatest gift to the people you meet will be affirmation, not criticism.*
• Live with Vulnerability- don't be afraid of weakness- it's normal.*
• Practice flexibility- Always expect the unexpected. your not in control.*
• Live as a studentt- be determined to learn from everyone.*
• Work as a servant-be willing to whatever needs to be done.*
• Speak as a story teller- let the spirit tell God's story through you.* (check!)

This past week I was really working on "practicing flexibility". I LOVE to plan ahead and be on time and when that doesn't work out I feel stressed and anxious. So I made the effort to let it go. My mom would call and say "I lost track of time, so now I'm late for watching Landon...", normally I would freak out but I truly would let it go and say "no worries", and I worked on my mailing out my Haiti fundraising letters.

Minus the sippy cup, I mailed out 11 letters. Each card had "my story" inside(which can be found in my blog), a reply form and envelope to send money. I specially ordered mailing labels with my name in fancy writing and bought traveling stickers(like for scrap-booking) for the back of the envelopes. Not too Shabby!

By working on my personal "treasure hunt", it has made me more conscious of my surroundings and reaction to everything that happens in my life and to make more of an effort to be kind and understanding. 


"Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere"  ~Chinese Proverb

Be kind to one another,
Jes

@ the Missoula Valley Youth Rally last weekend.

I just love having my picture taken...can you tell? photo taken by: Mandie

p.s. I will have a bonus blog that I'll post this Sunday :) I can't wait to show you what I have in store!

*blurbs from our journal. Thanks J.d.





 

It's all in your head!

Overcoming fear is a skill anyone can learn. The problem is that most people cling to their fears, because it's who they are. These kinds of fears can be spiders, snakes, darkness and NEEDLES! For me fear has held me back from doing so many things.

 More recently, when I had decided to go back to school I heard that I may need to update my immunizations. I cried. Going to school was what I really wanted to do and that meant doing something I was scared of. Well, lucky me, I didn't need shots...I dodged a bullet! But now for Haiti it's a requirement to get shots AND take Malaria pills (I'm horrible at swallowing pills). So, not only am I going somewhere I've never been but to get there is all about overcoming my fears!

On Feb. 14th, I was schedule to get my travel immunizations, I could not put it off or just ignore this appointment. My dear friend Gay offered to take me to lunch that day, in order to comfort  me and let me know that everything would be OK. As she would say " YOU intimidate those immunizations!"  Which worked up until I was sitting in what felt like a tiny room trying to soak in all the info the public health nurse was trying to tell me but all I could think about was the 6 or more shots I would have to get. 

I only got 2 shots NOT 6!

Once the time came for us (Christine a.k.a Shu and I) to get our shots, I stepped up and said that I would go first. And I'm so glad I did because when all is said and done my fear was all in my head. I had made it bigger than it really was and "I owned those shots"(another saying from Gay).

First one down and one to go, w/my mom holding my hand. Love her!

"Thinking will not overcome fear but action will."

~ W. Clement Stone 

 

If I hadn't faced my fear I wouldn't be able to comfort others who might have the same fear or my son as he get older or have this...

...my updated immunization records :) So proud!
(It's been over 12yrs since my last shot)

"I can do all things through HIM who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Missio Dei*

At our first Haiti meeting I got to see the group of 26 (well technically 24 from MT and 2 from Canada) going on this trip and that I now refer to as "my team or teammates". I will be getting to know them very well up until the day we all leave.  I have 6 mandatory meetings to attend to learn more about Haiti but more importantly how to get prepared mentally and spiritually. 

My first assignment was to read  Exodus 3 and 4, then apply the story of Moses to my life. So many times I question god just like Moses in Exodus 3:11 "But Moses said unto God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?".  God reply is "Certainly I will be with you..." Exodus 3:12. 

Each of the lessons we are given will not only be helpful towards our trip and to the Haitian people but it can be applied to my everyday life. Exodus is just one example of what we will be doing  for the next 6 weeks.

With this being said my goal is to post a blog every Friday. I want to share my journey with anyone who wants to follow me and let my sponsors know how I am doing! I will go over the lesson for that week and I will also share pictures of thing that happen as I anxiously await to go to Haiti.

"Each day is a new beginning."

*Missio Dei means "the mission of god".

Sisterly Love

Some of you might be wondering what "sisterly love" has to do with Haiti, well... Everything! Not only do I get to go on this trip with my Sister Katie (for those of you who don't know her name) but we will be flying together.  We had to break our team of twenty four people into three groups. My sis and I are officially group #2 and I couldn't be more excited! This will be another level of bonding for us.  


Secondly, I want to help her raise money for this trip. This is Katie's second time to Haiti and she wanted take it to the next level for fundraising, so  she is making Chic coasters. That's right COASTERS... 

...they speak for themselves

 Get a jump start on a early Birthday or Christmas present. They will also make a good house warming gift or just something for yourself. Don't miss out!

 For more details check out her blog:Missio Katio

How Can I be a Sponsor?

Jes Partain
Twitter: JesMarie @JM_Partain
Email: jesjudo_005@hotmail.com

Dear Family and Friends,

On March 30, 2012, I will be taking up the challenge of  going to Haiti with twenty six other teammates. This is a unique opportunity to serve, to learn and to love another culture!

This mission trip will raise vital funds for the purchase and construction of a home for a needy family in Haiti.

To accomplish this task, we have a large fundraising goal of $4,000 for the cost of building  materials and labor. This amount would be sufficient for the entire purchase of a new home for a family!

The expected cost of my own trip expense is $1,300. I have set myself a personal fundraising target of $1,000. I would greatly appreciate your help in reaching this target because life is an echo--what you send out comes back. 

I have started  my fundraising off with a personal donation of $200. Your donation will bring me closer to my goal and help me succeed on this journey. I understand these are hard times everywhere but any amount is greatly appreciated.

It's official and there's NO turning back now!

Two years ago I welcomed my  beautiful little boy into the world, overcoming 
fears I had of raising a child on my own.  My son is an amazing little boy who 
has truly rocked my world!
  
Like most parents, I want my son to take advantage of all that life has to 
offer. When I reflect on my own life, I see a lot of good opportunities that I
didn’t take advantage of because of fear.  To go to Haiti, for me, is to face
that fear and take advantage of an opportunity to grow.  The trip itself is
scary, considering I have never traveled outside the US.  In fact, to get 
shots is terrifying in itself!  This trip is a great opportunity for me to 
take on the challenge of meeting new people and sharing the love of God with 
them--the thing that is most important to me.
 
Plus, I want my son  to see me set goals, make plans and then apply hard work 
to see them fulfilled.  I want him to see me take action to overcome the 
hurdles and obstacles that come with trying to fulfill a dream.  I want him to 
see how things can be hard--but so worth it!  I want him to see the blessings 
of achieving goals.  I want him to see how God can use me in spite of my 
inadequacies to bless my family, my community, and my world.
 
In other words, I want my son to see what it is to glorify God in very 
intentional ways.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. As one of my sponsors, I will personally let you know how we do. If you would like any more information on “Mission to Haiti” please visit: www.missoulavalleychurch.com/Haiti mission or follow me on twitter that is listed above.

Sincerely,
Jes Marie Partain

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All checks should be made payable to Missoula Valley Church.

Missoula Valley Church

1528 S. Higgins Avenue

Missoula, MT, 59802
(406)549-1744

Help me get there!