Ukraine

After a LONG day of travel yesterday, I'm home from Ukraine! The trip was awesome. I am so glad my dad asked me to go along with the team. God was able to use the craft group at camp in ways that I would never have imagined. I was planning for about 50 kids between the two camps. We ended up stopping counting at 85 at one camp alone. It was truly a Jesus feeding the 5,000 situation with our craft supplies. I can't believe we had enough to do everything we wanted and still had some left over. God is good. Our days started in a country town called New Prague. This site was the smaller of the two camps. By the last day, I believe we had 50 something kids registered. I was somewhat partial to this camp because of the smaller size and more relaxed atmosphere. After lunch, we would head back to Alexandria, where we were staying, and have camp number two. By the end, this site had over 300 registered. At times it was overwhelming to have so many kids there, but we kept reminding ourselves that God wouldn't send us more kids than we could handle and that every kid there needed to hear the good news of our Saviour. I can say it was truly a privilege to be able to work with these kids. To be honest, I was struggling at the beginning. It was hard to go on a mission trip that wasn't to China. I selfishly have wanted nothing more than to be back there. My heart wasn't in it at first. As the trip went one, I realized that God doesn't need me to take the gospel to the nations, but because he loves me, he allows me to play a part in His bigger picture. It is a privilege to take is name to the nations, no matter what nation it is. Another thing that God taught me during this trip is that sometimes we are reapers of the harvest, but sometimes we are the other laborers from John 4.

Jesus said, "My food is to do what the One who sent me wants me to do and to finish his work. You have a saying, 'Four more months till harvest.' But I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields ready for harvest now. Already, the one who harvests is being paid and is gathering crops for eternal life. So the one who plants and the one who harvests celebrate at the same time. Here the saying is true, 'One person plants, and another harvests.' I sent you to harvest a crop that you did not work on. Others did the work, and you get to finish up their work."

John 4:34-38

Sometimes, we don't see the results of the work we are doing for the kingdom. Sometimes we are just there to do the work and plant the seed. Sometimes, we don't see the harvest. However, no matter what role we play, we will get to celebrate in Heaven. Please continue to pray for the lives that we encountered in Ukraine. Pray that seeds will be planted and that a hunger for God grows in their hearts. 

PS- Only in Ukraine can you hear Katy Perry's E.T., a Russian pop song, and the Chip and Dale: Rescue Rangers theme song on the same radio station. 

Hello from Ukraine

It's around 7:20 at night here in Ukraine and we have finished 2 days of soccer camps. Everything is going really well. At morning camp we have about 30 that registered and we have about 200 more in the afternoon camp. It is a little overwhelming but our team is managing really well. It has been a blessing to work on crafts with the missionary's wife and our awesome translator. In our morning group we have about 10 kids and in the afternoon we have about 60. We have been having a lot of fun making puppets, learning Bible stories, blowing bubbles, and playing with the parachute. I learned the Russian word for glue pretty fast, as we only have 4 bottles of glue for all of those kids. Please be praying for more opportunites to share the love of Christ with the kids. It's hard to believe that our time with them is half way through. Please also pray that God gives us energy because we are very tired. Thanks for the prayer and support!

Leaving today for Ukraine! Keep us in your prayers. Follow the team here.

Now Presenting Lord and Lady Tarver

Last night, I had the honor of standing beside one of my sweet friends as she married the love of her life. I am so blessed to know you and I pray that God blesses your marriage in ways you cannot even imagine!

prayer request

Summer is officially underway. If you don't believe me, step outside, it's HOT! I've been home from school for a couple of weeks now and I'm finally starting to settle back in to life at home. I've been pretty busy. My sister graduated from high school, my dear friend Lindsay had her bachelorette party, the fam went camping, I've read over hundreds of health forms for camp. All of this had been wonderful and summer has just barely begun. All that being said, I'm having trouble shaking this funk that's come over me. I can't get excited about all that's in store for this summer because I know it does not include a trip to China. I feel like my heart is still there and nothing else seems to compare to being there, no matter how many amazing things are going on. My request to you is for prayer. Pray for my heart. Pray for this season I'm in. God's made it clear that I'm not supposed to be back in China right now. Pray that my desire to be back there doesn't get in the way of the amazing things that God is preparing me for this summer. Pray for me especially during the next two weeks. A year ago Friday, I boarded a plane for NJ to meet my team. I wish I could turn back time and be back there again. I know God's not finished writing this story. I know it's so much bigger than me and my selfish desires. I just wish I could shake this funk.

fab four: we're pretty much models

blogging silence, tearful endings, and summer plans

First of all, I'd like to apologize for my blogging absence. I started several posts but I just can't seem to actually finish them. Life has been busy and I've been having trouble putting words to what is going on in my life right now. I guess the last time that you guys in blog world heard from me was right around spring break. I spent some time that week one of my best friends in Nashville. We didn't do anything special, just hung out, but we had an incredible time. While in Nash, I had the opportunity to visit my trip leader Katie in the Show Hope offices. Getting to hang out in the office was a huge encouragement to me. I always feel spiritually refreshed when I spend quality time with people who love orphans like I do. 

School continued on full force and I wrestled with God about my summer plans. I kicked and screamed and told God what I wanted to do. It was exhausting. Weight lifted as I began to let go. More on this later. Easter weekend came and I spent some much needed time at home with the family. Dad, Merry Emily, and I went to a 6 hour long Bible study called Secret Church led by David Platt. It was a truly humbling way to spend my Good Friday as I began to for the first time really feel the weight of what sin is doing in this world and in my life. It was also a truly freeing time as I was reminded of the beauty of the sacrifice my savior made for me. 

On April 27th, deadly tornados ripped through the state that I have been calling home for the last 4 years. There is so much devastation. Homes and lives were lost but I am confident that God will rise beauty from the ashes. I am in awe in how the community has come together. The storms are a sobering reminder that this world is temporary. Everything in this world will pass away but life with Christ is eternal. Please join me in continuing to pray that God's light shines out in this darkness and that lives will be rebuilt. 

Although I'm not graduating in a week, the process of the "lasts" has begun. Graduating late really drags the process out. Last Sunday was my last Phi Mu chapter meeting. As a freshman, I really didn't think that day would ever come. I've been going to those meetings every Sunday for the last four years and now I don't know what to do with myself. Each senior got the chance to talk about what Phi Mu has meant to them. It was quite an emotional night. I cried way more than I thought I would. Last night was my last Phi Mu party. I could not have picked a better way to spend the last precious moment that I have with my sisters. It was a no pressure evening, just trying to soak in the last moments. Today, I began packing up my room to move back home for the summer. Normally, I loathe this process and want to get it over with but today was hard. It just hit me that this is the last week that I will call this house home. Let's just say, my already heightened emotions have gotten the best of be this week. 

Summer plans. This is my last free summer. I can't believe how fast the time is flying by. I had many plans that I mad myself for this summer, leave it to God to shake that up. After a long and stubborn fight, I finally let God show me what to do for the next 3 months. My baby sister is graduating at the end of May. I have the honor of standing next to one of my dearest college friends as she gets married in early June. Then, for 3 weeks I'll be a counselor at camp. I can't wait to be around my kiddos again. I'll be at Children's Camp with JF for a week helping the camp nurse out. Then, I'll spend another 3 weeks at HMC helping out in their clinic. After all of the crazy time at camp, I'm hopping on a plane with my Dad and spending a week in Ukraine spreading the love of Jesus to some kids through sports camps. It's going to be a crazy time but I'm looking forward to what the Lord has in store. 

To close, I'd like to leave you with this: 

  There is a time for everything, 

   and a season for every activity under the heavens:

  a time to be born and a time to die, 

   a time to plant and a time to uproot, 

  a time to kill and a time to heal, 

   a time to tear down and a time to build, 

  a time to weep and a time to laugh, 

   a time to mourn and a time to dance, 

  a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, 

   a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 

  a time to search and a time to give up, 

   a time to keep and a time to throw away, 

 a time to tear and a time to mend, 

   a time to be silent and a time to speak, 

  a time to love and a time to hate, 

   a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

little whispers

Last year around this time, God was working in big ways in my life. For a while now, I've thought that I've been in a silenced waiting period. I got to hang out at the Show Hope offices today and I began realizing that while huge things aren't happening with me right now, God is still speaking. He's working in little unexpected ways in my life. I guess I've just been deaf to these little whispers until I was able to talk them out while catching up with my trip leader from China. I'm not exactly ready to share what I'm learning about my life right now. God's still revealing things to me and I'm pretty far away from the big picture but for now, I'm comforted by the fact that he's still there. God doesn't always work through major events in our lives, sometimes, he can do more through the normal days. I hope that you are encouraged by this. Try looking for the little things that God is doing. You may be surprised at what you realize looking back.

memory monday

In honor of my baby sister's prom on Saturday, I chose my junior prom for my first memory monday. It was in March of 2006. I loved my dress and it was a total deal ($11 dollars at TJ Maxx). I had a blast getting all dressed up. We took pictures at a friend's neighborhood clubhouse and then someone's mom catered a fabulous dinner for us. Prom itself was so much fun then after, I had a sleep over with some of my best girlfriends.

I took one of my best friends as my date and had a fabulous time. We look like babies. 

I don't know what's going on with the black spots on this pic but here is a pic with the girls from my high school small group. So blessed that so many of my memories include these girls. 

wordless wednesday

I'm like baby baby baby oh

I cannot get over how AMAZING this video is. Even a language barrier can't keep them from Bieber fever. I just love this. Missing you Judah, Isaac, Jessica and Jaelynn. I hope this makes you laugh, I did (and I cried a little too).

Day 30-a picture

This is me (the oldest grandchild) with my new cousin Grace (the youngest grandchild). She was born on Saturday morning and she's just beautiful!

Day 29-3 Wishes

1. I wish I could speak Chinese.
2. I wish I could fly.
3. I wish I could eat all the Dove chocolate I wanted without any consequences

Day 28-Something that stresses you out

The unknown really stresses me out. This is something I am trying to work on. I like to know what's going to happen and what's going on and not knowing makes me feel out of control. School also stresses me out. I also get really stressed out when I don't have time to be alone. The best way for me to relieve stress is to just be by myself for a while.

Welcome to the World

Grace Elizabeth Moore

2/19/11

6 lb 12 oz

19 inches

Day 27-Pets

I have one dog, her name is Belle. We've had her for close to 12 years. She an absolute mess. She misbehaves and is completely spoiled but we love her all the same. Belle doesn't do much but lay around but she loves her bobo and sleeping on laundry. She's the only real pet I've ever had (except the time we had 6 outdoor cats, yikes) and she's a part of our family, no matter how bad she smells. 

Day 26-Picture of your family

Here's the fam on Christmas morning!

Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs

1. Shou Liao Zai Jian: Jay Chou
2. Rain On Me: Grace Midtown
3. O Praise Him: David Crowder
4. I Want You: The Beatles
5. Strawberry Swing:  Coldplay
6. Stronger: Glee Cast
7.  Will Rise: Chris Tomlin
8. Madly In Love With You: Sean McConnell
9. War Of My Life: John Mayer
10. Little House: The Fray

This is a pretty accurate description of what I listen to on a day to day basis. I love that Jay came up as my first song!

Day 24-Something you've learned

It may be better to title this "Something you're learning" as I have not quite fully grasped the concept yet. This past year has been full of so many ups but also a few downs. I'm learning about my relationship with God when I'm disappointed with the way things have turned out. Like most people out there, I have a plan in my head about how I want things in my life to go, although in reality, they rarely turn out the way I planned, leaving me disappointed with my Father who knows best. A new concept that I read during my devotion today, was to ask God "what now?" instead of "why?" When something doesn't turn out like I would have liked, I should ask God "what do I do now? " He is faithful to answer my prayers with how I should respond to my disappointment. I'm learning that God's plans are bigger than my own and that he's got a magnificent future planned out for me. I'm learning that it's easy to be a winner but God can work more through you when your not in that winning position. I learning to not view my worth in the world's eyes. I may be looked over and not noticed by the world but God never stops seeing me. Like I said, I'm still learning. I've got a very long way to go but God is faithful and he's got me in this place in my life for a reason and he's teaching me. This season may not be my favorite, but it has worth in my life.

This is where my time has gone....

I know this isn't a 30 day challenge entry but as you can tell, Step Sing 2011 has taken over my life. The show is going to rock! Hopefully, I can pick up with the challenge after this weekend and finish it up. I warned you that it probably wouldn't be updated everyday. I'll also blog all about Step Sing. I am so proud of our show! I can't wait to show it off. 

Day 23-Favorite vacation

For spring break 2009, I went to West Palm Beach to my friend, Karisa's house. We stopped in Orlando to go to Disney World for a day and then spent the rest of the week hanging out at the beach. I really love this trip for many reasons. One, this was the first trip that I got to decide on my own about going. I didn't have to ask permission from my parents. Second, I remember the week leading up to spring break was an incredibly crazy time at school and it was so refreshing to get away. Third, it was with some of my best friends from school and we had an absolute blast.

Day 22-Favorite city

Hmmm this is a hard one. I have absolutely no idea what my favorite city is. I've been to a lot of cities...not compared to some people but I have been very blessed in my 22 years to be able to see many different places on this earth. There are unique things that I love about all of them.  I don't know if I could pick a favorite, so I guess I'll pick my to 5, in no particular order.

Birmingham, AL

I've been living here for the past 3 1/2 years and love it. Birmingham is a wonderful place to live. It's not the most exciting place in the whole world but it's got a homey feel. 

Atlanta, GA...this is including the metro area.  

Atlanta is so fun and it's my home. There's nothing like going to a Braves game on a summer evening! I loved growing up in Marietta and will always call it home. 

Beijing, China

I just love the culture there. Never in my life have I seen so many people in one place. There's so much to see, you can't get it all in one visit. 

New York City, NY

I went to New York the summer after my senior year in high school with my church choir and had a blast! We were able to participate in mission projects and see a side of the city that not everyone sees, while still fully experiencing the completely toursity aspect of it too. 

Tarnow, Poland

The summer after my freshman year in high school, I went to Poland with the same church choir as above. This was one of the best trips of my life. The city was so charming and I love that it was safe enough to just go out and walk around in the afternoon in small groups. 

Day 21-Picture of yourself

Day 20-Nicknames

Well, for the most part, my name is one of those awkward names that doesn't shorten into a nick name very well. Since I have a double name, the main one that I get is CA. I actually  really like when people call me this, not sure why. I will respond if you call me this, so feel free.

Day 19-Something you miss

I miss China. I miss it so bad everyday. I miss it so much it hurts. I miss not being able to understand anything anyone says. I miss the stares. I miss the food. I miss my babies. I miss that big blue house. I miss eating with chopsticks. I miss the beautiful women who became my family. I miss Jim's kisses. I miss Grace's fist bumps. I miss Gabriel love "choke holds". I miss Isaac's laugh. I miss eating my food from a lazy susan. I miss finding encouraging note cards on my bed. I miss milk star cereal. I miss the ayis. I miss talking about how much God loves the orphans. I miss the smiles of the cleft lip kids. I miss worshipping on the roof. I miss the fireworks. I miss the Great Wall. I miss being greeted by Ni Hao. I miss Carter falling asleep in my arms. I miss everything about it.

Day 18-Something you regret

I don't believe in regrets. "If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

Day 17-Something you're looking forward to

I'm looking forward to finishing this dreadful process called nursing school.

I'm looking forward to Step Sing.

I'm looking forward to one day going back to China.

I'm looking forward to adopting kids one day.

I'm looking forward to seeing my sweet Jesus face to face.

Day 16-Dream house

When I was in 4th grade, I wanted to be an architect/interior designer for a while. I would come up with all of these ideas in my head about what my dream house would look like. It was always big and always had a pool. Now that I'm older, I care less about what the house will look like and what it will have. All I really want is for it to be a place that honors the Lord.

 But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD
Joshua 24:15

Ever since I went to China, however, there has only been one house that I dream of. I want to be back there so bad. It's not typically what you think of when you think of a dream house but it is filled with the beautiful faces of God's little children. I would choose to be back there in a heartbeat over a mansion decked out with all of the riches money could buy.

Maria's Big House of Hope



Day 15-Bible verse

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:3-5

Day 14-A picture you love

In the spirit of Step Sing season, which begins today, I have chosen a picture from when Phi Mu got second runner up last year for "Risky Business". I love this picture because it shows how excited we were. These are our directors, it is totally candid. We didn't expect to place and I can't describe the excitement that we felt when they called our name. I can't wait to start practice this afternoon!

Day 13-Goals

Hmmmm....Goals. Well, let's see.
1. Live a life that points people to Jesus.
2. Finish nursing school.
3. Adopt a whole bunch of kids.

Day 12-What you believe

I'm stealing this from my friend Katie. She did this challenge a while back and I really like what she put for day 12 so I'm going to use it too.

I believe that Jesus Christ is the one and only way.
I believe He died on the cross for every person, no matter how much he or she sins.
I believe that He can overcome anything we "throw" at Him.
I believe He is the ultimate Healer.
I believe He is the ultimate Romancer.
I believe He deserves all glory and honor.
I believe He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
I believe He is the Savior of the world.
I believe no one is higher than Him.
I believe in love and romance.
I believe that we are created to love and be loved.
I believe we are called to serve anyone and everyone.
I believe life is not easy, but it is wonderful when you walk with the LORD.
I believe all things are possible with Him.
I believe that family and friends are an important aspect of life.
I believe that heartbreaks can make you stronger.
I believe that God will use me and my story for His glory

Day 11-Favorite tv shows

If you thought my movie post was bad, get ready for my tv show post. My favorite way to let my mind take a break after a long day is to turn on the tv and just watch something that I don't have to think about. In high school, my dad and I would go through the dvds of different shows until we finished the whole season. We watched at least one a night and the weekend we watched way more. My family has done a lot of bonding by watching shows and then talking about what was going to happen or who was going to win.

4...8...15...16...23...42....My dad and I watched the dvds of the 1st season right after it finished, then faithfully watched every season after that live. I'm so sad Lost is over but was pleased with the way it ended.

The tribe has spoken...I don't know if it's dorky or not that I still love this show but I do. My family started out watching from season one. Now it's just my dad and me that keep up with it. We've gotten pretty good at predicting who is going to win based on everyone's strategies.

Seriously....I didn't start watching Grey's until sophomore year of college, when I saw an episode at my friend's house over spring break. I found a website that had all of the epidoses on it (with Chinese subtitles) and caught myself up in a matter of weeks. Now, my little comes over almost every night and we watch an edpisode before bed.

I've always loved musicals. Glee is perfect because I get to watch one every week! The music from this show is slowly but surely taking over my itunes.

The Office is the funniest show on tv. My friend, Lindsay, and I quote it back and forth all day. I can't believe that Steve Carrell is leaving this season though. It's sad to think about what the world will be like withut Michael Scott.

I suppose I'll end with the Sing-Off. If you've never seen it, it's an acapella group competition and it's awesome! The only problem is that it only comes on around Christmas time. It's like American Idol but way better. Go to itunes and check out some music from the contestants. You won't be sorry.