{GOALS}
Last Christmas/ New Year’s time, I sat down and made a list of twelve goals for 2010.
While I did not accomplish all of them, I made a huge dent! Some of them were silly, others practical, and other were very adventurous. I want to share just a few of them with you!
Goal #1: Pay of debt from College. Ooo… yeah baby! I’m debt free and loving it!
Goal # 4: Submit & be accepted to a mission organization. I was accepted to go with Africa Inland Mission, Int. to Namibia
Goal #5: Raise support – In August, I started to raise support and the Lord blessed me with great provision. I moved to Namibia in October only about 2 months after I said I would go!
Goal #12: Skydiving! – On Oct. 8, 2010 shortly before I would put my life on the line overseas I thought I should put it on the line in the sky! Jenna Balgoyan, my roommate and I, survived! It was amazing! I suggest everyone to go skydiving at least once in their life!
{TRAVEL}
2010 was a year to travel… and I’m addicted! Pretty great addition if I do say so myself!
> February. I went to Colorado. I loved skiing on real mountains with Nate and Marj, and enjoyed a valentine toast with my dear college friend Bethany.
> April. I went to North Carolina for a long weekend and visited Nick, Amy, and Eli - the cutest nephew one could possible have!
> May. Italy. I was in desperate need for a vacation so my roommate Jenna and I decided to venture to Italy for a 10 day journey. We hit almost all the major highlights. Rome. Florence. Cinque-Terra. Milan. Venice.
> July. Family vacation on Piatt Lake, U.P. of Michigan!
> October. Moved to Namibia.
> December. I traveled to Cape Town to be the maid of honor of Carrie Faulks now Mrs. Errol Schwartz. They wed on my 25th Birthday, December 11th, 2010.
{INDIANAPOLIS}
When I look back on 2010 I can scare forget the amazing community and home I found in Indianapolis, Indiana. I had two amazing roommates, Jenna and Julie. We shared our small apartment near a huge park. College Park Church, the 20somethings, Jr. high ministry, mission meetings and Tuesday night Bible kept me well connected and very busy. Andrew, my brother, moved to Indy for the summer, and it was great to have him so close! Let us not forget I held down a full-time job at Riley Hospital for Children in the operating room. Working at Riley kept me on my toes and has given me some great work experience.
{NAMIBIA}
As most of you already know my year has been characterized by a great leap over a large ocean. I moved to Rundu, Namibia two months ago. I am still starting to get plugged in and learning so much every day. I have taught myself to drive stick on the right side of the car while driving on the left side of the road fairly successfully! I am working in the Theatre (Operating Room) five days a week and starting to get involved in community. I have been blessed with another great roommate Laura Liening from Washington State. We share a house, which is quite large, and have other team members that live near.
{Sing, but keep on walking} ~ Augustine
I read this a couple of days ago and it struck me. Sing – have the joy of the Lord in you and allow it come out – Sing! Keep on walking – we will always face trails; we face trails on a daily basis, but do not stop pushing through.
In Christ’s Peace,
alysse
{CONTACT}
I will be in Namibia for much of this next year and after that who knows!! If you are interested in receiving updates on my time here in Namibia the best way is to GO TO MY BLOG and you are here already so awesome!! I have also been posting lots of pictures on Facebook! Become my friend!
Blog: http://www.alyssecutbert.blogspot.com/
Email: alysse.cuthbert@gmail.com
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Truely a Miracle.
Some days the Theatre (OR) are very draining. Yesterday, was one of those days. We brought a 6 year old boy to the Theatre to place a rod in his ulna, aka he had broken his arm. This procedure while not always simple is typically not life threatening. We, however, ended up coding him for almost 45 minutes! This is a long code, maybe the longest I have ever been in. He probably had either a horrible reaction to an anesthetic drug or has an undiagnosed heart defect. It was very scary and hard to watch -- only 6 years old with a broken arm. While I was not hands-on in giving drugs etc., I prayed constantly as I watched the scene unfolded. Finally, we saw a normal heart beat, pulse ox. and blood pressure. We were overjoyed, but still fearful.
After “getting him back” we took him to the high care ward ventilated and ready to play the “wait and see” game. The “wait and see” game means we pray for the best and anticipate more struggles.
This morning as I went into the hospital I pondered the outcome of this young boy.
Was he still even alive?
If so, what damage had been done?
Soon I was to find out a miracle had happen! The young boy was extubated, awake, alert, moving around and even talking. He said to me when I asked him how he was, “I’m fine.” I could barely believe it. We had preformed CPR on the child for 45 minutes the day prior and now he was talking with no obvious signs of neurological damage!
It was truly a miracle!!!
After “getting him back” we took him to the high care ward ventilated and ready to play the “wait and see” game. The “wait and see” game means we pray for the best and anticipate more struggles.
This morning as I went into the hospital I pondered the outcome of this young boy.
Was he still even alive?
If so, what damage had been done?
Soon I was to find out a miracle had happen! The young boy was extubated, awake, alert, moving around and even talking. He said to me when I asked him how he was, “I’m fine.” I could barely believe it. We had preformed CPR on the child for 45 minutes the day prior and now he was talking with no obvious signs of neurological damage!
It was truly a miracle!!!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Cape Town and Travels: Part 2
December 11th 2010 was the celebration of my 25th Birthday but moreover it was the celebration of a new marriage. Carrie and Errol wed on the beach early Saturday morning. The Ocean and Mountains! The weather was wonderful! It was an absolutely stunning and beautiful setting.
For my birthday we had a big party in the evening… really it was the reception! I felt as if I wore many hats at the reception from wedding planner to helping instruct the MC to cutting of the cake to clean up (the list could go on and on) but everything turned out well.
After cleaning up from the wedding and returning to Carrie’s one bedroom flat I realized I no longer live in America…. It was midnight. We had two car loads of people (seven) and everything from the wedding - decorations, extra food, and gifts. It only took us a few minutes to unload everything, but the whole time a very suspicious man stood across the street and watched us. We were not about to allow the guys we were with to leave, as there was safety in numbers. The suspicious man stood out there for an hour plus, talking on his cell etc. At one point one of our guys approached him and ask him what he was doing. He said. “No, man, I am just waiting for friends to pick me up. I live just around the corner." Hmm, likely story!! It got really dodgy when a car full of four men drove by very slowly and stared into our house, yet didn't pick up the guy. The seven friends stayed till about two a.m. with us, as we called the police and waited for this guy to leave. Neither me nor Sarah felt like it would be safe to stay in Carrie’s flat alone so three of the guys offered to stay all night. It was a fitful night of sleep after a very hectic day but we were all safe and did not get robbed!! I felt it would not be safe to stay there the following night alone. What would stop them from robbing the next night?! I stayed with another friend of Carrie and Errol’s Sunday night.
Sunday morning (Dec. 12th) I said a sad goodbye to Sarah – it was absolutely amazing to have her with me!! And headed off to try my hand at surfing with Henrick. Henrick was a guy I met in South Africa two years ago. He offered at that time to give me surfing lessons; I was excited that I could take him up on the offer. It was great fun and very difficult. It takes a lot of strength and coordination; and maybe it would have been helpful to have a little more rest the night before.
The reminder of my time in South Africa was primarily spent on the beach. I went to Camps Bay beach Sunday night and again Monday morning as I stayed at a place within walking distance of the beach. It was beautiful! Refreshing!
Monday afternoon I flew back to Windhoek from Cape Town. The Lord has an amazing way at putting incredible people into my path. On my flight, I sat next to a dear woman, Alice. In Africa often people pronounce my name as Alice, so we immediately had a bond. She was a born again believer and loved the Lord with everything. For two hours we talked about everything to family to worship music. She was a precious soul and so encouraging. This encouragement could not have come at a better time!! The Lord knew what He was up too! My journey back to Rundu concluded with an eight hour taxi bus ride on Tuesday. I was one of about 30 people. I think they all wondering why a white person was talking a taxi bus – I was the only white! Honestly, I did not mind. I am now up to date on the techno remixes of familiar tunes! Even though it was tight, I must say I was extremely blessed because it was not hot!! It was an overcast and rainy day, and we did not break down. We only had to stop and get luggage/paperwork checks at two of five plus road blocks!
Since returning I have felt the extreme exhaustion and yesterday I ran a fever, which I am not sure I have totally shaken. Please pray for my readjustment to Rundu, not missing home too much this Christmas season, and safety. There have been several incidents happening on almost a daily basis. Pray that Satan will be bound. Thanks!
In Christ’s love,
Alysse
1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”
For my birthday we had a big party in the evening… really it was the reception! I felt as if I wore many hats at the reception from wedding planner to helping instruct the MC to cutting of the cake to clean up (the list could go on and on) but everything turned out well.
After cleaning up from the wedding and returning to Carrie’s one bedroom flat I realized I no longer live in America…. It was midnight. We had two car loads of people (seven) and everything from the wedding - decorations, extra food, and gifts. It only took us a few minutes to unload everything, but the whole time a very suspicious man stood across the street and watched us. We were not about to allow the guys we were with to leave, as there was safety in numbers. The suspicious man stood out there for an hour plus, talking on his cell etc. At one point one of our guys approached him and ask him what he was doing. He said. “No, man, I am just waiting for friends to pick me up. I live just around the corner." Hmm, likely story!! It got really dodgy when a car full of four men drove by very slowly and stared into our house, yet didn't pick up the guy. The seven friends stayed till about two a.m. with us, as we called the police and waited for this guy to leave. Neither me nor Sarah felt like it would be safe to stay in Carrie’s flat alone so three of the guys offered to stay all night. It was a fitful night of sleep after a very hectic day but we were all safe and did not get robbed!! I felt it would not be safe to stay there the following night alone. What would stop them from robbing the next night?! I stayed with another friend of Carrie and Errol’s Sunday night.
Sunday morning (Dec. 12th) I said a sad goodbye to Sarah – it was absolutely amazing to have her with me!! And headed off to try my hand at surfing with Henrick. Henrick was a guy I met in South Africa two years ago. He offered at that time to give me surfing lessons; I was excited that I could take him up on the offer. It was great fun and very difficult. It takes a lot of strength and coordination; and maybe it would have been helpful to have a little more rest the night before.
The reminder of my time in South Africa was primarily spent on the beach. I went to Camps Bay beach Sunday night and again Monday morning as I stayed at a place within walking distance of the beach. It was beautiful! Refreshing!
Monday afternoon I flew back to Windhoek from Cape Town. The Lord has an amazing way at putting incredible people into my path. On my flight, I sat next to a dear woman, Alice. In Africa often people pronounce my name as Alice, so we immediately had a bond. She was a born again believer and loved the Lord with everything. For two hours we talked about everything to family to worship music. She was a precious soul and so encouraging. This encouragement could not have come at a better time!! The Lord knew what He was up too! My journey back to Rundu concluded with an eight hour taxi bus ride on Tuesday. I was one of about 30 people. I think they all wondering why a white person was talking a taxi bus – I was the only white! Honestly, I did not mind. I am now up to date on the techno remixes of familiar tunes! Even though it was tight, I must say I was extremely blessed because it was not hot!! It was an overcast and rainy day, and we did not break down. We only had to stop and get luggage/paperwork checks at two of five plus road blocks!
Since returning I have felt the extreme exhaustion and yesterday I ran a fever, which I am not sure I have totally shaken. Please pray for my readjustment to Rundu, not missing home too much this Christmas season, and safety. There have been several incidents happening on almost a daily basis. Pray that Satan will be bound. Thanks!
In Christ’s love,
Alysse
1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Cape Town and Travels: Part 1
The last few weeks have been a bit hectic! So I’m going to post my past few weeks over the next few days… look for more to come.
My adventures to Capetown started with an overnight bus ride on the Intercape to Windhoek (Nov. 28th - Nov. 29th). I was quite tired but had all day to chill in Windhoek. I did walk around downtown in the afternoon and ate a peaceful lunch.
Tuesday (Nov. 30th) I continued on via plane to Capetown and practically ran to see Carrie and Errol who greeted me with wide open arms.
The next 12 days were a blur. Many days were wedding focused which being the maid of honor meant I became Carrie’s “personal slave” (in her words).
Adventure filled days (not wedding filled days):
One day we went to Cape Agulhas. The southern most tip of Africa where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. It was an incredibly beautiful drive. Two years ago we drove a bit in this area and I was only reminded of how absolutely breath-taking it is!!
Another day we climbed Table Mountain. It is a hard climb but the view from the top is worth every step and the sore muscles for days to come.
One day we went to Thembalitsha. I volunteered with them two years ago (my first time in Cape Town). It was a great afternoon as I was able to visit with a family whom I meet two years ago, Onais and Irene. I will write in a separate article of my thoughts about this time. It was very encouraging to say the least.
Sarah Leckie (my mentor from the U.S.A. who came to photograph Carrie’s wedding) and I went to Camps Bay beach one day. We were planning on having a day off of wedding planning and just chill at the Ocean, but the Lord had different plans. We sat down in a random spot on the beach trying to shoo off the people coming by to sell things (which happens a lot). One man, Mishack, sat down and trying to sell us his paintings. This turned into a two hour conversation were we learned that he was from Malawi but had moved to Cape Town. He was “born again” when he lived in Malawi, but then “fell down” here in Cape Town. Sarah and I tag teamed sharing the gospel with him over those two hours. We shared with him how you need the Holy Spirit living inside you and it seemed like a new revelation to him. Mishack was on the verge of tears at one point and then asked to go to the get a “drink”; we thought he went to cry. The Lord had been working on his heart for he said, and we were not the first people to talk to him about this in the past two weeks. He said that he wanted to straighten out his life and would talk to the Lord. We did not buy his painting, but hopefully he was able to find something greater than money. Please pray that he really does become a new creation in Christ.
After our conversation with Mishack, I was reminded of our need to be faithful in sharing the hope of Christ. Even though I doubt I will ever see Mishack again, just maybe Sarah’s story and my story of the Lord’s faithfulness in our own lives will allow him to see understand Ephesians 3:17-21 better (see below to read verses).
Eph. 3:17-21 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Look forward to details on Dec. 11th 2010.
My adventures to Capetown started with an overnight bus ride on the Intercape to Windhoek (Nov. 28th - Nov. 29th). I was quite tired but had all day to chill in Windhoek. I did walk around downtown in the afternoon and ate a peaceful lunch.
Tuesday (Nov. 30th) I continued on via plane to Capetown and practically ran to see Carrie and Errol who greeted me with wide open arms.
The next 12 days were a blur. Many days were wedding focused which being the maid of honor meant I became Carrie’s “personal slave” (in her words).
Adventure filled days (not wedding filled days):
One day we went to Cape Agulhas. The southern most tip of Africa where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. It was an incredibly beautiful drive. Two years ago we drove a bit in this area and I was only reminded of how absolutely breath-taking it is!!
Another day we climbed Table Mountain. It is a hard climb but the view from the top is worth every step and the sore muscles for days to come.
One day we went to Thembalitsha. I volunteered with them two years ago (my first time in Cape Town). It was a great afternoon as I was able to visit with a family whom I meet two years ago, Onais and Irene. I will write in a separate article of my thoughts about this time. It was very encouraging to say the least.
Sarah Leckie (my mentor from the U.S.A. who came to photograph Carrie’s wedding) and I went to Camps Bay beach one day. We were planning on having a day off of wedding planning and just chill at the Ocean, but the Lord had different plans. We sat down in a random spot on the beach trying to shoo off the people coming by to sell things (which happens a lot). One man, Mishack, sat down and trying to sell us his paintings. This turned into a two hour conversation were we learned that he was from Malawi but had moved to Cape Town. He was “born again” when he lived in Malawi, but then “fell down” here in Cape Town. Sarah and I tag teamed sharing the gospel with him over those two hours. We shared with him how you need the Holy Spirit living inside you and it seemed like a new revelation to him. Mishack was on the verge of tears at one point and then asked to go to the get a “drink”; we thought he went to cry. The Lord had been working on his heart for he said, and we were not the first people to talk to him about this in the past two weeks. He said that he wanted to straighten out his life and would talk to the Lord. We did not buy his painting, but hopefully he was able to find something greater than money. Please pray that he really does become a new creation in Christ.
After our conversation with Mishack, I was reminded of our need to be faithful in sharing the hope of Christ. Even though I doubt I will ever see Mishack again, just maybe Sarah’s story and my story of the Lord’s faithfulness in our own lives will allow him to see understand Ephesians 3:17-21 better (see below to read verses).
Eph. 3:17-21 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Look forward to details on Dec. 11th 2010.
My 25th birthday/ Carrie & Errol’s wedding in next post…
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