In the last 24 hours I have come to be aware that I have a fear of releasing things/people. I am scared at the thought that I am losing something, but then I think is that something or someone more important than what I am going to be gaining? Gaining the closeness to God that I have been craving for awhile now and know how much I have missing out on with Him.
Yesterday my eyes were opened and God was working on my heart and preparing me for what was to come that that night. As most of you know that are reading this I am moving to Haiti with my husband and three children. We have been working hard on raising our support so we can leave for the mission field. God had spoke to me in late November that by the end of January our family would be ready to go to the field. It was an exciting thought until I looked at the numbers and saw that we had to raise almost $6000 in just two months time. I prayed for people to help us...God provided. I prayed for people to support... God provided. And yet as we came down to the last bit with just two weeks before the end of the month I doubted that we would make it there.
Last Thursday we made a video for our church to update them on how much we needed to make it to the 90% mark so we can leave for the mission field and how much in total we needed to be fully supported. We gave the church one number to later realize that day it was a higher number. Oy! There came that doubt creeping in again. Sunday comes and don't you think that after adding the numbers and putting them into the computer that we received enough to bring us to 90.3%... God provided.
I allowed that guilt to get to me all day. I attended my book study that night where we discussed things that were hitting so close to home, I can home and went to bed. That's right I went straight to bed no thanks to the Lord for that day. But my sleep was short when I was awoken and I knew that this was the night I was to release what was keeping me from God. I also know that when I get on my knees and I weep to the Lord, that this is some serious stuff that needs to be dealt with. I cried "God how can you still provide for me when I live the life I do?" He told me to do something in that moment and with His strength and knowing He will help me I did exactly what I was told to do. It is the end of day 1 of this release, it hasn't been easy nor do I think tomorrow will be easy, but that's ok because He has shown me how to get through the day.
If there is something you need to release, do not be afraid. He will be there with you. He is your strength, you will get through this.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Friday, December 27, 2013
If not us who will be like Jesus To the least of these
In no way I am writing this to make anyone feel guilty, but after seeing and experiences what I did the week I was in Haiti how can I not share it with everyone. It's part of my ministry to share with others so they too can be involved or how their involvement is having an impact in the lives of others.
There were many different moments on my trip that I could sit here and write about, but there is only one that I will share right now. The others I would LOVE to share and maybe you want to hear about them, let me know, I would love to sit and share with you.
On Wednesday December 18th, I went back to the place that I continued to tell myself and others around me I would never return to. I tried my hardest to think of excuses not to go, but nothing seemed reasonable, so off I went with my team. I felt ill as we drove and wondered why of all places it had to be this orphanage that we returned to.
I was not prepared for it, but can you really be prepared for something that you have no idea what to expect? During our visit there we learned that this orphanage no longer has sponsorship, which means they have no money to buy food or supplies for the children or the staff. This did not sit well with many of us on the team and many of us felt afterwards that something had to be done. We had gone to Haiti knowing we would buy food for one village but never knew that we would add an orphanage. That night we put it out on facebook that we wanted to raise $1000 to buy food for both places. We had people step up and give and what an amazing blessing it was. It was incredible to go back to these places and deliver food and know that God will provide.
As we dropped off food to the orphanage we went into the room where they stored their food and on their shelves sat 12 cans of beans. 12 cans of beans to feed 100 children. Is that even enough for one meal? But with the love of Lord he provided these children with 2 weeks worth of food. Usually I try to control my tears but this was a miracle, a miracle I just witnessed with my own two eyes. It was a beautiful sight and I allowed myself to cry with tears of happiness.
Today though I sit, I sit and think that one week is almost over since delivering this food which means there is only one week left of food. I am having a hard time looking around at all this stuff in my house. These children don't want or need all this stuff, what they want is food in their bellies. They need diapers, baby wipes, soap to keep their clothes clean.
I may be crazy but I believe that God is asking me along with others to raise $2000 so that when next week ends the food is not gone. Will you be a part of this ministry and consider giving? This orphanage will be a part of our ministry in Haiti and I am so excited see what God has planned for us, them and you!!!
Saturday, November 16, 2013
The Lord himself will fight for you.Just stay calm. - Exodus 14:14
As our first day of seven foods comes to an end I would like to say how frustrated I was most of the day until about 30 minutes when it really started for me. Today was a busy day which made it really easy to stick to the food plan, but at times made it very frustrating as I tried to remember why I was doing this again. I had cookies in face all morning, then I sat in Tim Horton's for over an hour and drank water, and then it was Costco that nearly did me in with those samples. It wasn't until I sat in my bed and was reminded of why I am doing this.
You see those three children and that husband? That's why you're doing this.
Jo-Anne pick up that journal you wrote in Haiti! That's why you're doing this.
Do you hear me Jo-Anne? I am why you are doing this!
I know when there is serious business going on, it's when I can drop to my knees and in that moment literally cry out to God to help me. Help us. Help them.
I have read my Haiti journal plenty of times, my tonight I see words and questions that are sticking out to me and I would love to be able to share some of them with you.
The scripture in the title was read by an 8 year old boy the first night we were in Haiti. He read it with so much truth and so power. He believes, even if with everything he has gone through he can stand tall and believe it. So I just found it fitting and encouraging to make it my title. This is something I must believe more than ever right now.
March 5th- Maybe God has a bigger plan for me but my patience needs some work.-This was our first full day in Haiti where we visited a school/orphanage. *Note* My patience still needs work.
March 6th- As I was showering, I thought to myself, could I do this? Could I wake up everyday to the simplicity of life and appreciate all good things God has blessed me with? I like to think I could.
March 10th- God has forever changed my life!
God made me go through "7" to prepare me but now He is saying it is really time to let less be more. - That was one of the last things I wrote in the journal and here I sit again doing "7" and praying God will remind of why less is more.
You see those three children and that husband? That's why you're doing this.
Jo-Anne pick up that journal you wrote in Haiti! That's why you're doing this.
Do you hear me Jo-Anne? I am why you are doing this!
I know when there is serious business going on, it's when I can drop to my knees and in that moment literally cry out to God to help me. Help us. Help them.
I have read my Haiti journal plenty of times, my tonight I see words and questions that are sticking out to me and I would love to be able to share some of them with you.
The scripture in the title was read by an 8 year old boy the first night we were in Haiti. He read it with so much truth and so power. He believes, even if with everything he has gone through he can stand tall and believe it. So I just found it fitting and encouraging to make it my title. This is something I must believe more than ever right now.
March 5th- Maybe God has a bigger plan for me but my patience needs some work.-This was our first full day in Haiti where we visited a school/orphanage. *Note* My patience still needs work.
March 6th- As I was showering, I thought to myself, could I do this? Could I wake up everyday to the simplicity of life and appreciate all good things God has blessed me with? I like to think I could.
March 10th- God has forever changed my life!
God made me go through "7" to prepare me but now He is saying it is really time to let less be more. - That was one of the last things I wrote in the journal and here I sit again doing "7" and praying God will remind of why less is more.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Feeding my Soul...
Tomorrow, yes tomorrow The Orlesky's will start 7 week journey/challenge of "7". I have been feeling it in my soul lately that God has been trying to tell me something, tell our family something. And I believe He is trying to tell us to stay close to Him.
In the book 7 Jen Hatmaker says "7 will be an exercise in simplicity with one goal: to create space for God's kingdom to break through."
And that folks is what we are aiming for, that is what we need as individuals and as a family. For myself the control I think I have over our move to Haiti as to when we will get on the field, how to raise all the money, what we need to get there has taken over the need of me leaning on God and knowing that He is control. He has it, He knows when it will all happen. I just need to lean on Him and know He is with us.
To start our 7 as family our first week will be our food intake. We as a family will only eat seven foods for one week. Chris and I will stick to the plan, the kids we will be more easy on them and they will get more options than what we have. They actually seem a bit excited for it, Ethan is convinced I am doing it to him cause he hates vegetables. No sweet boy, I just want you to know how much more Jesus can fill you up than food. That is exactly what I feel like I need, is a good feeding in my soul. I want to be filled with His word and truth.
So here we go again, pray for us, this time around I'm sure we are going to need it.
I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13
In the book 7 Jen Hatmaker says "7 will be an exercise in simplicity with one goal: to create space for God's kingdom to break through."
And that folks is what we are aiming for, that is what we need as individuals and as a family. For myself the control I think I have over our move to Haiti as to when we will get on the field, how to raise all the money, what we need to get there has taken over the need of me leaning on God and knowing that He is control. He has it, He knows when it will all happen. I just need to lean on Him and know He is with us.
To start our 7 as family our first week will be our food intake. We as a family will only eat seven foods for one week. Chris and I will stick to the plan, the kids we will be more easy on them and they will get more options than what we have. They actually seem a bit excited for it, Ethan is convinced I am doing it to him cause he hates vegetables. No sweet boy, I just want you to know how much more Jesus can fill you up than food. That is exactly what I feel like I need, is a good feeding in my soul. I want to be filled with His word and truth.
So here we go again, pray for us, this time around I'm sure we are going to need it.
I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13
Friday, October 11, 2013
Let It Out!
It's been awhile but I thought I would write a piece about my recent trip to Haiti. It took awhile to get the words out but I think I got it.
It's our last day in Haiti and we head out to buy water and oranges to give out. We wait for the time to come to go back to the place that changed it all for me. I have been waiting for this day since the day I left it, but I have been waiting even more impatiently since returning to Haiti. I forgot to mention that in the middle of the night I am awoken with pains in my stomach, and know I am in for a long day of sickness. But I refuse to let anything stop me from going. As we start driving there, I know we are in for a bumpy ride off the path so all I can do is pray. I pray "Lord, please just get me through my time here. Let me be here for the children and for you. Amen." We arrive and I feel this instant relief in my stomach where I feel comfortable enough to get out of the van. We head into a one bedroom house where there squeezed in are at least 130 children and teens. I see familiar faces, faces that changed me. They welcome us and we give thanks for them allowing us to come visit. The man in charge asks if we would like to go outside and play with them. In my head I am jumping and screaming "YES,YES, YES."
We head outside to spend time with the children, and all I hear are kids yelling to get our attention. I no longer see Chris's legs at this point, all I see are children hugging him. I pick up one little girl and a smile spreads across her face and she snuggles in. We walk over to watch the other kids play soccer. I bend down to be at the children's level. I ask each child that comes to me what their name is. Some answer others just smile and hold my hand. I smile and thank God for these beautiful children He has put in front of me. I see the sweet twin boys who stole my heart the first time and I hold one tight in my arms and there he falls asleep. I ask myself if I can hold him forever, can I hold them all forever?
It's time to hand out the water and oranges. The children line up and one by one they come and receive. I hear faint Thank-you's and once again am blessed with those little smiles. We finish and it's time for goodbyes. Once again we are thanked and I with sincere intention reply "I'll see you soon."
Back at where we are staying, I sit and let my time there sink in and once again the Lord has broken me and has put it deep within my heart where it has always been that that's where I am suppose to be. There I know is where it will begin and I pray that the Lord shows me the way because I know it's not I that can do it but Him.
It's our last day in Haiti and we head out to buy water and oranges to give out. We wait for the time to come to go back to the place that changed it all for me. I have been waiting for this day since the day I left it, but I have been waiting even more impatiently since returning to Haiti. I forgot to mention that in the middle of the night I am awoken with pains in my stomach, and know I am in for a long day of sickness. But I refuse to let anything stop me from going. As we start driving there, I know we are in for a bumpy ride off the path so all I can do is pray. I pray "Lord, please just get me through my time here. Let me be here for the children and for you. Amen." We arrive and I feel this instant relief in my stomach where I feel comfortable enough to get out of the van. We head into a one bedroom house where there squeezed in are at least 130 children and teens. I see familiar faces, faces that changed me. They welcome us and we give thanks for them allowing us to come visit. The man in charge asks if we would like to go outside and play with them. In my head I am jumping and screaming "YES,YES, YES."
We head outside to spend time with the children, and all I hear are kids yelling to get our attention. I no longer see Chris's legs at this point, all I see are children hugging him. I pick up one little girl and a smile spreads across her face and she snuggles in. We walk over to watch the other kids play soccer. I bend down to be at the children's level. I ask each child that comes to me what their name is. Some answer others just smile and hold my hand. I smile and thank God for these beautiful children He has put in front of me. I see the sweet twin boys who stole my heart the first time and I hold one tight in my arms and there he falls asleep. I ask myself if I can hold him forever, can I hold them all forever?
It's time to hand out the water and oranges. The children line up and one by one they come and receive. I hear faint Thank-you's and once again am blessed with those little smiles. We finish and it's time for goodbyes. Once again we are thanked and I with sincere intention reply "I'll see you soon."
Back at where we are staying, I sit and let my time there sink in and once again the Lord has broken me and has put it deep within my heart where it has always been that that's where I am suppose to be. There I know is where it will begin and I pray that the Lord shows me the way because I know it's not I that can do it but Him.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free, - Luke 4:18
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Double Digits
99 Days till The Orlesky's begin a chapter!!!
We are excited, we are nervous, we are feeling a little bit of everything. I think most importantly we feel at peace with where our lives are heading. Changes have already happened from last week but that's okay. We are still moving forward and preparing ourselves at the best that we can.
Yesterday our house went up for sale and it finally felt real that change is happening. Now we wait and pray that someone finds our home and loves it. I've started to go through stuff in the house and deciding if it's worth keeping or just getting rid of, I'm pretty sure 90% of the stuff will end up going. I'm sure I'll make a few dollars to put away...
Tonight I worked on ways that we can raise money to help towards our new beginning. Last week I was completely overwhelmed with the idea of raising money tonight I feel excited. I'm ready to do this, I need to do this, I WANT to do this.
There are days I wonder what I did do deserve the love of God. I wonder why He chose my family to go where we are headed. I am just thankful for it all!!!
We have a quite the ride ahead of us, but we stand together as family with God and we know it will all work out for Him.
We are excited, we are nervous, we are feeling a little bit of everything. I think most importantly we feel at peace with where our lives are heading. Changes have already happened from last week but that's okay. We are still moving forward and preparing ourselves at the best that we can.
Yesterday our house went up for sale and it finally felt real that change is happening. Now we wait and pray that someone finds our home and loves it. I've started to go through stuff in the house and deciding if it's worth keeping or just getting rid of, I'm pretty sure 90% of the stuff will end up going. I'm sure I'll make a few dollars to put away...
Tonight I worked on ways that we can raise money to help towards our new beginning. Last week I was completely overwhelmed with the idea of raising money tonight I feel excited. I'm ready to do this, I need to do this, I WANT to do this.
There are days I wonder what I did do deserve the love of God. I wonder why He chose my family to go where we are headed. I am just thankful for it all!!!
We have a quite the ride ahead of us, but we stand together as family with God and we know it will all work out for Him.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Ummm... Where is that?
So remember that post back in January where I said that the Orlesky's are going to have a big year? Well I wasn't kidding, and even I am surprised by the happenings.
Well I am happy to announce that this August my family will be calling Pohnpei, Micronesia home for 9 weeks. Where is that you ask? I have been asked that by almost everyone we have told thus far, and since the only explanation I can give you is it's above Australia. Here is a better description that Wikipedia gives:
Micronesia is a subregion of Oceania, comprising thousands of small islands in the western Pacific Ocean. It is distinct from Melanesia to the south, and Polynesia to the east. The Philippines lie to the west, and Indonesia to the southwest.
Now your next question might be Why? Chris and I applied to attend the Iris Ministries Harvest School and we have been accepted. Here is a link to check it out :) http://www.irisglobal.org/missions/harvest/micronesia
We are also going because we know we have come to a place in our life where there is more, even if it means having less. We feel that God is leading us into becoming missionaries in a different country and attending this school we are going to have the opportunity to learn and grow.
With this being said we also know that we have obstacles and challenges ahead of us. Our first challenge we need overcome is to raise enough by this Friday April 19th to pay for our deposit. We had an unexpected blessing yesterday which is going to help with us with our deposit but we still need to raise more.
Once we get past this, we are going to need to raise enough money to cover the cost of the remaining tuition, the flights to Micronesia and expenses that we will have to pay while we are there.We have a big goal to reach but with lots of prayer and support from people like you, we know we can reach it.
So here is my request from anyone reading this. My first request is for prayers. We know that our God is bigger than anything in this world and that if this is His plan for my family, He will provide.
Secondly, as much as we know our God will provide, we also know that God may use some of you to help us. Without financial help from family/friends/strangers we know that this will not be able to happen.
We know that God has called our family to be missionaries and there is nothing more we want than to be able to glorify His name and build up His kingdom.
So as I end this please pray for our family over this week as we work towards raising money for our deposit.
Well I am happy to announce that this August my family will be calling Pohnpei, Micronesia home for 9 weeks. Where is that you ask? I have been asked that by almost everyone we have told thus far, and since the only explanation I can give you is it's above Australia. Here is a better description that Wikipedia gives:
Micronesia is a subregion of Oceania, comprising thousands of small islands in the western Pacific Ocean. It is distinct from Melanesia to the south, and Polynesia to the east. The Philippines lie to the west, and Indonesia to the southwest.
Now your next question might be Why? Chris and I applied to attend the Iris Ministries Harvest School and we have been accepted. Here is a link to check it out :) http://www.irisglobal.org/missions/harvest/micronesia
We are also going because we know we have come to a place in our life where there is more, even if it means having less. We feel that God is leading us into becoming missionaries in a different country and attending this school we are going to have the opportunity to learn and grow.
With this being said we also know that we have obstacles and challenges ahead of us. Our first challenge we need overcome is to raise enough by this Friday April 19th to pay for our deposit. We had an unexpected blessing yesterday which is going to help with us with our deposit but we still need to raise more.
Once we get past this, we are going to need to raise enough money to cover the cost of the remaining tuition, the flights to Micronesia and expenses that we will have to pay while we are there.We have a big goal to reach but with lots of prayer and support from people like you, we know we can reach it.
So here is my request from anyone reading this. My first request is for prayers. We know that our God is bigger than anything in this world and that if this is His plan for my family, He will provide.
Secondly, as much as we know our God will provide, we also know that God may use some of you to help us. Without financial help from family/friends/strangers we know that this will not be able to happen.
We know that God has called our family to be missionaries and there is nothing more we want than to be able to glorify His name and build up His kingdom.
So as I end this please pray for our family over this week as we work towards raising money for our deposit.
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