B U T T P R I N T S

Inspiring the Sick

2010-02-03T14:47:00.000-08:00

So I'm sick, well kinda sick now, well sick enough that the only pic I want of myself is one where I'm almost unrecognizable... so here's me (see pic with mysterious eyes between a cup and a hat) sitting at the computer trying to figure out my website needs (I know I know I need anything because I have nothing...) anyway, I decided to catch you all up on life here. It's cold, very very cold! The thermostat reads 67 but I think it MUST be wrong because I'm freezing...but maybe it's just because I'm sick. Hanna is running around in a T-shirt. Hmph one of us is not wearing appropriate clothing for this cold situation.

Anyhow, being sick I decided to get inspired and grab my two willing victims (aka. Hanna and Rush) and do a "sick" inspired photo shoot. I think Hanna was way more into it than Rush. We kept having to explain to him that the "cone" was pivotal to the whole thing and he MUST wear it...(see the pic above for the dirty look he was giving me when I finally took it off and explained to him that it was all in good fun!

Fingers are freezing and I have to cook some very garlic-ish chicken for dinner so this post will have to wait to be completed until later tonight....

2010-01-15T10:00:00.000-08:00

This is Lizzy. Hanna and I had the pleasure of having a fun (and very chilly) evening shooting pictures of Lizzy. We were "taking senior portraits" but as you can see we drifted away from the traditional. Hanna was my assistant and let me tell you she was incredible! If anyone needs the complete package when it comes to assistants then hire Hanna. She can sing, dance, tell jokes and even hold a strobe when needed! BTW for anyone who doesn't know, Hanna is my 9 year old neice.

Well I'll show you more shots of Lizzy but I'm off to go help some passengers with some bags at my glorious job with Delta airlines. (my newest job)

And I seem to have taken over this blog but this is really about the lives of Jason and I, he's been an amazing demolition hero and has exposed most of the guts of our newly purchased home in Black Mountain. I'll have to get him on here to give updates etc. (one day our little place will be amazing!)

Falala...la...what!?!

2009-12-26T07:40:00.000-08:00

So definitely not your average Christmas photos but thought I'd pop these up here before posting the usual and blogging about our wonderful Christmas. These babies were born one night when we were brainstorming about a present for my dad. I asked Jes about doing a portrait of all three of us on a mug. (That got x-ed) Then Tim, our good friend chimed in "mug shots!"...that was all he had to say, everybody's invisible lightbulbs flicked on!!! That's it! It's a pun for Jason and a literal for my dad (he's a prison psychiatrist now.) A late night photo shoot was planned, felonies were contrived and make-up was applied and...TADA!!!! Three rough characters were born!

After receiving his mug, my dad has affectionately dubbed the three of us "PBA", "Quick Draw" and "Flasher"...hmmm for some reason I think I might have suffered from this a little more than my other two accomplices!

Merry Christmas! Normal pics to come...hope you all had a beautiful holiday and celebration surrounded by everyone you love.

and by the way...don't know what happened but in my rush I must've linked these paragraphs to a photo "click" here to see what's hidden beneath.

"HAVE A HOLLY, JOLLY CHRISTMAS....!"

2009-12-20T16:46:00.000-08:00

This one goes out to all of those poor souls who have ever attempted the holy grail of Christmas....a perfect Christmas card! (I couldn't help posting this snapshot. It makes me laugh because it says so much about trying to co-ordinate a parent and a child and get exactly what you are hoping for.)

These poor reindeer nearly tore their antlers off trying to get the perfect pic...two people in one pic, late at night is nothing less than a big disaster waiting to explode! But don't worry, they kept going and finally we had a whole bunch of holiday fun to choose from.

Nan

2009-11-30T15:01:00.000-08:00

So I had banned myself from taking pictures and reading books until my website is up and running, but as we all know that hasn't happened yet. It's still a ridiculous mess and I realized I felt like I was missing so much by not taking pictures... and since my threat hadn't made me work any faster, once again, my camera is back on the job. Jes, Jason and I (Hanna too occasionally) have been snapping away through the holiday celebration and Jason's birthday. Maybe I'll get some of those photos up...just maybe...

But for now I was thinking about the blog and our little handful of friends who were amazing and re-discovered my new posting and decided that you guys needed to see something new.

I think you all have met this lovely lady but for anyone who hasn't, this is Nanette Cole, one of my beautiful grandmothers. She was gracious enough to let her camera-crazed granddaughter take some portraits of her at around 10:00p.m. this Saturday evening while everyone else was decorating our new tree.
Lately I've had this feeling that if I don't take time to do something with someone when I think of it then...what if...what if they're not around by the time I get around to it? Not that I'm expecting to lose my grandmother...I've just been thinking about all the times I've taken for granted and all the things I want to remember ...we're never guaranteed the future...I don't want to regret the past. I think that's why I love photography so much...it captures the beauty I see and keeps it for all of those other times when we need to remember. In short, that's why I pleaded with grandma to let me set up some lighting and take her portrait when most people just want to be curled up in bed- to keep the moment of her looking cozy in her jacket in the retro chair by the fire. I'm glad she's such a good sport!

So this is one of the several frames we took that night. This is Nanette Cole: born in Boston, raised a traveling "gypsy" enjoying the depression with her brother, mom, and interior designer dad, married my grandpa and raised my mom, uncle and aunt in Atlanta, Georgia and is one of the most amazing gourmet cooks and seamstresses I have ever know!

It's That Time of Year!

2009-11-16T22:57:00.000-08:00

It has been over a year since we've posted anything on this poor site so what better day to bring it back to life than Jason's birthday! I love when his birthday rolls around because for the next 8 months he can't pretend like I'm 2 years older than him. (One day I'm going to figure out how to become younger than him but until then I'll enjoy the parts of the year when we only seem 1 year apart.)

Happy Birthday Jason! I'm blessed to celebrate another year of having him in my life. I can't imagine how much laughter (and everything else in between) I would've missed without my crazy man!

Besides all of the other wonderful things that I ask him to do, he's also my part-time model. My niece, Hanna, says he looks like a mysterious super hero in this picture and I couldn't have said it better my self!

Happy Birthday Superflightsuitman! I love you!

...I wonder after all of this time, who will discover this post first? Anyone? ...maybe it will just remain as a birthday secret ...

An Ode To Sweet Ellen Mekay

2008-03-01T20:41:00.001-08:00

Oh saddness...I was a bazzillion miles away on your special baby day!
But don't worry I was still there...or at least here...thinking of you there hoping that you felt loved as you opened tiny Ellen treats and feasted on delicious sweets and shared this special day with those who love you the most. (except me that is!)

So in honor of Ellen and our collective "SILLINESS" here's an ode to your little toot:

Silly sweet Ellen Mekay
That’s what you’ll be
You’ll see one day.

And little you I can’t wait to see:

You’re cutie toes
And bunny nose
With nose triangles
And silly tangles
Bouncing in your curly twirly hair
…ok that’s not fair…
I’m not sure about the hair,
Straight or curly
It will be perfect most surely

I can’t wait for the days
I get to watch you skipling in your footie p.j.’s
And dipling your little fingers into everything sweet
Swirling paint and making messes with your silly dancing feet

And I bet you’ll have a silly button
Just like your mommy and me
And be a crazy wonderful little “punkin”
‘Cause that’s all you need to be…

I’m sure you’re gonna be one of the funniest toots anyone did meet
But if your not and instead your shy, loving and sweet…

Then you’re you and that’s the best
And just as good to me!

And would you call me “Auntie”
Would you would you please?
And Grow up proud of your mommy
Because she’s the bestest you’ll ever need.

I love you love you Ellen Mekay
And can’t wait for the day….

THAT YOU’RE FINALLY HERE!

2008-02-29T03:43:00.000-08:00

I know , I t has been FOREVER since we've blogged. Sorry for making you wait and wait. Internet here is unpredictable and slow as molasses (or so the saying goes) and I've been creating resumes and begging for jobs (which I'm failing at so far) but no more excuses, you're right it has been WAY too long. I've collected a bunch of pictures to catch you up on our Hawaii happenings, so in the next day (or two) we should have a much better post than this little sample.
Until then... I posted this picture of Rush romping on the beach at Kaena Point State Park
I was pondering the saying "It's a dog's life" and immediately thought of our crazy, and must I admit, spoiled, pup and all the fun he gets out of life. Ok I know, the meaning of this saying would change drastically depending on third-world versus western dogs...and strays versus loved pets but wouldn't you just love to have a moment of pure joy like he's having here!?! (just before he nearly tumbled me over and splattered sand all over my lens...oh well)
Random, I know, but just thought I'd share with you my photographic interpretation of this simple phrase...and make an attempt at distracting you from the fact that we're not keeping up with our posts.

And I promise, one to two days and you'll have a better post to enjoy...thanks for hanging in there!

2008-01-18T03:31:00.000-08:00

(off the coast of Makapu'u point)

So this is what happened...I went into our photo files to grab some pictures and publish a post to catch you all up on our Christmas, New Years and good ole' Hawaii happenings BUT true to my procrastinating self, I found this photo and forgot about my mission. I need Jason...the secret of our blog's existence is my husband! He's amazing and has done about 99.999% of the posting. What have I done you ask? Changed the color and promised to put up a post. Well, I actually have changed the colors on this blog a bazzillion times and as for putting up a post...hmm, instead I've changed the color in a photo we've already posted or played around with photos on our computer that have nothing to do with the post in need.

Why did I put up this picture?...well, so you'd have something new to look at while I admit my failures and beg my husband to unearth this blog from the pile of posts it should have!

So hug your husbands, hug your friends, family and even the dog because, you can run but you can't hide from the fact that you need others! (or at least I do!)

THE MOMENT...

2008-01-12T03:18:00.000-08:00

I know it has been forever since we've put up a post. Our Mac decided to crash a couple of times and give those Mac geniuses a bit of a headache but now it's back better than ever and I don't know where to even begin.

So instead of starting at a logical point I decided to share with you these moments in time.

I've been thinking about a lot of things lately. (Being unemployed will do that to a girl.) One of my ponderings was about my future and what it would be. As most of you know I've loved photography since...well, since I can remember (thanks to the artistic abilities of my parents and watching my dad photograph and teach me how to use his Nikon). The catch is that the style of photography I want to do is artist/editorial pieces. I believe God gives us "eyes" to see different things and those things that touch our hearts turn into passions. I know many photographers have a passion to capture a wedding day or a portrait of a family or take photos of stock products etc. In fact, our wedding photographers, Jenny and James of Visio Photography are inspiring because they are doing exactly what they believe called to do...they have a passion to be more than just photographers but to also bring meaning deeper than just the day to the beginning of two people's lives together. I love that!

I love that but I don't feel that passion. So in the process of years of thinking, observing and praying about how my life can be more than just my life, I've discovered the story. Have you seen pictures that seem to tell a story, they capture a moment in time and seem to begin a story... That's what I want to do! That's my passion... to observe the moment and help tell the story through art. So now that I have known what I feel a desire to do, it's time to share. I have crates full of slides and files full of memory that I keep collecting... just collecting.

The thing about the arts is they are scary - terrifying in fact! You can dream about it all you want but when it really comes down to it, art is meant to be shared. And that my friends is the terrifying part (at least for a procrastinating/perfectionist like yours truly.)

So I decided (as I was sitting, wondering about my life) that this was it...time for photography therapy...time to share some shots with you, all of you and finally get over the fact that you may hate it or you may think it's not even worth a second look (and for those that totally missed it...scroll up a bit on your screen) or finally, some might love it like I do.

I took these shots a couple weeks ago at the Triple Crown on the north shore. Not what you would think of as surfing competition shots? No, but I loved the moment : calm before the salty storm.

Love it / hate it , either way I wanted to start sharing with you... and maybe I'll become brave again and share some more (without the long commentary next time - I promise).

~ Thanks for "listening"

Quote of the week.

2007-12-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

"Evenings were peaceful, smoke settling in the quiet air to soften the dusk, lights twinkling on the ridge we would camp on tomorrow, clouds dimming the outline of our pass for the day after. Growing excitement lured my thoughts again and again to the West Ridge...

There was loneliness, too, as the sun set, but only rarely now did doubts return. Then I felt sinkingly as if my whole life lay behind me. Once on the mountain I knew (or trusted) that this would give way to total absorption with the task at hand. But at times I wondered if I had not come a long way only to find that what I really sought was something I had left behind."

Thomas F. Hornbein, Everest: The West Ridge

In my newest book I read this quote and thought about all of you back home. Hawaii is beautiful but is no Everest in the slightest or even something that we feel that we have to "accomplish". All I know is that we do want you to know how much we truly miss all of you back home.

Random pic of the week.

2007-12-01T17:25:00.000-08:00

Last week I rode my bike down to the beach (around 9 miles round trip) and stumbled upon this guy that was only on the beach about 15 min and caught this Oio fish. Native to Hawaii, this fish is really bony and you can't make much out of it except fish cakes. What they do is scrape the meat off and mix it with other ingredients and deep fry it.

I'll Show You My Thanksgiving; You Show Me Yours

2007-11-26T14:54:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a beautiful THANKSGIVING surrounded by friends and family. We did it a little different this year (much smaller) because everyone is spread out around the country. My poor husband was stuck on a island in the Pacific but don't worry, Thanksgiving went on as usual there too. His mom was sweet and gave me the recipe for his favorite Sweet Potato Pie which I made and left for him to enjoy on Turkey day! So a little piece of home made it all the way out there to hula land.

I've been having a great time back home seeing all the dear friends I've missed so much and celebrating a much smaller than usual Thanksgiving with family. A very good friend of mine and I were talking about traditions. She asked what Cuban traditions we added to the meal and I was puzzled by the fact that we didn't do any...well until I walked out of her house and realized: Cuba doesn't have Thanksgiving! (I don't think the pilgrims ever made it to the land of rhythm and tobacco.) I thought about it and asked, why couldn't the Cubans and the Pilgrims meet? From now on, my thanksgiving will be infused with a little Latin flavor and to start it all off, Diablitos a Caballo and Angelitos a Caballo snuggled up to the turkey and dressing on our Thanksgiving table.

{Thanksgiving is not just about the food, everyone had to take time for photo shoots!}

Last Thanksgiving Jason's brother Walt asked me what my family does for Thanksgiving. Being married you get to have a front row seat to view how another family does the holidays. It's fun to realize the things that your family does that someone else's doesn't and vice versa while getting ideas for the things Jason and I will eventually make our family traditions.

With that thought, I'll share a little bit of our holiday with you. What are special things you do and eat?

{Jes and Ash were trying to re-enact romantic photos from their wedding but I had to fire Jes because she wouldn't take it serious.Next time I'm hiring professional models!}

Our menu included:
Breakfast: Homemade Fruit Salad (Grandpa usually makes this but I've apprenticed under him for years so this year it was my job...several tears dropped into the bowl as I remembered Dan Cole and how much I miss him, but isn't that what the holidays are about: sharing love and remembering others.)

Lunch: Butternut Squash and Pumkin Soup (compliments of chef Ash)
Diablitos a Caballo and Angelitos a Caballo for an appetizer (my Cuban fusion)

Dinner: Turkey of course! (Basted by Mom with white port wine reduction with chicken broth and giblets.)
Stuffing (mmm...grandmas delicious homemade stuffing with onions, chicken broth, olives, pecans, bread crumbs, celery, parsley, herbs etc.)
Gravy (Ash's delicious contribution to the turkey)
Garlic Cream Green Beans
Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Ash again...I can't wait till he has his own restaurant!)

Dessert: Peppermint Chocolate, Espresso Hazelnut, and Pecan Chocolate Pastry Rolls (Jes is the talented baker. She makes things fluffy and sweet and I just end up with flat or burnt. Oh well)
Raspberry, Strawberry, Cranberry and Pecan Mold topped with a Lemon Sour Cream Sauce (This has been a family must since I was little when my mom randomly found it in a children's cook book. This year Grandma Nan made sure this was perfect for the feast.)
Valpolicella and Chianti wines (I wanted to try a Valpolicella because I'm always curious to try new things.)

During dinner we went around the table and said the things we were thankful for. It was mom's idea and a nice way to stop and be grateful because we are so blessed!

Mmmm. I can't wait for Christmas! Jason, Hanna, Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Pam, Daniel, Sylvia, Jason, Lauren, Cindi, Carol and everyone else who couldn't be together this year. I missed you all but I hope you had a wonderful holiday surrounded by friends and love!

{Photos compliments of all the house photographers...I'm a little fuzzy about who did some of them.}

It's Still Your Birthday in Hawaii!

2007-11-17T22:27:00.000-08:00

{LOVE} Happy Birthday Jason! I wanted to dedicate this post to you (my husband) while you are over the sea...so many miles away. This adventure {life} that we are both on has been so much richer with you to share in the moments. You have been laughter, love, encouragement and an anchor in my life. May I never forget how blessed I am to have you by my side. Thank you for being there every step of the way. Thank you for being for being more than just a husband...you are my love in this life and beyond.

I thank God for the blessing of you!

Happy 29th! (almost 30!)
...I know, you'll always be younger than me even though I try to make you forget.

"Te amo sin saber cómo, ni cuándo, ni de dónde,
te amo directamente sin problemas ni orgullo:
así te amo porque no sé amar de otra manera,
sino así de este modo en que no soy ni eres..."

Pablo Neruda (a portion of the Sonnet XVII)

"I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you simply, without problems or pride:
I love you in this way because I don't know any other way of loving
but this, in which there is no 'you' nor 'I'..."

Jason's new job with Air Med Hawaii

2007-11-13T11:11:00.000-08:00

A view of sunrise at Honolulu International Airport.

Sunset at Honolulu International Airport.

My maiden voyage.

I took these photos with the camera on my phone so the quality might not be the greatest. You get the hint though. The video was of my first flight back in September (yes Bradley the Medic is asleep). For more info. about what I and AirMed does, check out www.airmed.com/hawaii

Our Clean and Organized Apartment

2007-11-12T19:22:00.000-08:00

One of our silly projects here in Hawaii

2007-11-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

This was the horrible shape our headboard was in...

Jen snarling at the camera in the hot, sweaty, unnerving condition she was in while painting our new headboard.

Our unfinished, 1950's Japanese style, mahogany bedroom suit.

Me (Jason) sanding the drawers after paint striping.

The new product (dresser)

Our bedroom from a glance (with headboard)

This is a little sneak peak at where all the magic happens... (ha,ha thanks cribs)

For our bedroom we decided to purchase a Japanese, solid mahogany, antique set from the 1950's for only $150. It was painted black and in rough shape. So we stripped, sanded, painted, and finished it.

Better late than never, right?

2007-11-12T18:19:00.001-08:00

Niki Swann

Poor worm :(

I think Jen's earrings were bigger than that fish she caught!

Just thought we'd fill ya'll in on some old stuff from before we left for Hawaii... like these of our red-neck wives, fishin.

So much for art...

2007-11-12T18:11:00.000-08:00

Jessie eat your heart out!
This was one of our dates to the North Carolina Art Museum in Raleigh, NC before we left.

Jen's Delayed B-Day video

2007-11-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

The girls veggin out watching Planet Earth (Jen's Bday present)

Our famous brother, Chef Ash Evans whipping up some good eattin.

Pioneer Plunge

Happy 30th Birthday Jen!

On Jen's 30th birthday of this year we happened to be at Windy Gap and guess who got Blobbed... This you've got to see!

That night we "roughed it" in a cabin up in the woods called Pioneer Plunge. What a way to spend a B-day, no running water, no electricity, but we did have our Mac.

Kahenoe Bay Air Show

2007-11-10T17:31:00.000-08:00

5 Blue Angels in formation.

A Huey, the work horse introduced during the Vietnam era.

Those F16 fighter jets are so loud!

Thanks to my father (Jason's), I have acquired a love for planes and flying. As a boy dad use to take us to air shows at Fort Bragg. This day we watched the Blue Angels and wandered the air strip at the Air Force base and toured planes and helicopters.

Amphibian Day at Turtle Bay

2007-11-10T17:18:00.000-08:00

Jen's excitement lit up the day.

He (her/it) was very graceful swimming but not so skilled at walking over rocks.

I (Jason) walked right up to it and got within a couple feet. I didn't want to touch it b/c supposedly the bacteria on our skin can affect/infect them.

Past Pipeline and Sunset beaches on the North shore of Oahu lies a Resort called Turtle Bay famous for turtle and whale sitings was where we took a stroll down the beach and found our first sea turtle.

Mokule'ia Wall video

2007-11-10T16:30:00.000-08:00

This short film narrated by Jennifer and Jason Haynes and filmed by Jennifer aka "JRod" is an actual rock climbing spot on the North Shore of Oahu called Mokule'ia Wall. There are over 50 different climbing routes for top rope/sport climbing ranging from 5.7 to 5.13a. At almost 2000 ft above sea level, the views are spectacular. Our 180 degree view over looked the north shore, a YMCA camp, a small airstrip where glider planes take off and whirl around us, and field where polo is played on Sundays. Quite a few scenes from "Lost" were also filmed on the beaches below. There is mountain biking and 4 wheeling just up the road as well. Also little did we know that there are such things as "barking spiders" in Hawaii. You have to listen ever so closely toward the end of the clip. Enjoy!

Rock climbing here has incredible views of the Ocean

2007-11-10T12:14:00.000-08:00

Amazing views from Makapu'u Point

At Makapu'u Point there is a short 40ft volcanic rock face in which we conquered. This area also has a lighthouse and is very windy.

If you'd like to check out the climbing here in Hawaii you can check out this site for more: www.rockclimbinghawaii.com

Some fun in Hawaii

2007-11-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

This was a trip down to the southwest tip of Oahu to an area called Barber's Point (Kalaeloa). The J.W. Marriot resort down there has an area with live sharks (hammer head), manta/sting rays, star fish , and tons of other beautiful tropical fish.

The Transportation Situation.

2007-11-10T11:30:00.001-08:00

So this is a trivial post to say the least but kinda funny that we've driven 7 different cars in the last couple months. These are the cars we've had come and go...
We sold the VW golf before we left, what a great car (we miss it).

Jen's old Nissan Pathfinder was given to our brother and sister (Jes and Ash), believe it or not, with over 215,000 miles, it's still running strong. [We don't got no pics of it.]

Our first rental car was a silver Chevy Malibu hatchback. The antenna was missing and didn't pic up any radio stations, plus the key-less entry didn't even work... so the rental company gave us an old lady car. It was a black Oldsmobile Intrigue. This car was fine but long story short of many details, I urge you (whoever you are) never, NEVER use Alamo if you need a rental car!

The Subaru Forester car was what we bought a week after we first got here. It no longer "exists" b/c Jen totaled it. Don't worry she's fine but the car isn't.

Next our insurance set us up with a white Mitsuibishi Galant. Good on gas and turned back in when Jen left to go back to the mainland.

The white Nissan Frontier is our new truck, it's a great ride (even has a subwolfer). Rush should have a great time riding around in it too when he gets here. What a nightmare of buying it though, that's also a long story with many details.

I hope we haven't "driven" you crazy reading about all these cars!

Ok,Ok,OK!!!! already...

2007-11-10T10:43:00.000-08:00

Alright so it's been about 5 months since we posted a new blog. I'll be sure to put up more now that we are "settled" and have internet but we are sending our computer in to get fixed so it might be a while til the next one. So with that said we'll catch you up on some of the things that went down during the last few months. I'm sure all you want to see is pics, without further a due...

These pics are from our trip to Pearl Harbor. We visited the USS Arizona which has laid to rest just below the surface since Dec. 7, 1941. It still drips/releases oil to this day (that's what I'm pointing to). This is also the tomb of over 900 sailors. Kim and Melissa blessed us with their presence while on vacation from Asheville.

P.S. The Pearl Harbor Memorial is funded on a volunteer basis and you may donate money at the website to help in preserving our historical site: www.pearlharbormemorial.com

Back to the Mother-Land

2007-06-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

Well that's it folks... we graduated our DTS last

Don't Worry We're Still Alive...

2007-06-01T06:25:00.000-07:00

We're sorry that it has been a ridiuculously long time since we have been able to post...we are still alive and doing great. Unfortunately, we have been living in remote areas which makes internet access difficult. To give you an update, we are doing great, our whole team is finally together (for those who didn't know, half of our team was stuck in Indonesia for over a week and half of us were here in Thailand.) Everyone is doing well except for Sammy (from Honduras) please pray for him. He is in the hospital right now with Dengue Fever. We're hoping with some good, air-conditioned rest and IV fluids he'll be doing much better in a day or two. Everything else is going fine. We are living on the Thailand / Cambodia border in eastern Thailand. It's beautiful here, the people are very kind, the food is delicious, the heat is sweltering and even though this country is a Buddhist fortress, we have had some great opportunities to serve and share our friendship and faith with these people... Jason and I have also cherished this time deeply to draw closer to each other and to stand up for our beliefs and passion for others. We've learned so much about being a team...Jason and I.

We'll try to post pictures and much more when we can and also get in touch with personal emails...for now just know we love and miss you all! ~ Jen and Jason

In The Philippines

2007-05-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

Our time in the Philippines was wonderful. The people of this country were so warm and open. We were surprised by many things, especially the changing of our schedule but the wonderful thing was that we were able to serve with long-term missionaries and ministries. It's always so much better to come along side an existing mission so that continued work and help will be given long after our time. First of all we apologize for not being able to post more often...internet is very limited and pricey here...and incredibly slow! We'll try to put another post up in a couple of days showing more of the people we worked with in the Philippines and telling more of our time. Thank you so much for the tremendous amounts of prayer and support. We have no doubt all of this has helped us immensely along the journey! Before we have to sign out...in the Philippines we were able to serve in many churches by preaching, leading worship, giving testimonies etc., we also lived and served in a city slum of Davao City and our group planned and ran a four day youth camp on an island off of the coast of Davao. We can't wait to share more of our time and heart of our ministry...more to come about the Philippines! (Just so you know, we are living in Indonesia right now. It is such an incredible ministry and very different because we are living in Muslim houses and in a Muslim community...please pray for our time and safety. We love and miss you all!) ~ Jen and Jason

Under Construction...

2007-04-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

So we're here in Southeast Asia but barely have enough time to read our Bibles much less fix our blog. As you may be disappointed in the picture selection, you'll get more when we get time... and internet connection, sorry for the inconvenience. As for emailing or calling??? We have to pay by the hour and we'll try to get to as many of you as we possibly can, besides most of you are 12 hours behind us. Talk to ya soon!

We made it!

2007-04-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

We’re all here! By the grace of God and the prayers and support of all of our friends and family, everyone is finally here! After 5 flights, 6 airports, and 36 hours of travel, we all arrived in Davao Philippines on Friday, April, 20th. It has been a long journey but we’re all finally here…for most of us it is our first time in Asia, for all of us it is our first time in the Philippines, for five of our team it was the first time flying, and for Amanda it was her first time to lose her birthday into the black hole of traveling through time zones.
We were all extremely tired but also very excited! Friday through Sunday, we stayed in a house on the property of YWAM Davao. There we met the Director of YWAM Philippines who shared his passions about God’s heart for this nation. During the weekend, we also attended a cultural orientation, a baby dedication feast, exchanged currency into Pisos, performed a “mini” night-surgery on an injured base dog and tried to squeeze in some time to recover from jet-lag. On Sunday morning, our team split into two groups. Each group ministered at a local Filipino church. Our team of seven attended a very enthusiastic and youthful congregation. It was such a blessing to experience a new culture worshipping God in their own unique way. We worshipped with them and we were also given the opportunity to be involved by praying with the people, performing a drama, giving a testimony, and Jason preached a beautiful message from Mark 5:25-34 about God’s deep love for us and His desire for us to not only be cured physically through medicine but also to be healed spiritually, psychologically and relationally through His love and community during times of suffering.
It’s been a whirlwind of three days but we’re loving it here! Monday through Thursday, we are attending the 35th national conference of YWAM Philippines. We are here for three and a half days to celebrate the Filipino culture and learn about it’s needs. , the president of the Philippines, will speak to us tomorrow about her nation and God’s heart for these people. On Thursday we will leave Davao and move into a nearby slum to begin living with and working with the people within it’s borders.
Please pray for us as we move forward…

NIKO

2007-04-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

It was sweltering hot, we had to find our way on jungle trails, ration our food, break camp at all hours of the day, run past bullet ants, eat sardines and beans for lunch and much, much more. If it sounds terrible… it wasn’t. We loved it! Jason and I were split up into two different groups. Each group traveled separately through the jungle of Talamanca, Costa Rica. I’m sorry to say most of our adventures have to be kept a secret to preserve the mysteries of Niko for future participants. However, we can say that it was an incredible time of working as a team and developing an appreciation for the survival techniques and limited resources of other cultures. We all re-united in the end, smelly, dirty and tired but very appreciative of each other, our cultures’ comforts and especially soap!

Week 12

2007-04-25T04:09:00.000-07:00

Douglas Huston, the base director from Honduras, taught this final week of the lecture phase. The subject was specifically on “Missions” however, he also taught us “Worship” is the fuel and goal of missions. In the beginning of time (Genesis Ch 11) God set aside the Nation of Israel to be blessed in order to bless all the nations. This is what we call “The Great Commission” to preach the good news of hope and grace to the entire world. There are approximately 6 billion people in the world, of those, 4 billion people have heard the Gospel but sadly enough, one half choose not to accept it. With these numbers we can see that about 2 billion people have never had access to the word of God. So this proves that not only do we need to reach the un-reached but also the nominal Christians as well (those without a daily walk or the ones that show up to church just on Easter, etc.). Just as a few examples, to demonstrate how missionaries are dispersed in all the different nations. There are approximately 3 missionaries per 1 million Muslims in the world, 5 per million Hindu, 5.5 per million Buddhist, 7 per million Chinese, 52 per million tribal members, 69 per 1 million Jews, and on and on. These really show the need of every nation. The key is to meet people in their land, on their terms, and celebrate diversity by worshiping in their own unique way. The biggest task is to realize that the message and meaning is what matters not the vessel or form. Each nation and tribe has it’s own unique flavor of worship. The exciting passion is for every nation to worship our Father God in their unique style and not just the “western” way. We need to step out of our box and see the world for what it is. God has created diversity and creativity among us. Let’s celebrate these things together! We are still learning to live as Jesus in Phil 2:5-8 to humble ourselves as servants to the nations so continue to pray for us because we have another month and a half to go in Southeast Asia.

WE'LL BE BACK!

2007-04-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

We're signing out for a while to trek in the jungle with the rest of our group...so don't worry if you don't hear from us until the end of next week. We'll be battling the snakes and mosquitoes until then. Pray we make it! ...Mom, Dad, we were just kidding about that last comment...we'll be fine! HAVE A HAPPY EASTER!

Week 11

2007-04-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

Week 11 was taught by the YWAM Director of Panama, Richard Tracy. The topic was “Relationships”. If you think about it, all the problems in the world are all some how relational in origin. The main reason is due to our self-idolatry (selfishness). It’s so hard to wrap a whole weeks learning into a couple paragraphs so if you have any questions please email us. Humility is one of the key words to use when talking about loving someone. This word kind of has a bad wrap for being week and meek. Humility consists of so many different characteristics. Servant, brokenness, encouragement, Speaking the truth in love, giving up our rights, do nothing out of selfish ambition, seek justice by defending the weak/poor, admit our weakness and wrong-doing, gentleness, seeing ourselves through the eyes of others, receiving forgiveness, and forgiveness is not an option. All of these terms seem impossible to possess at once in any given situation/relationship but just remember God created and retains all of these with us.

We focused primarily on guy/girl relationships and how God intended them to be. He created women out of a man; this clearly says that we are made for the purpose of being together. Too often do we look to the world for what sexuality should be. What we also do that is not what He created us for, thinking that looking good is bad. Guys… it’s not the girls fault that you stumble/lust, it is what lies inside your thoughts. Just as I have said many times, God created beautiful mountains to look at as well as women. It’s what we decide to do about those feelings we get (either admire the beauty that came from God or dwell on what can satisfy our needs). Remember “nothing I am physically or emotionally cause me to violate God’s truth.” God also created attraction. We discussed the differences in infatuation vs. love. Richard said that one of the great ways to overcome unhealthy views of the other sex is to imagine them though God’s eyes, admiring their inner beauty of knowledge, wittiness, humor, etc. Two new terms we learned were lasciviousness-excess of and concupiscence-preoccupation of the opposite sex. He even touched on fornication, adultery, sensuality, and defrauding of the other sex. At the end Mr. Tracy gave pointers on how to fix past broken relationships.

Very briefly, on a side note, he touched on “Spiritual Warfare”. We were created for battle and there are 5 main tactics to use/express when we feel under pressure of satan. 1. In the name of Jesus 2. The word of God (Bible) 3. The power of the Holy Spirit 4. The blood of Jesus and 5. Testimony

Week 10

2007-04-02T17:52:00.000-07:00

Week 10’s lecture was on “Passion for God and The Heart of our Father”. These classes were taught by Jeff Pratt, a Connecticut native YWAMer. Throughout the week we studied (of course) our God the Father’s heart, His Passion for us, and how we can obtain a passion for Him. It is extremely important to know His love for us is unconditional. “There is only one being that can satisfy the aching abyss of the human heart.” C.S. Lewis. The best thing is that He is the only thing that can fill the void and even the times we don’t feel like worshiping, He’s still right there with us through it all. In 2 Timothy 2:13 it says “if we are faithless, He will remain faithful”. Never leaving or forsaking us is not a concept that we readily accept. More and more there seem to be broken homes, bad school experiences, and even hatred from the church that scar our hearts for life. Forgiveness isn’t the choice not to hurt and doesn’t necessarily mean you have to trust the wrong doer again. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you”. 1 Peter 5:7 Ok through inner healing most of us confess what is ailing us and have repented taking responsibility for our actions but what most have trouble with is receiving from God all of your needs. We must not dwell in self-pity because this continues to look at our own needs and remaining the victim robs the love of God. All these were wrapped up with time of prayer for each other willingness to open up with one another in needs.

Guanacaste Outreach

2007-03-31T16:25:00.000-07:00

Most recently we went on a weekend outreach to a region of northern Costa Rica called the Guanacaste. The trip by bus took 5 hours and we arrived at night to a church in the town of Rio Naranjo. The pastor is a single 24 year old guy named Marvin, who we learned is very passionate about the church and community. We slept on the concrete floor of a warehouse type building and awoke around 3 am to loud wind and rain, 4 am to roosters, 5 am to a baby crying, and 6 am to the sun coming in, and 7am for breakfast. Throughout the day (Saturday) we went door to door in groups of 2 or 3 to talk and invite folks to our worship service later on that evening. I (Jason) am extremely apposed to door-to-door evangelism but in the Latin culture here people are very welcoming and open. It turned out to be fruitful and I actually enjoyed meeting quite a few of the locals. After lunch we picked up trash to show our involvement in the community to those whom with we didn’t get a chance to meet. We all gathered on the soccer field in the center of the town to play with the children (boys played soccer of course and the girls talked and played games). Afterwards we preformed 3 different attention-getting dramas on the field. After cleaning up and eating dinner (of more beans and rice) with put together a 2-hour worship service with music, dramas, and a short message. Upon closing for the night we were able to talk more one on one with several of the folks who we invited and had never been to the church before. After another night of sleeping on the concrete floor with rosters crowing at all hours of the night, we awoke around 6am for breakfast and a hike to the local waterfall. The water was bitter cold but that didn’t stop many from jumping right in. Upon returning in the afternoon we participated with the Church service with yet again more drama, worship, and short message. We completed the trip with the 5-hour bus ride back home with standing room only or sitting on the floor in the isle as we did.

The P.I.T. Crew

2007-03-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

So here we all are, all 16 of us + 2 little ones. This is the Army in which we will over take the trenches. We have shared many laughs, tears, and stories/testimonies. These are the many faces of which we both argue and pray with. Pictures only do us partial justice as to who we truly are. Our needs are constantly being shared within the crew but at this time we would like to share on our behalf as well as theirs. We are often like tea bags... you really find out the flavor when you're in hot water. All are experiencing financial difficulties impending this outreach trip to Southeast Asia. Some have a fraction of the cost, some none, and others don't even have anyone they could ask. We have to raise $48,000 by the beginning of April. That's $3,000 per person. There are frantic sells of personal items, frozen flavor ice, fresh squeezed OJ, bake sells, and on and on. It's amazing to see how hard people are working and how pleased God must be. Yet, this is a small amount of revenue in comparison to what it will cost to travel to Asia. However, this is a good time because we are learning the principle that we do the possible and God does the impossible. Please pray for the "impossible" to happen!

On a side note there are a few things to tell you. Our team has been called the "PIT Crew" because we will be traveling to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand. The Philippines has an unemployment rate of just 8% yet over 40% of the population is below the level of poverty. The culture is primarily made up of Roman Catholics, but the catholicism there has been transformed into one of idolotry which takes the focus away from Jesus. In the Philippines we will be carrying out mercy ministries such as building homes and other physical ways of helping the people and community in order to open hearts to share the gospel. On the other hand Thailand is predominately Buddhist. This religion makes up approximately 93% of the total population. The well-established YWAM bases here have given a list of over 170 different ministry opportunities. We will be able to minister in the prisons, and the sick in hospitals or any other way God leads us to build relationships and spread His word and love. Finally, of the three countries, Indonesia has been the most affected by natural disasters, possibly more than any other in the world. As many may know, they were greatly affected by the tsunami in December 2004, which left thousands homeless. Indonesia is still in need of much aid to recover from this dissaster. Besides natural dissasters, this country is made up of over 90% Muslims and is the home of the most extremist group of its type in the world. The Christians that have gone to help transform this country have been persecuted greatly. Many christians have become martyrs for their faith here due to a currupt and militant Muslim government. Here we will be joining YWAM teams to disciple and teach the local people about God and His love and truth. We also pray we can bring hope to the christians who live in fear of persecution.

If you feel led to contribute to any of us on the P.I.T. crew team we would love to hear from you. Jason's email is Jaymooky@gmail.com and Jen's is JenRodHaynes@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you either way just to keep up our lines of communication. Thank you so much for keeping up with our website. We appreciate your ongoing support through friendship, prayer, finances, etc.

Most importantly, please keep the prayers flowing as we get ready to leave. We are so excited for this time and we all want so deeply to serve God and serve the people of these three countries! Please pray for wisdom as we prepare and for our hearts to become sensitive to the needs of the people we encounter.

God Bless,
Jason and Jen

Just to make it easier, if anyone would like to give financial support to join our mission in this way, a check can be sent to either Jason's parents or our church. The quickest way for the team to get the money would be by sending it to Jason's parents but money sent to the chuch is tax deductible. We are excited to see God provide for all of us in whatever way He dreams up but if you are excited to join the relationship by financial support then pray and let us know who you would like to give to (or just to the group in general). All in all, this time is about relationships with the people we will be caring for and with all of you as our friends and family so please don't give if it's solely because you feel guilty. We cherish all of our relationships deeply and would never want to harm them by focusing on money.

Thanks again for all of the love and prayers!

Addresses:

Jason and Jennifer Haynes
c/o Pat Haynes
3318 Octavia St
Raleigh, NC 27606
(Make check payable to Jason and Jennifer Haynes with Missions written in the “memo/for” space)

Or

Grace Biltmore
PO Box 5718
Asheville, NC 28813
(Make check payable to Grace Biltmore with YWAM written in the “memo/for” space)

Week 9: Panama Outreach

2007-03-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

God has been so faithful and moving during our time here! We just recently reached our half-way point in the DTS and took a short-term outreach trip to Panama to apply what we have learned. As a group we carried out many ministries of mercy including feeding the homeless, playing with orphaned children, sitting and sharing with the elderly, serving an indigenous tribe by assisting in cleaning their school house, dancing/performing dramas in the streets to people passing by and praying with those in need and hurting as they shared their requests, and so on. As the week came to a close and we took the 20 hour bus ride back home, we had time to reflect on why we are here. We began to grasp the vision for our future here. The key is that we believe and then do and not the other way around. This is not faith by works. It’s applying God’s love to others as He loved us first!

All of the time we have spent in classes was preparing us to go out and be God’s hands and feet to His children in need. As Jason and I tumbled around on the floor with a group of orphans., our hugs and smiles were those of God’s to his forgotten babies. When we walked the streets in prayer seeking hungry people to give food to, God opened the door for us to not only share physical food with them but to tell them for Him that He loves them and they are worth caring for, praying for, and loving. Even in the indigenous village where they have heard the gospel numerous times, God opened a way for us to show our love for them by getting to know them as individuals and meeting a physical need by carrying buckets of water from the river to their school. In doing this we gave them a day to watch others do a dirty task to show God’s love for them instead of preaching the same thing they have always heard and asking them to serve us. This week was so humbling and at the same time exciting because God put all of our head knowledge into action by asking us to use our hearts and hands to get dirty and serve others.

Thank you so much for praying and supporting us! The next weeks and months will be even better! God is calling us out into the nations to share his love. We only had a week in Panama but that is only the beginning of this ministry. We wish we could fully express how excited we are to be His tools!

Week 8

2007-03-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

Week 8 was taught on “The Holy Spirit” by Steffan Hugo and his apprentice Lindoni. Steffan is the Director of one of the South Africa YWAM bases and has pioneered several of the 15 in South Africa. Lindoni is a native of South Africa and from an indigenous tribe there. Throughout the week we discussed just what the Holy Spirit is and what roll it plays in our lives. The “trinity” as many may already know is made up of God the father, Jesus the son, and the Holy Spirit (or Ghost). Many have a misconception of what the “Holy Spirit” really is. It is what truly speaks to us after the acceptance of Jesus in our lives. It guides us in decisions through prophecies, visions, etc. It is also what gives us our spiritual gifts such as healing, tongues, knowledge, wisdom, and many more. Some may never feel the presents of the Holy Spirit (much like myself) mainly because we are all made differently. It was a good week to just “soak” in the Holy Spirit. We also had an emotional time of giving and prayer with one another.

La Cruz

2007-03-17T13:03:00.000-07:00

La Cruz means "The Cross". Up on a mountain-top south of the city of San Jose lie 3 different crosses on top of 3 different mountain tops. It took all day one Saturday for about 10 of us to go. First we left around 9:30 am with a 30 min bus ride up to the last stop on the hillside. Then we hiked about 2.5 – 3 hours up to the last Cross. What an incredible view (as you can see from our sample pictures). The weather was amazing with a cool breeze the higher we got. The mountains we hiked were called the “Mountains of Death” because a long time ago before the Pan American Highway was placed, people had to hike over these mountains and would often fall asleep on top because of exhaustion and die of hypothermia. Today, many take pilgrimages from all over the country to the main cross (the tall metal structure). We were exhausted but it was well worth getting out to see the countryside and exercising at the same time.

Week 7

2007-03-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

Week 7 was a random one because the folks from South Africa got their weeks mixed up; therefore we had several of the staff speaking on numerous subjects. The first couple days we talked about "World View" of how the world sees religion. There are many different schools of thought including animism, dualism, fatalism, existentialism, and so on. We discussed what they were, how they were wrong, and what they were lacking. Next we had our student cook speak on hygiene, nutrition, etc. Finally we had what's called Genesis, which is an interactive class anywhere in the world connected via Internet. They can see us and we can see them. We linked up with the YWAM base in Kona, HI for teaching. The guy discussed a few strategies for raising support, personally for our outreach. On the next day the base director from Amsterdam spoke on "Celebrating the Nations". This day was so very special to us. We learned that God truly desires fellowship in Him in our own way. We aren't expected to change our culture in order to become "Christians". We were all created in the likeness of His image and that may show up as a tribe in South America, charismatic culture in Latin America, or even the traditional Roman Catholic Church. We share one thing in common, that we all love the Lord, and this is most important... not our differences in skin color or native language.

Where in the world are we going?

2007-03-17T00:45:00.000-07:00

This past week as a group we finally decided where we will be going on out reach! They have divided our class into 2 groups, each with 3 leaders and 12 students. Jen and I are going to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand! I rightfully named our group the P.I.T. crew after the first letters of each country. Indonesia as you all may remember was affected tremendously, and still suffers from the tsunami in 2004. (The other group will be going to China and India.) We will be leaving mid April. Please, please continue to pray for us involving travel, finances, and now specifically for the people and government of these countries. We are so excited and can’t wait to share it with you.

Indonesia is predominately Muslim, Philippines Catholic, and Thailand is made up of Buddhist. We will inform you more on what we will be doing in each country a little later.

P.S. Photographs are various pics from each country we will be traveling to on ourt-reach and are made possible by Betterphoto.com. Thanks!

Going away for a week!

2007-03-09T15:55:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! Sorry for being such slackers, you wouldn't believe how incredibly busy we have been the last couple weeks. We've been prepareing to go on our Panama outreach this coming week. We are leaving tonight (3/9/07) at 9pm. We will be taking a short bus with 29 seats... and 29 students! The ride to Panama City takes 18 hours one way!!! Sooo, we just wanted to let everyone know that we have a lot to catch you up on when we get back next week. Keep up the prayers!

DAY 10: China...a voice for the voiceless

2007-03-05T05:10:00.000-08:00

China is the world's most populated country with over 1.3 billion people, 637.5 million of which are women.

* For centuries, Chinese families without sons feared poverty and neglect. The male offspring represents continuity of lineage and protection in old age.

* The age-old bias towards boys, combined with the one-child policy imposed since 1980, has produced the largest, the highest, and the longest gender imbalance in the world. The male surplus rose to 120 boys for each 100 girls.

* Predictions for the next decade are that some 40 million Chinese men will be unable to find wives due to the "scarcity" of females as a result of kidnapping, trafficking and selective abortions.

* Women, who are up to 9 months pregnant with their second or third baby, may be taken to the hospital by regional population control officials for induced abortions.

PRAY: God created man in his own image...male and female he created them. Gen. 1:27

* God created man and women equal, pray that God would reveal this truth to the Chinese culture.
* That China woull stop its one-child policy
* That lives would be valued in new measure

For more information visit: www.photogenx.net

Week 6

2007-02-28T17:59:00.000-08:00

During our 6th week we had the pleasure of hearing from Don and Barbara Johnson. They are the founders and leaders of the Nicaragua YWAM base. This week’s topic was about the Nature and Character of God. Nature meaning He is all-powerful, all knowing, always present, etc. and His character is how He reveals His nature to us. Many believers have the belief that God is angry and judgmental but in contrary, loves us as a perfect creation given free will to chose Him or not. In not choosing, He is saddened at how deceived we have become as a nation that puts its trust in other worldly things. But only out of love as a true parent would have for their child, much like the story of the prodigal son. To be like something or someone you have to know what they like, dislike, how they act, etc. What’s your idol right now?; cloths, spouse, child(ren), money, house, drugs? I remember my mother always telling my brothers and I that we will turn into those people we associate with. Now I know what she was talking about. We were created for an awesome purpose and if we continue to ignore this we will end up dissatisfied with life in general. Seek Him often (prayer, reading the Bible, quiet times, long walks in nature, praise/worship, whatever appeals to you), listen to what He says, and most important obey your calling.

Jaco Beach Trip

2007-02-24T16:48:00.000-08:00

So Jen and I haven’t really had a date since we got here so we decided to take a trip to Jaco Beach last weekend. We took a short taxi ride into San Jose (about 15min) for about $3.00 then took the 8 am bus to Jaco (pronounced Ha-co). We arrived around 10:15 and headed to the bus station to purchase our return tickets for later on that afternoon b/c they tend to get sold out quickly. The bus tickets are less than $3.00 (USD) per person each way! Jaco is on the west coast (pacific side) and is known primarily for its nightlife, tourism, and drug scene, so you can imagine the non-natives walking around. It was kinda dirty but still, the black sand beach was perfect for a day trip get-away. The temp. was in the mid 80’s with cloudy skies and the water was around 70 degrees F. So you can imagine how nice it was. People were playing soccer and riding horse back. As you can see the day was perfect for just the two us.

DAY 9: Female Laborers...a voice for the voiceless

2007-02-21T05:43:00.000-08:00

Female laborers are women who work too long, too hard and too much, especially in back breaking manual labor.

* Out of the 550 million working poor in the world, an estimated 330 million, or 60% are women.

* The majority of women earn on average about 3/4 of the pay of males for the same work.

* An African peasant woman typically works 16 hours daily trudging long distances to fetch firewood, animal fodder and water, growing and harvesting food, tending crops, and cooking and caring for her family. This leaves little time to seek education and training, the very things that enable women to break the cycle of low status and poverty.

* Worldwide, over 60% of people working in family enterprises without pay are women.

* On a one hectare farm in the Indian Himalayans, a pair of bullock's works 1064 hours, a man woks 1212 hours and a women 3485 hours a year.

PRAY: Who is like our God who rescues the poor from those too strong for them? Ps. 35: 10

* This verse over the exploited women who are forced to work too long, too hard, too much
* For godly business owners
* For Bible based family structures.

...for more information visit www.photogenx.net and order booklet or contact Paul and Susi Childers directly.

Family here in need.

2007-02-20T11:29:00.000-08:00

This is a personal request for Jen and I on behalf of a young Costa Rican couple here in the DTS with us. Their names are Wilson and Milena. They are in their early twenties and have 2 beautiful chicitas (little girls). Rachael is 3 years old and Mariel is less than a year old. These adorable little rays of sunshine are sooo precious. They have one donated stroller between both children and will be bringing the girls on outreach with us. With all the traveling and walking we’ll have to do we thought it would be nice to give them a baby-backpack (preferably one that can grow with the girls). I remember seeing pictures of my dad (Jason’s) carry me around on his back while he cut the grass on a riding lawn mower. So if any of you have one or know of someone who has one and wants to get rid of it or even if you find it in your heart to buy one, please let us know. You can email us or comment on our blog and we’ll get back with you on the details. Thanks!

PS Jen is a bit jealous over Rachael calling me her “novio” (boyfriend), but she’ll have to get over it. In all seriousness, we have become their gringo aunt (tia) and uncle (tio)… Another thing, doesn’t Rachael remind you of Boo from the movie Monster’s Inc.?

Week 5

2007-02-20T11:24:00.000-08:00

Our 5th week proved to be a touching one. Jorge (pronounced Hor-hay) Jimenez was the speaker for the week on the topic of “Worship”. He is a Tico from the Montana YWAM base where he heads the School of Worship there with his wife and 2 kids. I mentioned to Jen and the class that the last time I cried was when I saw Jen walking down the isle but this particular week I wept twice. For the short and sweet, we talked about our lives being one, big worship. We seem to limit our comprehension of worship for only the times of singing or making music. This is completely false and can inhibit our relationship with the Father. As Allison Krauss said in one of her songs (sang at our wedding), I want to be “a living prayer”.

Jorge and Spencer (husband of Vanessa the speaker of week 4) are going to be here starting/leading a School of Worship in September. What a great opportunity to anyone who loves to make joyful noise. Anyway, we enjoyed the laid back week of him playing guitar (which is Jason’s Taylor guitar in the pics) and leading worship.

Heart Day!

2007-02-20T11:18:00.000-08:00

On February 14th they have a tradition here called Valentines’ day, so we all (students and staff) got together and had dinner at a local Asian restaurant. What's more romantic than chinese food, besides we had a good time just goofing off… as you can tell in some of the pics. We hope everyone back home had a great day as well, spending it with the ones you love.

DAY 8: Purdah...a voice for the voiceless

2007-02-19T05:22:00.000-08:00

Purdah is the practice of the seclusion of women from public observation by covering their bodies from head to toe. It is also a state of social isolation, which confines women to their homes.

* Purdah is seen as a protection of the dignity of women
* In some cases, segregation is taken so seriously that houses are surrounded with eight to ten foot high purdah walls.
* Purdah is frequently carried to such extremes that women suffer from softening of bones, eczema and ulcers due to lack of
sunlight.
* In Bangladesh, women have been attacked with acid because they were brave enough to be seen in public, transgressing the
traditiional boundaries of purdah.
* Purdah includes the restriction of women's access to medical care.

PRAY: Nothing is hidden from God's sight. Heb. 4:13a

* That God would break down the walls of segregation so women would be released into their destinies.
* For doctors to speak up about the physical consequences of purdah on a government level.
* For the release of female missionaries to serve these women.

What happens if the washing machine breaks down?

2007-02-15T16:28:00.000-08:00

So for the first couple weeks the washing machine was broken and as you can see we were running out of underwear... so we had to wash by hand and dry them on a clothes-line. Mom (Jason's), I now know what you are talking about. It's tough work! I worked up a sweat, my arms were sore, and my back hurt the next day. Just another commodity we take for granted!!!

DAY 7:Eating Disorders...a voice for the voiceless

2007-02-15T05:12:00.000-08:00

An eating disorder is a compulsion where a person's eating habits damage their health. The eating may be too excessive (compulsive overeating), too limited (restricting), or cycles of binging and purging.

* Up to 70 million people worldwide struggle with eating disorders, 90-95% of whom are women.
* 95% of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25.
* Eating disorders have been diagnosed in girls as young as seven. 81% of 10-year olds in the United States are afraid of being fat.
* The average American woman is 5'4" tall and weighs 140 pounds. The average American model is 5'11" tall and weighs 117 pounds.

PRAY: God delights in His daughters. Zeph. 3:17

* That the affected girls would discover the delight God has in them.
* That they would comprehend what true beauty is.
* For the church to address this growing issue.

For more info...www.photogenx.net...or email me for further websites on this subject: jenrodhaynes@gmail.com

DAY 6:Refugees...a voice for the voiceless

2007-02-14T11:47:00.000-08:00

A refugee is a person who flees his/her home to escape invasion, oppression, or persecution. They genuinely risk serious human rights abuses.

* There are about 10.6 million refugees and 25.8 million internally displaced people (IDP) worldwide

* 75-80% of the world refugees are women and children

* Women and children refugees are vulnerable to violence and exploitation by military and immigration personnel, bandit groups, male refugees and rival ethnic groups

* Asia and Africa host the majority of the world's refugees and 18.1 million IDPs.

PRAY: God is compassionate. Ex. 34:6

* That God would comfort displaced people, heal their memories and give them a new home to live.
* That the churches would reach out and open their homes and hearts to immigrants and refugees.

Week 4

2007-02-13T16:58:00.000-08:00

Week 4

Well another week of learning has come to an end. Vanessa Pavely was our guest speaker teaching on “Intimacy with God”. Vanessa is from Costa Rica and her husband Spencer is from Canada with a son named Lucas and daughter Isaballa both born in Kona, HI. They were leading the worship school in HI but while back to visit in Costa Rica, Vanessa was denied a spouse religious visa. So here they are helping out with YWAM and living down the street. Her humility and complete passion for God was so apparent every day. One thing she had us do, besides spending much of the time simply adoring God, was to learn about our different worshiping styles. Jen is inspired by nature and is an activist; on the other hand I am an intellectual that likes nature. (Those of you who are closest too us are probably smiling in agreement with this.) This may sound kind of funny but there are different styles that people tend to feel the closest to God. These are important for us to realize as we live in community and worship with others because it is easy to judge when someone worships in a very different way. All of these styles are precious to God but can also have pitfalls if we use them to judge or draw away from others. The good thing is, is that Jen and I are able to bounce things off of each other and learn from some of our differences and similarities…maybe this explains why we kept all of you outdoors for our wedding! For the two of us there is no better place to worship God!

Over the weekend Jen and I went to our friend Issac’s house over the mountains to a town called Tabarcia. We spent the morning at his church, and then had lunch at his house. A good meal of beans, rice, pollo (chicken), and bananas accompanied. When we arrive at his house we were amazed at the conditions he was living in. The walls were made of randomly sized wood slats which you could see through and large spiders had spun their webs between, the floor was comprised of dirt, chickens occasionally wandered through the house from time to time, and on and on... You can only picture in your head what it was like…and then make yourself imagine a little worse. Despite all of this, Issac continues to realize just how blessed he is. He and his family were so loving and hospitable. They invited us in, hugged us, fed us, and showed us proudly around the place. They have so little and yet when you look at them you see how much they have. We wish everyone who grumbles about being poor in America could meet this family and hear how much they long to help the poor…people who have less than them. Isaac has a true heart that shines everyday and the passion for sharing the gospel is very apparent. We never hear him complain about how little he has, instead he gushes about how much God has given to him and his family. Jen and I have grown to love this guy and today it was apparent why.

DAY 5: Abortion...a voice for the voiceless

2007-02-13T05:23:00.000-08:00

It is the medical termination of a pregnancy at any point before the full delivery of the baby.

* Approximately 46 million abortions take place each year worldwide- 126,000 abortions per day, 87 each minute, almost 2 every 3 seconds.
* The average is 1 abortion per woman worldwide.
* In many developing countries, abortion is accepted as a primary birth control method.
* Carless abortions account for 80,000 maternal deaths globally per year.
* Approximately 6.4 million abortions occur annually in the U. S.

PRAY: Ps. 139: 13

* That God's broken heart for the aborted babies would become the conscience of the world.
* That laws valuing life over choice would be written and enforced in your nation.

Thank you for joining these days of prayer. All information was taken from the 30 Days of Prayer for the Voiceless booklet by Paul and Susi Childers...this booklet contains specific websites, organizations and literature which gather and support these facts. If you would like information on any of these topics visit www.photogenx.net to order the booklet or email me (Jen) at jenrodhaynes@gmail.com. Thank you!

Enjoying our new Mac programs!

2007-02-12T19:28:00.000-08:00

DAY 4: Pakistan...a voice for the voiceless

2007-02-12T10:40:00.000-08:00

Pakistan has over 81 million women who suffer some of the worst cases of gender-based injustice. Female literacy is 23%; school enrollment is 16%,; maternal mortality rate is as high as 340 per 100,000 live births.

• 99% of the babies which are thrown into gutters, trash bins and on sidewalks in Karachi are girls. They are considered a
burden to society.
• Nearly 50% of women who do report rape are jailed due to an ordinance which doesn’t recognize rape in a marriage.
• Pakistani men killed 280 women and disfigured 750 in 2002 from intentional acid attacks.
• Daily up to three women die from “stove deaths”; one out of three of these were pregnant. This usually occurs after a
history of marital abuse for not giving birth to a son, disobedience, or allegations of adultery.

Pray: Ps. 9:8
* That God would restore the dignity of women who are victimes of a distorted code of honor.
* That He would raise up righteous officials to enforce the laws of the land.
* For the protection of Pakistani women.

DAY 3: Domestic Violence...a voice for the voiceless

2007-02-09T12:25:00.000-08:00

Domestic violence occurs between spouses or intimate partners, when one partner in the relationship tries to control the other person. The perpetrator uses fear and intimidation and often physical or sexual violence.

* One out of three women worldwide has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime.
*4 million women a year are assaulted by their partners. In 1 of 4 cases, women will also experience sexual abuse.
*60% of battered women are abused while they are pregnant.
*70-90% of women in Pakistan experience domestic violence.
* Every 9 seconds in the United States, a woman is assaulted and beaten.
*1.1 million women in Australia have experienced violence by a previous partner.

Pray..Defend the cause of the weak: Ps. 83:2
*For the protection of women who face domestic violence
*That God would stir His people to raise the standard of mutual repect in marriage
*That God would raise up men who can mentor others how to be godly husbands and fathers.

DTS Budget Update

2007-02-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

We are 1 month into it and 1/5 of the way through! It’s hard to believe how fast it’s going. Jen and I were talking about how weird it is to call this place home but it really has become our home. With the time that has passed we have already seen the hand of God in our lives time and time again. One of those aspects is in finances. Thanks to you, our many supporters, we have been able to finish paying for the first portion (lecture phase) of the DTS. It’s always hard and humbling to ask for money but through faith we realize that God does provide. These provisions are only possible through the help of our family and friends. Below, I have listed an up to date budget but remember don’t give unless you feel called to do so… the last thing we want is a gift out of guilt. Finally, remember that there are so many more of us down here that have yet to receive funding needed to complete the course. So continue to pray for finances and the location of the outreach as well.

Costa Rica YWAM Budget

Starting Contribution $4,000.00
Flight to Costa Rica -1,200.00
=2,800.00
75% DTS Lecture phase -2,250.00
=550.00
Contributions through Church +1496.60
=2046.60
Remaining 25% of Lecture phase -750.00
=1,296.60
Renewal of Temporary Visa -100.00
=1,196.60
Personal Account Contributions +675.00
=1,871.60
YWAM Offering +500.00
Total as of 2/7/07 =2,371.60
-6,000.00
Needed to raise for Outreach 3,629.40
Experiencing and sharing God's love... priceless

Outreach phase of DTS (Maximum total for both of us including air fair to Asia, food, housing, visas, etc.)

*Not included is the unexpected flight back to the states for the funeral of Jen’s grandfather ($1,100), Health insurance for 5 months ($1,520), and day-to-day expenses (approx. $400.00 based on spending $20 a week) totaling about $3,00.00 extra we need.

We’ll let you know ASAP on the location of our Outreach. Thanks again!

DAY 2: AIDS...a voice for the voiceless

2007-02-08T05:46:00.001-08:00

I'm sorry that I broke my promise to all of you...I told you I would take you on a journey with me through the Voice for the Voiceless 30 days of prayer...as you all know my dear grandpa passed away and family ties were more important for that time. Now we are settled back in and the internet seems to be alive today so this is a new start with Day 2.

AIDS is a serious, fatal disease of the immune system contracted through blood transfusions, sexual contact or contaminated neddles. There is no known cure for it.

* AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since 1981-more than four Jewish holocausts or 22 Rwandan genocides.
*In 2005, every minute there were 10 newly infected people worldwide.
*Africa has 12 million AIDS orphans.
*43% of those infected with HIV are women.
*There are 40.3 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, a 1/3 are between the ages of 15-24.

Please pray : Micha 7:18b
*That God would intervene against this epidemic
*That He would raise up medical researchers and doctors to discover solutions to HIV
*That God would release Bible teachers to confront the causes of AIDS to see personal and social transformation.

~ All information was taken directly from Paul and Susi's book 30 Days of Prayer for the Voicless... This booklet can be ordered from their site. Each day contains internet resources and books which support the facts for the day and a personal impact story from someone suffering from the issue. Their website is located on our links colum to the right of this post. The link is titled "Voice for the Voiceless". Thank you for praying!
With all my love ~ Jen

The 2 things Costa Ricans love the most

2007-02-06T20:17:00.000-08:00

… coffee and soccer

The fun activity we did a few weeks ago was going to Heridia by bus to a “futbol” (soccer) game on Sun. A group from Oregon was here on a mission trip making tables and benches for the base in order for us to have class. We went to the game with this group and a Tico (local male). The round trip cost per person of buses was around $1.00, which was 20 minutes to San Jose then 15 walk through the city to another bus station to take the 45 min bus ride to the town of Heridia. We pulled up to the stadium painted in red and yellow (colors of Heridia). After eating at Pizza Hut (the only restaurant open and only sold Medium pizzas), we purchased tickets, and passed through poor security. We found our seats as beating drums and vendors yelling “la Coca Coca!” filled the air. The opposing team ended up winning surprisingly 1 to 0. During this time we got to know and enjoy the presents of one particular couple Andrew and Maria from Oregon, hopefully we’ll bump into each other in the future.

As for the coffee, you’d have to taste it to really know what I’m talking about. When we briefly went back to the States, we had American coffee… what a big let down. Here they have a pot brewing most of the day (i.e. breakfast, breaks, lunch, and dinner).

You have your Superbowl... we have ours!

2007-02-06T20:04:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to give a big shout out to my oldest brother Walt... Congrats on the Colts big win! We all got together and had a superbowl party watching the big game on a projector screen. Peanuts and coffee were the snacks of choice and we all had a good time (us Americans). Most of the Ticos (male Costa Ricans) didn't know what was going on.

We're Back!

2007-02-04T08:20:00.000-08:00

We’re back! We just wanted to thank everyone for your comments left on our blog. Jen and I would like to express our deepest gratitude for support and prayers from our family and friends in these hard times. We are doing well considering the circumstances we are facing and eagerly await the exciting remainder of this journey. Both of us are also looking forward to continuing our ministry through posting on this blog… so keep checking back!

***Newest Update!!! We now have Skype. To those unfamiliar with this term, it is a type of internet phone access. So if you have something you want to talk about, just email and we can call you… we figured that we wouldn’t actually get a number because email is just effective and cheep for us to receive messages. (please leave your phone number if you would like us to call)

Remembering Grandpa

2007-01-28T19:28:00.000-08:00

Jen and I recieved the sad, unexpected news of her grandfather passing away today at 1pm. We just wanted everyone to know that we will be taking the first flight out in the morning (1/29/07) bound for Atlanta and will arrive around 9pm. The funeral is Wednesday and we will be returning to CR on Friday. Please remember us in your prayers as well as our family, safe travels, and unexpected finances. Jason's Grandmother also passed away a week ago (on Sunday 1/21/07) so keep his family in your prayers as well. Well try to stay in touch and post more as it comes. Thanks.

Week 2

2007-01-28T09:30:00.000-08:00

Week 2 Lecture

Throughout this week Paul Childers and his wife Susi were guest speakers during lecture. These classes were focused on hearing the voice of God and obeying. In summary, we were given pointers on trusting the Lord at all costs. God speaks to us in ordinary life, sometimes out of the box and others through dreams and visions. The Holy Spirit can inspire specific tools such as the Bible (intuition), wisdom from others, and pastor’s input with spiritual authority. If you’ve read “Screw tape letters” by C.S. Lewis then you may also know that the world provides many distractions. Doubt, past experiences of being wounded, and not understanding or getting wrapped up in theology are just a few we discussed. Above all Jesus wants us to transform from “religion” into a “relationship”. There are 12 different principles we went over in class that help as a referral to what we may need to really understand hearing the voice of God. (If you want I can email or post them, just let Jen or I know.)

This week we have started reading “Making Jesus Lord” by Loren Cunningham. So far, a few chapters in, I have put together that the greatest word coming to mind is idolatry. We put all kinds of stuff in front of God. Work/careers, finances, and even family just to name a few… I’ll get back with you later as we finish the book and come up with a formal opinion.

Bowling!

2007-01-28T09:12:00.000-08:00

Yesss, they have bowling down here… and no not with those small balls either!

One of the adventures we took was last Friday with several other students to go bowling. 10 of us all decided to go and one of the Costa Rican guys (Issac) wouldn’t go because he was concerned about his money situation so Jen and I offered to pay his way. He darted back to his room and changed. On the bus ride over to a neighboring town we found out that this was Issac’s first time to ever go bowling. We were so glad we asked because even though he was horrible, he seemed to have the time of his life. The bus ticket was about 20 cents each way and bowling turned out to be about $5 with shoes for an hour. Jen decided not to play to save money and I scored a measly 108. The first bowl of the night was dedicated to Nick Stillwell… bottoms up!

DAY 1: CHILD PROSTITUTION...a voice for the voiceless

2007-01-26T05:43:00.000-08:00

Thank you for joining us on this journey of prayer for these voiceless victims.
All of the following information was taken directly from the 30 Days of Prayer for the Voiceless booklet by Paul and Susi Childers.
* 10 million children worldwide are engaged in some facet of the sex industry. Each year at least one milllion children, mostly girls, become prostitutes.
* In Thailand, 10-12 year old girls service men in the sex incustry. They typicallly have sex with men 10-15 times daily and sometimes as many as 20-30.
* In South Africa, there are 40,000 child prostitutes.
* Children are more susceptible to HIV and other STDs.
PRAY... Psalms 12:5
~ that God would arise and defend the little ones
~ that God would raise up lawyers, moviemakers and government rulers who will bring an end to this savage exploitation

Our Costa Rica Top Ten!

2007-01-25T20:39:00.000-08:00

Top 10 Fun Facts we’ve learned about Costa Rica:
1. Instead of saying, “Did you sleep well?” here they ask, “How did you wake?” "Como amanecio?"...Instead of saying "Hola" as "Hello" when greeting each other on the street, they say "Adios"...but when leaving they don't say "Adios" for goodbye unless they are leaving for a very long time.
2. Instead of Diet Coke we have Coke Light
3. There are so many stray dogs around here (Jen’s going crazy) but we have yet to see one dead by the side of the road. They have incredible car sense. We have one little brown runt the size of a chihuahua on our corner that runs all the others off. Across the street there is a home that has multiple dogs that end up waking everyone up with there midnight monolog.
4. YWAM (Youth with a Mission) is translated as JUCUM
5. You can’t take glass, bottled drinks with you from the store… they pour it in a plastic bag for you to drink with a straw.
6. You have to leave plastic bottles out of the trash b/c people will come around and rip open the bags to find them and "recycle".
7. Everyone has an alarm systems on their cars, they are often set off by loud tractor-trailers that drive by, but no one pays them any mind. So if there were any car thieves out there, this is the place to be.
8. “Tico Time” is a term used to say people here are always late… it always runs 15-30 min. behind schedule. (it’s teaching Jason to be more flexible)
9. A 20 min bus ride into San Jose’ is approx. 40 cents one way per person
10. If you flush toilet paper… have a plunger close by. (they throw away all toilet paper)

Week 1

2007-01-25T20:00:00.000-08:00

As I said during week 1, Becca Johnson PhD (psychology) spoke to us on our “Identity in Christ”. After much discussion, prayer, and personality tests, Jen and I both confirmed just how different we really are. Wait, did I say different? I meant to say polar opposites. Anyway, we had an idea of this before we even got married but the difference was this class helped hone in on our uniqueness created by God. After realizing we were created this way for a reason then we could move on and learn to love one another in our differences. The verse given was in Psalm 139, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.”

During this week we also read a book called “Is that you, God?”. Loren Cunningham, the founder of YWAM, wrote this book. It was truly a biography about the truths in following God’s provisions and calling for our lives. Hearing the Lord speak and following these visions are two different things. We had to turn in reports of how it impacted our thinking and application for life. Jen drew a picture and I wrote a paper called “Obedience” (if anyone is interested in reading it I can either post it or email it to you, just let me know).

Typical Day?

2007-01-25T18:32:00.000-08:00

Where do we begin? More or less we can start where we left off on the last post. It’s hard to believe that we have been here almost 2 weeks! We are having such an incredible time. Life here at the base is getting better. Jen and I live in a house with 8 other girls and share 2 full bathrooms (even though the toilets and showers are separated). 3 square meals a day packed with carbs and hearing the gospel… what more could you possibly need?

A typical day begins by awaking around 6:15 to eat breakfast around 6:30, consisting of either cereal, muffins, pancakes, eggs, or the main staple… beans and rice. After b-fast it’s off to the shower (notice I didn’t say hot shower). Between 7-8am we have personal quiet time with God then it’s prayer time or worship depending on the day from 8-9. Everyday during the week we have class between 9 and noon. Each week we have different topics and different guest speakers which are translated into spanish as well (bilingual learning). Week 1 Becca Johnson PhD (Psychology) spoke on “Identity in Christ” which was a blast, learning about our quirky selves and others. This week Paul and Susi Childers from the Kona base in Hawaii are speaking on “Hearing the voice of God”. We’ll go more in-depth later, on what we learned and so forth. At 12:30 we have lunch (usually beans, rice, and yuca) then small groups from 2-4pm. We do our work duties from 4-6pm, Jen cleans the girl”s house (i.e. sweeping, mopping, toilets, sinks, etc.) and I am on the maintenance team (doing everything from moving and setting up beds to fixing showers to unclogging toilets). Dinner at 6 and then usually we have free time or some nights we have “family time” where we do something with the other students such as watching a movie or going out on the town.

INJUSTICE

2007-01-25T16:09:00.000-08:00

Paul and Susi Childers spoke to our team this week in Costa Rica. Wednesday afternoon, Paul showed us their latest project...more appropriately, their mission for the lives of multitudes. As we sat watching and listening, our minds and eyes were opened to a heart-breaking reality. This reality is "gender injustice". The abuse and suppression of the female gender has become one of the most pressing issues of our new century. In actuality, it has been one of the most serious issues for centuries but finally, the horror, abandonment, and hoplessness of millions of women and girls is being brought into the light. On the question of this issue being one of the greatest issues of this century, Loren Cunningham, founder of YWAM, wrote in his forward to a Voice for the Voicless, " Because it is the biggest, most far reaching, and most hidden."

The Childers have created a book which addresses one issue each day for 30 days. Each day consists of a photo Although Jason and I have only seen a glimpse of the surface of these injustices...once our eyes have been opened, we are compelled to do what we can and whatever God calls us to. You are all our friends and family. We wanted to share these things for you so that we could all gain knowledge and pray...and for some of us take whatever action we can. I believe God's heart is torn open for these women...I believe He is angry at the injustice done to His creations! Jason and I definitely experienced these emotions as we watched the faces of these women flash before us on the screen. However, as Jason mentioned to me yesterday, the greatest thing these women need is hope...hope in a God who loves them and a way to share this love is prayer...many people in prayer for the women, for those who are called into action, for guidance to the leaders in each nation, for guidance and passion to rise up in the church.

For 30 days, Jason and I are going to pray for each issue in the book. We would love for anyone who understands the need to pray with us. If this is something you feel on your heart, I will be putting a new post up each day with the new issue... I will also include links to organizations which serve in each area.

Here also is the website for Paul and Susi Childers: http://www.photogenx.net/
This site gives more information about the issues and mission of this couple.

Thank you and we love and appreciate you all!
Jen

Thanks!

2007-01-14T16:05:00.000-08:00

This post is for us to say thanks for all of our gifts (not limited to these pictures).

Nick thanks so much for the camera, this blog wouldn't be the same without it.
Ashe, the bracelet is getting some good lovin...
Walt, Robin, Abby, Logan, and Lt Walt we are reminded of ya'll and what we are doing while keeping our valuables safe.
Mom (Cathy) thank you for the iPod speakers, they are coming in handy and the book of Rush and I. We miss him so much but this is an item that I couldn't leave home without.
Last but definitely not least we would like to thank God for placing us here and worshiping you in a totally different culture. This is a picture of me (Jason) outside of the church we went to this am.

Random stuff and Info. changes

2007-01-14T15:48:00.000-08:00

Thank you for asking! Some have asked us where to send letters and support now that we are in Costa Rica...actually there are several answers to this question...

If you would like to send support directly for us then use this address:
(Support will be directly deposited into our personal account set aside for this mission)

Jason and Jennifer Haynes
c/o Patricia Haynes
3318 Octavia St.
Raleigh, NC 27606

If you would like to send us money to go into a ywam fund for us and which will be tax deductible please send to:
(Very Important! If you do this method please make checks out to Grace Biltmore and put "YWAM" in the memo slot...please do not put our names on the checks, instead send a seperate piece of paper with our names if you like.)

Grace Biltmore
P.O.Box 5718
Asheville, NC 28813

Finally, letters etc. under 6lbs. can be sent directly to us at the YWAM Costa Rica address until we leave to travel on our outreach...this will be around the beginning of April. We will keep you posted about exact dates.)

YWAM San Jose
Attn. Jason and Jennifer Haynes
Apdo. 252-2070
Sabanilla, Mts de Oca
San Jose
Costa Rica

Incase of an emergency we you can call the base before 10pm at 506-227-2070.

We cannot thank you all enough for your love, support and prayers!

More on our first full day.

2007-01-14T07:42:00.000-08:00

We awoke around 7am to no electricity that led to no hot water that led to a frigidly cold shower. After breakfast we had orientation of base rules and were set out in small groups on a treasure hunt in our small town called "San Francisco". We had to accomplish small tasks such as finding the post office and ask how much it cost to send a postcard to the US, pick up a menu from a restaurant, take a picture with a taxi driver, and finally the trip lead to a park where we had lunch and sports. I played soccer while Jen played Frisbee. During the afternoon free time Jen and I walked around town and bought Coca-Cola Light... yeah Light not Diet! (remember Jes?) Anyway, the staff had an amazing welcome dinner for us students. It consisted of Steak Fajitas with chips and salsa.

Some of the pictures don't do this place justice. It is more beautiful than we remembered and the people here are so kind. We are some how humbled with our bare room and intermittently cold showers. We are still on the edge of our seats for what God has in store for us... So stay tuned for more updates and pictures!

We Made It!!!

2007-01-14T06:55:00.000-08:00

As you can see we finally arrived to our long awaited destination... San Jose, Costa Rica. It’s a bit different leaving snow in NC to a tropical region was 80 degrees F is the high with a nice cool breeze and 65 F is the low at night. So we left off with making our flight but we must explain that what happened afterwards... never a dull moment in our lives. So we arrive in Huston, TX for our connecting flight only to meet another DTS student from named Ashley, a quite bubbly schoolteacher from FL. The flight into San Jose was a bit bumpy upon arrival due to "surface gusts" and we pulled in to our terminal only to wait approximately another 2 hours on the plane. Midway through waiting we saw a fire truck pull up with lights on, then another... then another with firemen hopping out putting on there turnout gear and air packs. Soon we were updated by the pilot that we were now in custody of the Costa Rican government. We disembarked the rear of the plane with an escort to waiting bus shuttles. Then we were taken to a holding area where we waited. At this point we still don't know what the heck is going on, but we did end up meeting 2 other DTS students that were on the same flight (5 of us total now together). After about an hour or so, over a loud speaker a gentleman with a spanish accent said that we were allowed to go to customs. It turned out to be a BOMB THREAT! Our flight made national news...There we picked all of our 150lbs of luggage and exited the airport in the crowded sea of taxi drivers and beggars. We recognized our shuttle folks and crammed our suitcases and backpacks into a van and headed to the base. The ride was crazy, weaving in and out of traffic, dodging people and scooters, with horns blaring all the while watching a surreal scene of the sun setting over the mountains with partly cloudy skies. We were received with a warm welcome of many families, small children playing and had dinner of soup and salad. Jen and I were shown our amazing room with over 20 cabinets and a closet for hanging cloths. We settled in and unpacked for the night and crashed into a soundly stuperious sleep.

2007-01-13T21:11:00.000-08:00

Well a bunch of stuff has transpired since the last post. Our "see ya later" party was a hit, we found a temporary home for Dax (the puppy we found), moving was a terrible and sad tragity, packing for our trip was quite a task, but dispite all of these things we managed to make it to the airport in ATL for our deportation.

The Party
First of all we'd like to give a big thanks especially to Nick, Sara, Clark, and Nancy for planning and implementing our party. We also want to thank Dan and Annie for hosting and Bobby for the ice cold refreshments and fire. Last but definitely not least thanks to all who braved the cold rain and made it out to say "peace out". Your last few words of encouragement ment a ton. Hopefully we will have pics to post if Clark ever sends them from his make shift photography studio. (Haha thanks bunches Clark)

Dax
Thanks to all who inquired about the pup, through networking we were able to give Dax over to the NC Hound Rescue. They will take good care of him until the find a suitable and loving home for him. In fact he has already been neutered, had a microchip implanted (so he won't get lost again!), and one family is giving him a 2 week trial/test run. Finally if you are somehow sorry you gave up your opportunity to own him... I'm sure all of the dog radars in GA will know when Jen gets home. So you know what that means... our "vacancy sign" will be on, blinking, and the strays will come running.

Moving
Our first "home" together was full of many memories on the second floor of Camp Merri-Mac/Timberlake. Sarcastically speaking, we will miss Bear and Zara's 3am monologue, midnight 3rd floor foot steps (were they getting dance lessons?), late night shop parties, business phones ringing at all hours, breaker fuses tripping in freezing weather, and overflowing toilets from upstairs...TWICE! Aside from thes memories and many others (good ones) we have learned to love where we first lived as a married couple. Now we have gotten to the point of finally reallizing how much crap we have. It's really tough deciding what to keep and what to get rid of, what to sell and what to give away... but I will tell you this, never get rid of your wife's childhood horse figure or your husband's Cabbage Patch kids just because you think they are silly! (just letting you married couples in on a little secret) Eating out seemed to be our source of nutrition since our kitchen being among the first to get packed. But our loving family and friends pulled together and managed to surround us with blessings by bringing us food, taking us out, and inviting us over for dinner. This was very special for us because it allowed us to have one last chat with our amegos. Back to moving, through pulling "all-nighters" and strained backs we managed to finally get everything semiorganized and into storage. (Special thanks to those foster homes of some our stuff: i.e. desk, t.v., longhorns,... not forgeting RUSH!)

Packing
Courtney Stillwell blessed us with her prescense the night our departure to help/hang out a bit and say goodbye. As chaotic and hectic our live are Jen and I managed to pack up a pair of underwear or two with each of us bringing about 150lbs (EACH!) with us. That's incredible... what were we thinking... it's only 5 months! We also managed to finally celebrate out 1 year anniversary... I know what you're thinking, "weren't the married in Sept.?". We were in Hawaii for our special day and long story short we; we kept putting it off. So after visitnig 5 different freezers the cake finally found a home in our bellies... along with a fine, deliciously chilled bottle of bubbly. I also had the opportunity to get Jen back for the "cake in my face" incident at our wedding. On top of all this the night before we leave I tried to figure out our new purchase... MacBooks don't quite work like PC's... who knew? Well anyway, thanks to Nick and Jes we are up and crawling so bear with us as we try to keep ya'll posted.

FREE OF CHARGE!!!

2007-01-02T15:59:00.000-08:00

So Dax had his first (supposedly) vet visit today (1/2/07). He is about 4 months old and weighs 34 lbs. His physical exam revealed a good "bill of health". He recieved treatment for intestinal worms (hook and round), Heartworm, and fleas. Also was vaccinated for Rabies, DHLP (distemper), Parvo, and Corona. So... he should be set for the next year or so. (Just needs a few repeat things in 2-3 wks)

He still needs a loving home so don't be shy. See our previous blog for more information and our email addresses for contact.

P.S. We'll even throw in his first month of food for free.

Dax needs a good home!

2006-12-31T15:07:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know... a quite little hound pup found us a couple days ago and won his way into our hearts. Unfortunately, as our previous blog posts say, we are leaving the country in just under 2 weeks. So that means it's up to you guys to help us find a good home for him. We have named him Dax but he really doesn't know that yet so if you want to change his birth certificate then you might want to check with him first. Anyway, we have guessed his age at approx. 3 months give or take a month, he has not been neutered yet and seems to be in good shape with the exception of mild malnurishment. He is extremely smart and very very loveable. In just the few short days we've had him he is nearly house-broken and has been successfully trained in walking on a leash and sleeping in a kennel. Please call us or email if you have any leads for a loving home. Jaymooky@gmail.com or JenRodHaynes@gmail.com

After researching on the web, we have concluded that he is a Treeing Walker Coonhound. Too bad he didn't bring his papers with him...we might be able to find him a home even quicker! If you are interested, here is a website that talks about the breed:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/treeingwalkercoonhound.htm

Costa Rica or Bust!!!

2006-12-31T13:38:00.000-08:00

For anyone who didn't receive our support letter we have pasted a copy below:

Dear Friends and Family,
I hope this letter finds you all well and that you have had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Jen and I are writing to you for your support and prayers for the upcoming year in our lives. As many of you may or may not know we are about to embark on a new journey to Costa Rica and Asia for 6 months starting in January. In Psalms 37:7 it says “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…” This has been in the making since before we were born, on our hearts for several years, and in the planning for about 6 months through prayer. God explains in Matthew 7:7-11 to ask the Lord for new things that He has in store for you. We have felt called to obey God as he has blessed us with gifts and a passion to reach out to the multitude of his children. He says in 1 Peter 4:10 “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” After being married for our first year, Jen and I began talking with each other and our families about our future plans. As we searched for answers, neither of us could deny our deep passion to serve people, to spread the gospel and to experience different cultures. We realized that this could be the perfect time and opportunity to try and follow this undeniable calling. In a surprisingly short time, God had flung the door wide open for the two of us to join Youth With A Mission. By joining Youth With A Mission (YWAM) we will be able to serve our brothers and sisters by learning to love each other as we were intended to do since the beginning of time. Providing medical aid, construction, and feeding the hungry are just a few areas in which we will be able to share and “administer” this love. “Blessed are the feet of those who bring good news…” YWAM is a nonprofit-nondenominational Christian ministry that provides these means of reaching regions of the globe that would unlikely hear of the “good news”. “To those to whom it was never proclaimed about Him, will see and those who have never heard will understand” The first step in becoming a part of this organization is to join a Discipleship Training School(DTS) team. The aim of the DTS is to prepare people like us to be messengers of the gospel, build character, and to seek a more intimate relationship with our creator through cross-cultural exposure and global awareness to current and future generations.

Each DTS consists of two parts. The first part consists of us being based at a stationary location for three months and the second part would involve all of us to travel for three months reaching a broad range of people and locations. Originally we intended on Costa Rica being our affordable option but have been placed in a position out of our comfort zone. Our team was scheduled to spend three months at the stationary base in San Jose, Costa Rica. Next we were going to travel in Costa Rica and nearby Latin nations for the remaining three months. After recent prayer and counsel, our leaders believe that there exists a large need for our team in Asia. Travel to Asia as our outreach portion of missions will require more money for transportation (i.e. plane tickets, bus rides, etc.) Fortunately if you can help, it will not only be able to support us as a couple but also for a cause that you might not be able to otherwise experience. We all have our places in this world but have different expectations of how God can really work. In Ephesians 4:11-13 it says, “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” It is extremely humbling for us to ask for help but this is why God has set forth so much effort in the “church”, fellowship, and community.

Both of us have given up our jobs and home at this point in our lives to pursue our greater calling. Jesus said in 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This is incredible, it means so much more for us to rely on Him in our time of need. It also speaks to those of third world countries who have nothing, to know they are loved far greater than wealth or worldly possessions.

As January 12th 2007 quickly nears I urge you to pray for us. We just wanted to let you in on our plans and most of all wanted you to be a part of our lives. Whatever contribution you may have can be sent to our church for a tax-free gift. Or you may send money to us here at camp before Jan 12 or to the YWAM base after we arrive. All proceeds will go directly towards our trip. Remember prayer can be just as powerful as anything with monetary value, so please don’t feel obligated to give anything. We will be keeping in touch to show our progress so that you can indirectly track how God is working through us. Thank you so much for your love for us and the people of Costa Rica and Asia. Hope to see you soon.

Jason and Jen Haynes

P.S. If you'd like more information (personal) please feel free to email us at either Jaymooky@gmail.com or JenRodHaynes@gmail.com

P.S.S. We greatly appreciate those who have already contributed. For those of you who are commited to keeping up with us, reading our blogs, and praying for us, we are forever indebted.

To infinity and beyond!!!!

2006-12-31T13:17:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Welp, as you may have heard we are starting our first blog together... Just to explain, "Butt prints" is a poem we love coming from Jeff Whisenant. It goes a little something like this... If you are familiar with "Foot prints in the Sand", when we need help God picks us up and carries us but in "Butt prints in the Sand" God only carries us so far before He puts us down and we end up landing on our butts. Not that He leaves us but we sometimes need to experience hardships to make us stronger, smarter, passionate about His grace, and most importantly trust in Him (a.k.a. FAITH). This is extremely true at this point in our lives. He has turned our lives upside down, we are leaving our comfortable lives here to seek out His greater calling for Jen and I. So sit back relax and enjoy watching our struggle become an amazing adventure... Stay tuned for more!