St. John United Methodist Church from Amanda Braisted on Vimeo.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Lessons Learned
It's pretty obvious when I post something on the blog because I don't have a picture to go along with it. It has been a while since I last wrote anything but I just wanted to share a little bit about something that happened last month and the message I took away from it.
I have been wanting to write for a while now about Landon's fall last month. Those of you who have seen our personal blog have read about the fall Landon took off of the futon. For those that don't know this is what happened and something God showed me through the whole ordeal. Landon has been climbing up the back of the futon for a while now. We are constantly telling him to get down which he doesn't so we have tried timeouts and a slap on the hand which none of them work. We try to explain why he can't climb up the back, because he could fall and get hurt really bad. I don't know how much a 20 month old understands an explanation like that though.
One day it finally happened and he fell. I watched it happen almost in slow motion. I watched him fall and land hard and awkwardly on his head. Somehow I remained completely calm as I ran over to grab him and comfort him. At the same time I was checking for any outward signs of trauma. I didn't see anything on his head so I called my dad to see what I should look for in case he had a concussion. About the same time I was hanging up with Dad Goody came home to a crying baby. After a brief explanation about what happened she takes over the care and comfort so I can leave the room and cry myself. I hated so badly to see him get hurt and for that to happen to him. I wanted to somehow switch places with him right before the fall happened so I could take the hit to the head. Even though he had disobeyed me which resulted in him getting hurt I wanted to take it away. I would take a hit like that over and over for him.
Once the storm calmed the teaching began. I started thinking about how many times God has had to tell me "quit climbing on the futon" but for some reason I ignore him or forget what he says. After the timeouts and slaps on the hands I still have to do it again. The difference though is that Jesus took the fall on the head for me. It wasn't just falling on his head it was giving up his life. So that I don't have to constantly fall on my head he gave himself completely for me. The way I love Landon and would give anything for him not to hurt even when he disobeys, Jesus loves me that much and even more. I say I would put myself through anything to save and protect Landon, and I have no doubts about that, but Jesus has already done it for me and that's why I am saved!
I hate that it took Landon getting hurt for this lesson but am thankful for it at the same time. Landon is doing just fine with only a black eye resulting from the fall. The futon has been moved up against a wall as a result.
I have been wanting to write for a while now about Landon's fall last month. Those of you who have seen our personal blog have read about the fall Landon took off of the futon. For those that don't know this is what happened and something God showed me through the whole ordeal. Landon has been climbing up the back of the futon for a while now. We are constantly telling him to get down which he doesn't so we have tried timeouts and a slap on the hand which none of them work. We try to explain why he can't climb up the back, because he could fall and get hurt really bad. I don't know how much a 20 month old understands an explanation like that though.
One day it finally happened and he fell. I watched it happen almost in slow motion. I watched him fall and land hard and awkwardly on his head. Somehow I remained completely calm as I ran over to grab him and comfort him. At the same time I was checking for any outward signs of trauma. I didn't see anything on his head so I called my dad to see what I should look for in case he had a concussion. About the same time I was hanging up with Dad Goody came home to a crying baby. After a brief explanation about what happened she takes over the care and comfort so I can leave the room and cry myself. I hated so badly to see him get hurt and for that to happen to him. I wanted to somehow switch places with him right before the fall happened so I could take the hit to the head. Even though he had disobeyed me which resulted in him getting hurt I wanted to take it away. I would take a hit like that over and over for him.
Once the storm calmed the teaching began. I started thinking about how many times God has had to tell me "quit climbing on the futon" but for some reason I ignore him or forget what he says. After the timeouts and slaps on the hands I still have to do it again. The difference though is that Jesus took the fall on the head for me. It wasn't just falling on his head it was giving up his life. So that I don't have to constantly fall on my head he gave himself completely for me. The way I love Landon and would give anything for him not to hurt even when he disobeys, Jesus loves me that much and even more. I say I would put myself through anything to save and protect Landon, and I have no doubts about that, but Jesus has already done it for me and that's why I am saved!
I hate that it took Landon getting hurt for this lesson but am thankful for it at the same time. Landon is doing just fine with only a black eye resulting from the fall. The futon has been moved up against a wall as a result.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Jackie and Alan Engaged!
One of my good friends, and fellow missionary, Jackie Douglas and her fiancee, Alan, got engaged! Alan is one of our Dominican Sports Crew and a super guy. The two of them are a great couple and shooting their engagement photos was SO much fun. It was a beautiful day, and besides having to dodge the occasional security guard who DID NOT want us taking pictures on this Catholic University campus, everything went BEAUTIFULLY. Enjoy!
We did some artistic ones too!
Super Sweet!!!
I fell in LOVE with these purple flowers
Aren't her eyes killer?
Seriously, their profiles are amazing.
Definitely, one of my favs.
Romantic and Dreamy. Kinda like Never, Neverland.
My favorite of the entire shoot.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Real Life Church
Real Life was such a fun, energetic group. They partner with pastor Felix Abreu who pastors the church in Hoyo de Bartola (The Hole). It was so great to see the members of Real Life and Felix and his family interact. Steve, from Real Life, had met Felix before and they truly were like old pals. Although they needed to use a translator, they chatted about life and ministry and the needs of Felix's community.
They continued the work in the Hole and made some major progress on the second level of the church/feeding center. The second floor is going to be the sanctuary and the bottom floor (which is almost complete) is for the feeding center. Real Life surprised Felix and his wife Yenny with new tables for the feeding center and a piano for the church. It was such a great time.
On the night of their despedida (fairwell) Felix, Yenny, Natanael (their 6 year old) and all the members of Real Life were in tears. Hearts broken for the church and some of them just not ready to leave. Natanael sat in one team members arms for more than a half hour just crying because he was so sad they were leaving. It moved many more of us staffers to tears just to see the bond formed within this group of people. I know God has even bigger things in store for this partnership. I'm just joyful I get to witness it.
Real Life Church from Amanda Braisted on Vimeo.
They continued the work in the Hole and made some major progress on the second level of the church/feeding center. The second floor is going to be the sanctuary and the bottom floor (which is almost complete) is for the feeding center. Real Life surprised Felix and his wife Yenny with new tables for the feeding center and a piano for the church. It was such a great time.
On the night of their despedida (fairwell) Felix, Yenny, Natanael (their 6 year old) and all the members of Real Life were in tears. Hearts broken for the church and some of them just not ready to leave. Natanael sat in one team members arms for more than a half hour just crying because he was so sad they were leaving. It moved many more of us staffers to tears just to see the bond formed within this group of people. I know God has even bigger things in store for this partnership. I'm just joyful I get to witness it.
Real Life Church from Amanda Braisted on Vimeo.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Soccer Camp
What an incredible week.
Four people from North Carolina came down to do a Soccer Camp in Pontezuela with the kids from churches of two of our National Pastors, Romano and Wilby. Romano has an already established soccer ministry and Wilby has just begun the process of soccer as an outreach for the Haitian community in Hoya del Caimito.
Caleb, Danielle, Alexis and Casto...what more to say than pretty much the nicest four people I've ever met. They immediately greet anyone they meet with hugs, they have a huge heart for helping others and they truly love Jesus. It was so fun to do this week with them. Caleb, a professional soccer player, and Casto who also plays soccer very well, were great examples to the members of Romano and Wilby's churches who watched and played with them on the field. In fact, I think they were a little surprised to see such skill.
The four of them conducted a soccer camp for two days, then helped in Hoyo de Bartola for a day of construction and feeding kids. They also made an unplanned stop to the new sports storage because they really wanted to help get Mike started with the organizing process.
It was such a pleasure to work with these four. And because they were the only group here for a couple days, we were able to really get to know them on a personal level and hear some amazing stories of God's grace and provision in their lives. We VERY much look forward to this group returning again. Enjoy their show.
Pontezuela Soccer Camp 2009 from Amanda Braisted on Vimeo.
Four people from North Carolina came down to do a Soccer Camp in Pontezuela with the kids from churches of two of our National Pastors, Romano and Wilby. Romano has an already established soccer ministry and Wilby has just begun the process of soccer as an outreach for the Haitian community in Hoya del Caimito.
Caleb, Danielle, Alexis and Casto...what more to say than pretty much the nicest four people I've ever met. They immediately greet anyone they meet with hugs, they have a huge heart for helping others and they truly love Jesus. It was so fun to do this week with them. Caleb, a professional soccer player, and Casto who also plays soccer very well, were great examples to the members of Romano and Wilby's churches who watched and played with them on the field. In fact, I think they were a little surprised to see such skill.
The four of them conducted a soccer camp for two days, then helped in Hoyo de Bartola for a day of construction and feeding kids. They also made an unplanned stop to the new sports storage because they really wanted to help get Mike started with the organizing process.
It was such a pleasure to work with these four. And because they were the only group here for a couple days, we were able to really get to know them on a personal level and hear some amazing stories of God's grace and provision in their lives. We VERY much look forward to this group returning again. Enjoy their show.
Pontezuela Soccer Camp 2009 from Amanda Braisted on Vimeo.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Support a G.O. Kid
This is a show I put together for Emmanuel Wesleyan in Virginia. They were having a special offering taken for children in need. I had the unique opportunity to represent the children that G.O. comes in contact with daily.
For more information on how to support a child through G.O. Ministries please visit:
http://www.go-ministries.org/kids.shtml
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Oops, only a month late
I forgot to post these pictures from my little girl's bible study. We had a little birthday party for my birthday and for Themis' birthday who happens to share the day with me! I've met so many September 22nd birthdays, it's crazy. Anyway, the Schwulst girls made signs for us, I made brownies and we hung out. It was fun.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Eastview Christian Church
I had the unique experience to be part of our annual women's conference this year. It was seriously the best. Not only because I got to be with several of my closest friends (who have also become family) without husbands or kids but because it was all about freeing yourself from things of the past.
We all have a past. But its never comfortable to talk about it which is why this conference was so impacting this year. A lot of the speakers spoke on abuse or mistreatment as well as forgiving the people who mistreated you and allowing God to heal you of your hurts. It was very refreshing to hear women be so open and honest about their situations, whether it be past or present.
The highlight of the weekend away for me was the last 45 minutes of the conference. They had everyone write on a piece of paper things from their past that they don't want to be burdened by anymore. Whether that be something they've done or something done to them. Then when they threw those pieces of paper in the trash the American women who were hosting the conference went around and laid hands and prayed for EVERY SINGLE WOMAN! Not one was missed. And although neither women knew what the other was saying, God knew and I know he was pleased. So enjoy the show. The women's conference part is the second half of the show.
Eastview Christian Church from Amanda Braisted on Vimeo.
We all have a past. But its never comfortable to talk about it which is why this conference was so impacting this year. A lot of the speakers spoke on abuse or mistreatment as well as forgiving the people who mistreated you and allowing God to heal you of your hurts. It was very refreshing to hear women be so open and honest about their situations, whether it be past or present.
The highlight of the weekend away for me was the last 45 minutes of the conference. They had everyone write on a piece of paper things from their past that they don't want to be burdened by anymore. Whether that be something they've done or something done to them. Then when they threw those pieces of paper in the trash the American women who were hosting the conference went around and laid hands and prayed for EVERY SINGLE WOMAN! Not one was missed. And although neither women knew what the other was saying, God knew and I know he was pleased. So enjoy the show. The women's conference part is the second half of the show.
Eastview Christian Church from Amanda Braisted on Vimeo.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Mom and Dad visit the DR!!!
Mike's parents, Joe and Debbie, visited us last week. They are part of a church in Virginia that has been a consistent supporter of Mike and I since shortly after we began with G.O. Ministries. It was such an awesome 10 days with Mike's parents as we showed them many aspects of our ministries and our lives. Below are a couple pictures from their visit to our home. Enjoy...and we hope to see them both in the Dominican again VERY soon!!!
Debbie playing with Yajaira in The Hole
Joe chatting with a little boy
Feeding in The Hole
Joe, Pastor Felix (from The Hole), Mike and Debbie
Pastor Rafelito (from Los Guandules), Joe and Debbie
Landon and Mike with their new G.O. Sports Outreach shirts
(an awesome donation from a member of the church congregation who does printing)
Joe, Helen and Debbie (one of the kids Emmanuel Wesleyan Church Supports)
Debbie, Bryan and Joe (the other child Emmanuel Wesleyan supports)
Joe showing Bryan how to open the transformer
Landon and I (me making a dirty face as we were broken down
on the side of the road in Puerta Plata)
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wilbert and Lisa...Married!
Well, the wedding is over and it was a beautiful one. I've been to lots of weddings but I don't always know the bride and groom the same. Either I'm friends with the Bride and don't know the Groom, or the other way around. But with Lisa and Wilby...it was special. I have a great friendship with both of them and was so excited when Lisa asked me to do her photos. I didn't have such a great experience with my wedding photographer and I was not going to let Lisa miss out on anything. I remember being so disappointed when I got my photos back and felt like my wedding day wasn't captured. So I put a lot of pressure on myself to make Lisa's special day last forever...through photos.
I had SO much fun and they were such great "subjects." The posed pictures even went super fast because Lisa wrote up a list of photos she wanted and we just went down the order, took the photo and moved on. It was incredibly organized and she knew just what she wanted...which made it easy on me. Here are a few of the photos from the wedding, I took over 500 so I couldn't post them all. Enjoy!
Had to post this one just because Landon was crabby all afternoon but when he saw Lisa he just kept giving her kisses...he loves her dearly!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Indiana Wesleyan Men's Basketball
You know when you look forward to something so much and it doesn't turn out to be what you thought it would? Well, that does NOT describe this week. The sports crew (I include myself because I'm a sports crew wannabe) have been looking forward to Indiana Wesleyan Men's Basketball trip all summer. And this week was everything we imagined and much more. There were several things that took place that no one could have controlled but the IWU guys just went with the flow. They did construction, they held a basketball camp for boys from The Hole, they played in a "young talents" basketball tournament and won the WHOLE THING...it was just an incredible week. To top it off Will, Audrey, Mike and I were able to see a side of this team that the rest of their campus doesn't. They were real.
One event that really stood out in my mind was on the first day the guys could have had some down time, about 2 hours, to relax before their first tournament game. But five of the guys said to Mike that they "didn't come down here to have a vacation, they came here to work." So Mike took them and they dug for 2 hours until it was time to shower and leave. When Mike told me what was going on I was just totally floored by the awesome servant hearts they had. Instead of rest, they worked.
To end their trip on a high note one of key people on their team accepted Christ. I wasn't there to witness it but it hit me just the same. This is why we do this. I've cried every time I watched their video, not because it's awesome or anything, but because God showed me some huge hearts, in some extraordinary men.
Indiana Wesleyan Men's Basketball from Amanda Braisted on Vimeo.
One event that really stood out in my mind was on the first day the guys could have had some down time, about 2 hours, to relax before their first tournament game. But five of the guys said to Mike that they "didn't come down here to have a vacation, they came here to work." So Mike took them and they dug for 2 hours until it was time to shower and leave. When Mike told me what was going on I was just totally floored by the awesome servant hearts they had. Instead of rest, they worked.
To end their trip on a high note one of key people on their team accepted Christ. I wasn't there to witness it but it hit me just the same. This is why we do this. I've cried every time I watched their video, not because it's awesome or anything, but because God showed me some huge hearts, in some extraordinary men.
Indiana Wesleyan Men's Basketball from Amanda Braisted on Vimeo.
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