"It's not where you've been, it's where you're going. It's not who you were then, it's who you are in the moment"-Jimmy Wayne I don't know about you, but I am constantly battling lies that come upon me because of my past. Lies such as, "no one is ever going to want you if they know the things you have done in your past, you are ugly or invaluable now because of what was done to you in your past, or, you will never be able to walk in freedom because your past will always be attached to you." The other evening I went to a benefit concert where Jimmy Wayne shared his life story and sang. His story reminded me that no matter what our past has been, it's about where we are going. What choices are we making now to move on from our past and build a successful future? Maybe I was something or someone at one time but who am I in this moment? Truth is, since coming to Christ, I am not the same person I once was. Yes, I still have struggles and make mistakes but I am a new person! I have so much hope and joy that I never had before my encounter with Christ. I have been set free from previous lies and addictions and I can now walk in confidence that my life has purpose and value! I love hearing peoples life journey stories. I love hearing stories of resilience and overcoming what life can throw at a person. Please feel free to respond to this post and share your story to encourage others who are maybe in the process of overcoming their past!

I am back in the United States! Even though I have been back for a couple of weeks now, I am still trying to process and adjust to life here in Minnesota. I think every time you step away into another culture there is always going to be a time of adjustment. I have come back with great expectation of what God is going to do next in my life. I have not returned to full-time teaching because I believe God has called me to a new season. I know teaching will always be apart of my life and I love children WAY too much to not be back in the classroom eventually, but God has other things He wants me to be focusing on at the moment. One of those things, is our non-profit organization United1Front, and the other is intercessory worship. I really felt burdened coming back to the United States that I need more time to be available to serve and pour into our organization. We have a number of opportunities coming up in which I need to be free for. Right now I am spending hours of time compiling research and materials to put into our curriculum which we will use in our training seminars. Please pray for me as I go about this process. It is tedious and somewhat complicated. The other area of ministry God has called me to is prayer and worship. I have always had a heart for worship and I would like to walk more in that calling.I have not had very much time to focus on that the last couple of years. I recently received an opportunity to help with Outpost ministries whose main focus is to intercede for victims of past abuse or addictions. This totally is in alignment with my heart. We desire to create an atmosphere where people can come and be in God's presence and receive prayer and healing. We will see how God continues to guide me! I recently received a prophecy and this lady gave me this verse from Psalm 2. She believes God has called me to the nations and my scope of ministry is going to be far greater then I could have ever anticipated! I would appreciate your prayers as I am striving to stay faithful in this season of preparation.

What is faith without works?

This summer I had so many opportunities to put my faith to action. Whether it was working with the children at the ministry school, loving the moms presented, sharing my faith and praying for people we met on outreach or helping with worship, one of my favorite experiences was working with my friend Anna in the red light district of Denmark. Anna began a ministry to the prostitutes by bringing church to them. Many of the women we worked with were primarily Nigerians who had a Christian background. Because of manipulation and naivety these women have been forced into the sex industry. In the evenings my friend along with other volunteers go and open a church from 12-4 am where the woman can come and be safe. Food is prepared for them, Nigerian worship music plays in the background, Bibles are free to be given and volunteers are waiting to talk or pray with the women. We had time to go out on the streets as well to make connections and build relationships. I was surprised at how open the women were and I was reminded of God's huge love for the broken. Once again, I was challenged to continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus on my return to the United States. If you are looking for an outlet to give to this street ministry in Denmark, there is a huge need for more Bibles to give to the women. Feel free to contact me! What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:14-17

I love the song "He never lets go" by Hillsong because I have seen this time and time again in my own life that God has pursued me even when I did not pursue him. When he chooses us, He is committed to completing his work and will in our lives. Hannah's story to me is a beautiful example of this very concept. When Hannah was in junior high she did a student exchange program to the United States. She was eventually placed with a Christian family who invited her to church and they would often share their faith with her. She went to Bible camp with one of the daughters and that is when she found God. After she came back to Germany she did not have any Christian influences in her life and she became very distant from God. She began to make her own path which lead her very far from God. As the years went on, God became a very distant memory. This summer Hannah was traveling in search of meaning, significance and hope. She ended up at a festival our organization was at. We reached out to her and befriended her. We invited her to come stay at the school for a bit because she was really searching and had many unresolved questions. Our students received her with open arms and she began to attend our worship services and lectures. God began to break through the walls that had been built up through the years of pain and heartbreak. Hannah has now given her life to Christ and is so excited to go back and share with her family and friends what God has done in her life. It's amazing to look at the journey she has been on and see how God has never forgotten or given up on her. I am so grateful that He is always in pursuit of our hearts and he will never let go of us!

What nineteen dollars can do!

If able to give please contact me at bdeiss7326@gmail.com or through Facebook!

One story of many...

I would like to share Rtech's story. He is one of the many stories to be told. Rtech is one of the Ukrainian students attending the school here. He felt called to attend the Steiger mission school because he knows God has a call and purpose for his life far greater then he had anticipated. Rtech is a break dancer. He competes and performs nationally. He currently is ranked 16th in the world! He wants to use his dancing and musical giftings to reach youth for Christ. Just his being here at the school is a miracle in itself. As many of you know, Ukraine is at war and it is extremely hard for men to leave the country. If Rtech returns to his country he will be drafted. Young and old alike are being drafted. They are not being adequately provided for, not even given helmets or bullet proof vests! If Rtech returns to the Ukraine he faces most likely imminent death. We are trying to help not only Rtech but as well, we are trying to help the other Ukranian students get visas to stay out of Ukraine. We are hoping to get Rtech to the United States to do an internship with Steiger Ministries in Minneapolis. Please be in prayer with us as we try and help these students attain visas and new homes. This is a very difficult time for them as many of them are having to choose to say goodbye to family and friends for an unknown amount of time. These student's faith and passion for God amaze me! They are our brothers and sisters in Christ and need our prayers and support!

Steiger kids

I cannot believe I am halfway through my time here in Germany! I feel as though things have just begun and I'm finally getting in a groove. It has taken much energy to keep the kids engaged morning and night. I have a variety of ages and languages I am working with. Fortunately, I have one translator but I wish I had more! I am getting a lot of use out of my Spanish though! I work with one girl from Belarus and one from Poland. They are so sweet and have been such a help to me. The children are learning all sorts of new games, English phrases and worship songs:) in the midst of all this I have Asher( my girlfriend's son who I am nannying) with me. He is my little sidekick and he is doing a great job of training me for what motherhood is going to be like lol. I really love the kids I am working with and despite the language barrier at times or the stress, we have all become really connected! I am going to miss them when the summer is over.

During the duration of the school I have a few chances to get away for holiday. I recently just got from Paris! It was such an amazing experience! Ever since I can remember I have dreamed of going to France. I have pictures throughout my house and it is something I have always said someday I will go. Fortunately I have a girlfriend who lives in Paris so I was not only able to experience all the touristy things but I was able to be in the culture and enjoy the French culture. I love the French spirit, long meals, late evenings of music conversations and of course food... It's a very free, warm culture. The Eiffel Tower was quite amazing. I was able to climb up it and see it all lit up at night. I enjoyed getting lost in the quaint neighborhoods and stumbling across cute cafés and shops. I am so thankful for the beautiful experience in France and hope to return there sooner rather than later!

Greetins from Germany! I am getting to do some really great things here in Germany but it also has been a humbling experience as well ( missionary preparation lol) cold showers... Lack of internet... No control of schedule, Ect. On weekends we do outreach in Dresden. We spend most of the day there walking the streets and hanging in the park building relationships. We then invite these people to a cafe which had been donated for our use. Yesterday was the first day we opened the cafe to customers. We got there early in the day and started decorating and setting up. We sold different food and drink items. My restaurant serving and managing experience came in very handy! It was quite interesting working and trying to organize everything with people who spoke all different languages! We had quite a good turnout. The cafe is on a very busy street and so the music really drew everyone in. We finished the time of music by inviting the people to a Bible study that we shared immediately after. Some people stayed around and listened. We are excited to see how God is going to use us! Children's ministry is going pretty well. It has been quite tiring since it feels like I am with kids all the time:) I am getting a chance to practice my Spanish a lot and I am going to start studying Portuguese! (They are many Brazilians at the school) I have been able to make some wonderful friends and God is really using this experience to stretch me. Thank you for all your prayers!

I arrived in Germany safe and sound! I was very surprised by how smoothly my trip went. I was somewhat nervous about my travels but all the details came together and I really had a great trip. The first week was very busy here for me as I was preparing for the school to start. I was also trying to get adjusted to the seven hour time difference. We have about fifty adult students here at the school. They are from all differnt places aroun the world. I am really enjoying the multi cultural experience! I have ten children in my program. They are really fun! I have two translators to help me. I'm hoping by the end of the summer I will know a little bit of Portuguese, German and Russian:) Somehow we are all able to communicate. On Saturdays we do out reaches in the near by city of Dresden. Steiger ministries has partnered with many local churches and there is a cafe downtown which we will use as a place to invite people to. Dresden is a city full of young people. It's very alive and active so we are hoping to use our music, dramas and sporting activities to draw people in to hear the gospel. Many of you have been praying for my health and I am really thankful for those prayers! The first week was somewhat difficult with my diet but I have been able to find some great organic stores and I have most things that i would typically use in the States here. I have very limited internet access so I will try and post when I can! Last week I went to Poland for the first time and I was asked to drive because I am one of the few who know how to drive manual lol. It was quite an adventure! This week I will be going to Prague for a bit and the following week to Paris. Thank you again for all your prayers! God is really moving here and I am so thankful I am able to be apart of all of this!

It's time to catch up!

It has been quite some time since I have updated my blog...Life gets away from you sometimes! I am going to attempt to summarize the last two years of my life in a short post to get everyone up to speed with where I am at:) I wrapped up my time in Mexico City and headed back to Minnesota not sure exactly what was next. I had no job lined up, no agenda, just knew I was suppose to be back in Minnesota. My time in Mexico City was amazing, hard and life changing. I met so many wonderful people and I was able to have some crazy experiences! In short what I did in Mexico City was teach at a private school helping them develop an English program. In my free time I attended UNAM for language school and I also volunteered at a home for girls being rescued out of trafficking. God used these different experiences to prepare my heart for what was next. When I came back to Minnesota I partnered with my sister to begin a non profit to bring awareness about sex trafficking in the United States. It has been quite a journey this last year learning what it takes to start and run a non profit. There have been many highs and lows on this journey! Here is our website if you would like to see what we are up to: www.united1front.org I am wrapping up the school year and preparing to head to Germany for the summer! I will be working with Steiger Ministries. I am very excited for this next experience. It's crazy the journey God is taking me on. It by far has not been boring! Sometimes it is hard to understand the plans of God but I have come to learn to trust and follow His leading. He is a faithful and good God. I will begin to update this blog more periodically about my travels and opportunities in Germany. Please keep me in your prayers and thoughts!

Josh is home!!

I am so excited that Joshua is finally home! Unfortunately, I am not there to enjoy him, but it is so nice just to know he is finally back and safe. Joshua was gone for about a year overseas with the military.
It was really hard for me to say goodbye to him when he left because I did not know the next time I would see him. I knew I was probably going to be moving down to Mexico long term and I was unsure the next time our paths would cross. Josh is one of my best friends and throughout the years he has been one of the greatest sources of encouragement and inspiration to me.
I am so thankful for technology. Skype was a saving factor this past year. I was thankful for the hours of conversation I was still able to have with my brother. Even though were thousands of miles apart we were still able to stay in touch quite regularly and encourage each other on in what we were pursuing.
This year went by so quickly! I cannot believe he is home. I have seen Josh grow so much this past year. I know life was not always easy overseas and at times it was difficult being away from family but I know God did some awesome things through him and in him. Josh I'm so glad you're home. Proud of you and of all you have accomplished!!!

Treasure...

Today as I was doing my devotions I was listening to a song by desperation called Treasure. These lines from the song jumped out at me:
"I would run for a thousand years
If I knew every step would be getting me closer
I'd swim to the ocean floor
For my Lord is the treasure
My Lord is the treasure "

Why did these lyrics stand out? Let me explain...

Many of you probably haven't realized how difficult these past few months have been for me. Life has been insanely busy and I have not been able to send out updates as I would have liked. I will give you a glimpse of my schedule these past few months. Monday-Friday, leave my home at seven, teach eight to three. Leave school and head to language school from four to seven, catch a bus and hopefully be home by eight thirty. Weekends were spent planning lessons, studying the language, helping at church, ect.
I am the type of person who likes to keep myself busy but I have realized being busy in a foreign country is a little different then being busy in the United States where everything is familiar. It was not so much the crazy schedule that got to me but the fact that everything was so new and everyday I left my house it took all my energy to push through the demands of being in a new country. Needless to say, these past few months have probably been one of the biggest challenges I have ever taken on.

So back to the lyrics. Treasure, what is my treasure? What do I value? What drives me to do what I do? Today I was once again reminded of why I am back here in Mexico. I believe it is very easy no matter what we are doing in our live to loose focus and get discouraged. Maybe we feel that what we are doing is not making a difference, maybe we are not seeing the results we thought we should have been seeing, or maybe the task at hand seems overwhelmingly difficult?
I have felt all the above. I am having to put these feelings in check and remember what is driving me: I will do crazy things, difficult things as long as I know it's bringing me closer to you God, because God you are my treasure you are the one I am running after. Everything I am going through is bringing me closer to you.

I got a kitty!

Since I have gotten to Mexico City I have wanted to get a kitty:) I have an apartment to myself and I thought it would be nice to have some company. I was not sure where I was going to get this kitty so I figured it would be quite some time before I got one.

About a week ago I was walking home and I saw a young boy sitting outside what was called a "veterinary clinic". He was holding a small kitten. I could not resist! I had to stop and pet the kitten.
The boy went on to show me six more kittens which were all kept in a very small box. I am not a very impulsive person but at that moment when I saw all the kittens I decided I was going to take one home with me!

The boy told me the kittens were free so I could choose which ever one I preferred. How do you choose? It was quite a process but finally I chose a light gray kitten with hazel eyes. The boy put the kitten in a small box and I carried her home.

I got home and it hit me what I had done! I had nothing to take care of a cat! How do you take care of cat? Well, I knew one things for sure, this cat needed a bath! After two baths she finally smelt ok. I gave her some milk and tuna and made a small litter box for her.

She is such smart cat! She consistently goes in the litter box. She loves to cuddle and purrs like crazy! I have decided to name her Stash.

Never expected to get a cat that day. What a fun surprise:)

So far...

Well I have settled in and I am getting more comfortable in my new life:) God continually proves His care for me and how He delights even in the details of my life. I have a beautiful apartment not far from my school. I walk most days to school and from school. It is about a twenty-five minute walk almost all uphill! The weather here is so interesting. It is very cool in the mornings and evenings but yet humid. I bundle up on the way to school but by the time I get to school I am sweating! Needless to say, I have been somewhat sick since my body is trying to adjust to the weather change.

I love the school where I teach. It is a great school! I definitely have my work cut out for me though. I have never felt so inadequate for a job! It constantly reminds me though of my dependence on the Lord for daily strength and energy! The school has a very demanding program and there is much work for the teachers.

I found a church here in Mexico City not far from my house! The service is in both English and Spanish! The pastor is originally from the States. I am going to be apart of the worship team and eventually I would like to help out in the children's ministries. I have met some wonderful people through my church! God is good:)

I recently started volunteering at "the well". This is a home for girls who have been brought out of sex trafficking. I am very exited for this opportunity to be with these girls! I mostly spend time with them by going to the parks and teaching them sports. They love the activities and the attention. Please pray that God will use me to pour out His love into their brokeness.

I will try and post pictures soon of my apartment and the school. I appreciate your prayers as there are many difficult days still ahead of me as I adjust to this new life.

Love you!!!

Mexico City!!

On Monday I arrived in Mexico City. Praise the Lord my travels went well. I was picked up by a worker from the school that I will be teaching at. He spoke no English so right away my Spanish was put to the test! It was quite an experience getting through the airport and then finally through the city. Mexico City is huge and there are so many people!! It was somewhat of an overwhelming experience. Octavio took me to my apartment for me to see what things I might need to buy. As of last friday I had not had an apartment lined up but praise the Lord an apartment was found for me! It is a beautiful, two bedroom apartment only a few blocks from my school.(I will post pictures on fb for all of you to see)
The past few days I have been trying to figure out transportation, where to shop, lesson planning ect. I have gotten to tour around the city a little bit and I am loving it here! It is going to take me awhile to adjust to the way of life down here and it is somewhat intimidating at times but I know with time I will adjust just fine!
As of right now I do not have internet but hopefully I will figure that out soon! I will try and stay in touch with you all as best as I can:)
Lot's of love <3

Wrapping the year up...

I finished off my first year as a preschool teacher a few weeks back. What a growing year for me! I went into this past year completely confident that I could handle a classroom of four and five year olds and...well let's just say, they gave me a run for my money! So many nights of feeling completely exhausted with no more ability to add emotion or enthusiasm to anything I did. Working with preschoolers is quite demanding! I admire those who persevere year after year. I will definitely miss all of my students. I fell in love with each and every one of them. Somehow, someway, even the most difficult of my students managed to steal a piece of my heart:)

I will not be returning to North Heights next year. God has actually called me on to a new position. I will be moving to Mexico City in the fall. I am thrilled for this next phase of my life to begin! I did not think I would be able to return to Mexico this soon. My plan was to work at North Heights a couple more years, save money, pay off student debt, ect. When I was asked to sign for next year, something in me couldn't. I spent a few months praying about it and God told me it was time for me to go back to Mexico! The past few months I have been seeking where God would have me. In the most amazing way, God has opened up the door for me to teach at a bilingual preschool. It is a beautiful school and has potential of turning into an elementary school. I am exited to think that I might be a part of growing and developing Sunrise HIlls.
This is going to a big transition for me since I am still learning the language and I will not know anyone where I am going. I am looking forward to being in one of the largest cities in the world and being immersed in the hispanic culture. Once I get down there I will keep my blog updated with pictures and info!!

Where I will be teaching: http://sunrisehills.jimdo.com/

My job:)

There are so many reasons why I love my job. Just to name a few: I love the funny remarks that are made on a regular basis. I love the rewarding feeling that comes after working on something with a student day after day and then they FINALLY get it. I love the constant hugs and kisses and creative artwork I receive. I mean really, who could have a better job?

Last week we were able to spend alot of time talking about Easter. Many of the kids had never dyed eggs before so that was so fun being the first person to do it with them. We made Easter baskets and filled them with goodies. The kids were so excited to show their parents what they had made. This activity definitely affirmed in their minds that Miss Deiss was pretty much the best teacher in the world as one of my students is always telling me:)

The other day God must of thought I needed a laugh. The things that kept coming out of my kids mouth were hilarious! Just to share a few:

>"Something smells really good", Paige said. " Oh it's Ari, she wears shampoo", Keira replies.
> Teacher you have two friends? I can't believe it!
> Teacher, why does Addison have a crack in her butt? (as Addison is bending over and her pants sag, I just laughed and could not reply!)
> Teacher when I grow up I want an earring in my nose just like yours, but don't tell my parents..

My calling. My passion!

Today I was reminded of what my calling and deepest desire in life is. Through time this has evolved as I have matured and as God has revealed more of His plan for my life. This calling consumes my heart and overwhelms me with such joy and passion. I cannot imagine doing anything so rewarding and exciting!

God has clearly shown me that I am called to, with others, raise up a generation who takes ahold of Christ in a way that is so real and so strong that the Christ in them will change the world around them. He is calling me to train and equip children for this very purpose.

God is calling for a generation of people who are after His heart. He is searching for true sons and daughters. We are in a time when doctrine, works, words are not going to get us by. The world will not stop for the things stated above. What the world is looking for and what God is showing those who are after His heart is, a true love driven, love changed relationship with a personal God will bring in the searching and longing.

This morning I had the privilege of leading my students and a few other classes in a time of worship. As we began to worship the presence of God became so strong! All of the teachers noticed and as we looked around the room the children were singing with such passion and sincerity. God was present and He was showing us that He was pleased and overcome by the sincerety of our praise.

In the short period of time God showed me that He inhabits the praise of his people. He is looking for His true worshipers. I want more then anything to be a true worshiper in spirit and in truth. And out of this passion I want to help raise a generation of worshippers who will bring honor and praise and glory to our Savior!!

Tears and Joy

Last week was going great. I experienced God's presence throughout my week in such amazing ways. I was filled to overflowing with His love and joy. Then it happened, I woke up friday morning filled with such sadness and hurt. Those feeling overwhelmed me throughout the remainder of that day and well into the night. Past memories flooded back into my mind. Fear overwhelmed me and crippled my spirit. Why all of sudden this experience?

We have a choice in our Christian walk to have joy, to have peace. It is not something that is depicted by our circumstances or how we may feel on any given day. God has been showing me that it is a choice no matter how we may be feeling or how circumstances in our lives may look, we can have joy and peace. I have been learning to praise God even when I don't feel like it. As I begin praising Him,my fears being to disappear. My heart becomes filled with love. We are in a daily spiritual battle. The enemy wants to rob us of our joy. He knows that when our joy is taken from us we will no longer desire to praise our Savior. When we stop praising our Savior, we no longer are fulfilling what God has designed us to do.

I praise the Lord that in the most difficult times God is teaching me how to praise Him and how to find joy in some of the most difficult of circumstances!