and since we're on the subject

I came up with a yummy hash brown recipe in which half of the ingredients aren't even potatoes!

 

Here's my seriously delicious hash brown recipe, which you'll be thankful you tried. Or, if you're near me, I can make it for you.

Ingredients:

-One russet potato

-One half of a spaghetti squash, cut lengthwise and seeded (you can store the other half in the fridge for a while and use for the same recipe, cook & mix with veggies, add to pasta, whatever you want)

-one half of an onion (at least, a full onion is good)

-olive oil

-Pam spray or some butter

-S&P, and garlic powder, oregano, any other spice you think would work.

Here's what you do:

1. Slice up your onion and caramelize the slices in a large frying pan over medium (lower medium) heat in about 1/4 c olive oil. This will take about 15-20 minutes at least if you do it right, so lower heat is fine and you can just stir it around as you prep other stuff.

2. Scrub and microwave your potato for about 3-4 minutes, wrapped in a paper towel. 

3. Then, place your spaghetti squash face down in a microwave safe dish with about 1 inch of water in it. Make sure you poke holes in the outside of the squash so it can vent. Microwave this for about 7-9 minutes, 9 to be safe. 

4. As the squash is microwaving and the onions are caramelizing,  slice up your potato. I like to cut thin rounds and then the rounds in half. You may just want to do chunks- whatever, it's up to you. 

5. As the onions are starting to turn a golden color, add the potatoes to the frying pan. Before you add the potatoes, though, spray them and/or the pan with some Pam or add about 2 T butter to it. 

6. Frequently stir the potatoes, making sure all sides are being browned. Season your stuff with whatever you've got, but definitely S&P

7. As the potato is browning, carefully use a fork to scoop out the inside of the spaghetti squash. If you've never cooked with one, it will come out looking like "spaghetti" or actually, shredded potatoes (hence hash browns...)

8. When the potato is browned enough, add the spaghetti squash and a little more olive oil. I don't really use measurements when cooking, so you'll have to do this all to your taste. Olive oil is good for you so it's ok to use a little more if you think it needs it.

I think your whole cooking time is around 30 minutes. Microwaving your potato and squash will save you so much time, and the recipe turns out the same if not better than doing it all using the stove or oven. I've tried these and will go with the microwave.

If you get to make these, let me know how they turn out. If you want me to make them, I'd love to!

Cooking

 

My friend Teisy has been spending more time with me at the house and running errands, which has been really cool this summer. We made soup the other night using half of a recipe that I learned while living with my step sister, and I absolutely love it! We made a veggie soup with a little bit of butter, lots of onions, carrots, celery, and chopped cabbage, chicken stock, and then ate it all with toasted sourdough bread compliments of Jeff and Matt. In Chuuk, where Teisy is from, fresh veggies aren't really a staple. To cook with them here was fun and our soup came out great! We'll make the full recipe this weekend. Maybe I'll blog about it.

Some mornings...

I get to see this or something like it before I do anything else in my day (even if I have to hike down hundreds of steps to get to it).

If I don't make time for being outside, I start feeling a little off and crazy. I'm thankful for living in a beautiful place.

Pray for my friends (who also see beauty in ugly things)

A friend to many of us, Ben Boedecker, wrote an email update last month that I want to share part of with you. He is serving in Afghanistan and has a few more months to go. Please pray for him and his safety, along with his wife Cristel who is here in Guam. I don't know how Cristel and other military wives do it but she is one strong woman. Oh yeah, God is using them both as missionaries. I can't wait to see what their future holds. Read on:

"Afghanistan is a poor and war torn land. Each new day brings ever-increasing pain, sorrow, loss, and death. In a place as bleak as this, can any good be found? Throughout the week, I was reminded of Psalm 19:1 time and time again. As I drove to work each morning, I could not help but notice the magnificence of the rising sun. Moreover, when I drove to my room each evening, I was greeted by an equally magnificent sunset. In this place riddled with humanity’s uglier nature, God, in an act of wondrous grace, provides such a beautiful beginning and end to each day."

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. ~Psalm 19:1 (ESV)

Ben's prayer requests from this update:

- That God help me to effectively witness to those around me

- … keep all of the people deployed here and elsewhere safe

- … help us to bring peace and justice to the Afghan people

Thank you Ben for serving our country and serving those around you. Thank you for seeing God's beauty in otherwise ugly things.

Approaching a Year

Has it really been . . .? 

I've been in Guam for almost a full year.

Looking back at everything leading up to this. I was starting to forget what the voice of the Holy Spirit sounded like when it moved me to make huge changes in my lifestyle, give up possessions, move around, work my butt off for a little here and there, be forgotten by major players in my life, meet people who would become huge parts of my life, and actually make it through a whole year on this island. 

I know that I did everything that I did and didn't do everything that I could have to be prepared. I only raised 1/3 of what I needed to come out here, but our president still got me a one way ticket. I was under supported enough to where there would have been no way I would have been able to spend any of my funds on the vehicle I was supposed to get, or rent, or major bills, but God provided me not one, but two cars (one in which another missionary was able to use- the other was the kind I prayed for), a place to stay rent-free, and made all of my ends meet. God provided. I should have been able to do so much more than what I did before I came here but God used what I had and used it for great things.

Now, a year has passed, and I'm looking to the next steps. God is showing me these things that I need to do to become prepared in no particular order.

1. Take classes.

2. Get my financial situation in order.

3. Fund raise with a stronger and clearer purpose.

4. Have a more defined and intentional ministry, with more defined boundaries.

5. Learn a language. 

6. Model my life after Christ.

I think that I am finally at the place in my life where Christ has kneaded me like clay into a ball of something that He can really work with. I'm so excited to be shaped and refined. I know it's a lifelong process but I also know that I've come a long way so far, and I've seen others come a long way as well in their own calling. It's amazing to see God work in people's lives and it encourages me to continue to let the work happen in my life. 

Oh yeah, the whole voice of the Holy Spirit thing? I am hearing it again and it's calling me to make some big life changes, but I think I just got another head's up for a year or so of prep. Pray for me to be open to what I'm being called to do, whatever that really, and that I will have the support and encouragement of people around me. Pray for my family, friends and PIU family-friends who have to put up with me :)

For right now...like this very moment? This month? Pray for me to get the funds to come back to share everything with you all. I know I will, and thanks to some great people, I'm halfway there, and I know this too will be taken care of. I'm working on buying my standby ticket, and I'm going to see what I can do about my intercontinental jumping around.  I am totally at peace with my upcoming travel plans (which have to include So Cal, Connecticut/New Jersey/ NYC, Seattle, and Nor Cal) for the month I get to come back.

I'm so excited to see what's next in the short and long term of it all. Thank you for being part of it...and I say "it" as if it means so many things.

My Dad

Today was Father's Day in the states, and I thankfully was able to talk to my dad before the day ended in California. Here in Guam, we have windows of opportunities to talk to loved ones in the states and by mid day here, they are all closed. Anyway, my dad called me back a little before bedtime and I'm so glad I got to talk to him. I want to call him again tomorrow.

My sister drove up to visit and they went to church, breakfast, wine tasting at some of our favorite local vineyards (in nor. cal), to lunch at a great local restaurant in Gold Country (where they discovered gold), and then somehow ended up in at an amazing dinner. My dad loves to cook, and from a family of foodies, an amazing dinner at a restaurant has to be pretty amazing. See the picture above with him and Delight? I can only imagine what they are grilling. One of the many things I love about my dad is that he is an incredible cook. Just ask our traveling team who feasted at the house this past week!

Anyway, there were many touching things about our conversation. My sister brought him a bag of cheddar goldfish as a gift from me, and he was definitely excited. At Christmas, we put a bag in his stocking and in the midst of opening presents, he started eating his goldfish. He calls it "seafood," so that's what I sent him from Guam. Today, he thanked me for the seafood. I can't wait to enjoy it with my dad when I get back.

During our conversation, he asked me about Chuuk and whether or not it would be safe to work there at the latter end of this year. We talked about his concerns, and although he seems a little uneasy, he was really supportive. My dad has always been so supportive of me. He has always been so supportive even when I've probably seemed crazy. Now, even though I'm not on the path of a retirement plan and house payment, my Dad supports me fully.

I could go on and on about the many things that amaze me about my dad and what an amazing person my dad is to me and to those who know him, but I want to really focus on what a blessing he is to me, and well, my sister too. My dad and mom adopted us. I don't know who my biological father is, but God gave me an incredible father who allows me to pretty much not care about who my bio. father is. I have a perfect father in heaven and a perfect (for me) father here on earth. Happy father's day, Dad. I'm so glad that you were chosen to be mine, and I was chosen to be yours.

(back)

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart Psalm 37:4

I'm back from my 12 day trip to Chuuk. I was in Chuuk seven days longer than any of us had planned, and I am so thankful. A lot can happen in 12 days that can change someone's life. For example, I was in Thailand for only 11 days. That changed my life. My desire to go back is the reason I ended up in Guam. God took that and used it for His purpose, and I'm so glad He did.

So, I'm back, and I have two things that are weighing on my heart. Teaching and giving the TOEFL test allowed me to stay and serve in a place similar to what I thought I was coming out to when I ended up in Guam. It's ok though because my year in at PIU in Guam really helped everything fall into place in Chuuk. I know God prepared me for that. So, to put it plainly, my first desire is to go back, or to serve in places like that.

God also showed me something else that's just between me and Him. I'm praying that He will lead me in His perfect timing (and in my humanly- does that word work?- desire, I hope that timing will be soon). Pray for patience for me and if you want, that this works out too.

Last Day in Chuuk

So I'm kind of blogging out of order. I have so much to fill you in on regarding my trip to Chuuk, but I just really feel like I need to write this down right now. I've just finished probably the only omelet I've ever loved, an English muffin, and a plate full of orange slices. The restaurant I'm staying at has good food. I love fish, rice, chicken, potato salad, taro, etc...but I don't think I can live off it.  God has definitely blessed me with being able to eat at Truk Stop at least two of my three meals a day. The other meal, with local food, has been awesome too. I've had some of the best chicken in my entire life out here- and Chuukese potato salad is better than any other kind for sure. Anyway, enough about food. I woke up this morning feeling anxious and nervous and whatever else-kinda-feelings that don't belong with me. I feel like, on my last day, I'm facing a lot of the spiritual demons that I've been protected from this whole time. I feel like I can be protected here one more day. The scripture that I've been reading is from Ephesians and I was so encouraged that I thought I'd share it on my blog.

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Ephesians 5:15-16

and Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

God, thank You for the opportunities you've given me out here in Chuuk. Thank you for bringing people into my life to watch out for me, show me love, and keep me safe. Thank you for your many angels and blessings, especially Trishianne, Restme, and Evangeline. I pray for these girls as they are discovering Your will for their life. I love you Lord and I love Your perfect will.





This was read, copied, and pasted from BibleGateway

B-U-S-Y

My Chuukese friends in Guam are always telling me that I'm too busy, but Chuuk has me busier than ever. I'm excited with everything that's going on here, but also exhausted. I scheduled myself a really cheap massage today but even that's wedged in between some plans. The nights are quiet and the lights are so dim that I get to sleep very early, but that's usually when I'm productive. Anyway, I'm telling you all this because I'm not keeping up on my blog like I'd want to. There is so much to share, some of which I will share here, and most of which I'll share when I get back to Guam or the states. Please keep praying for me here, and I'll catch up with you all very soon.
Love, Jen

Best Birthday Ever

Pineapple and hiking.

Chuuk- what are we doing here?

I have been in Chuuk, FSM, with two other PIU members for the past five days doing a little more than just enjoying paradise. We arrived Wednesday, June 9, to prepare Mizpah High School students for the TOEFL test we administered today, Saturday June 12. Due to graduations and other special events, the workshops were not held this past week although we did get to meet with the graduating seniors and have a round table discussion with them about high school and plans after. We were special guests at their graduation, and ate Chuukese bento box-style lunches after in celebration. Mizpah and PIU arranged for me to stay an extra week in Chuuk to teach an intensive English workshop to their juniors and seniors. Sarah B, our new English instructor, lead the workshop today while I graded  TOEFL tests from this mornings' 9 students. We played an "ice breaker" game at first to get the students talking and laughing, and then her grammar lesson took off from that while I sat in the back of the hot classroom cooled by fans and a breeze from an open door. A campus dog, I'm assuming, walked around the classroom while she was teaching and I was grading. I had my iPod on to reduce all of the random noise into familiar sounds of U2, Muse, and other indie bands that, even though on "random," produced a divine playlist for two hours of grading. After the workshop, we were able to chat with the head of the high school and his nieces, who will be attending all next week. I have to say that both Sarah and I have connected with amazing people while out here. Some have been Steve's old friends, some are students' parents we met for the first time. Some, I'm still waiting to see.

Steve and Sarah will be going home this Sunday evening (early Monday morning) and I will stay behind to work with future PIU students, or anyone who is interested, on improving their English. Many people told me that I wouldn't like Chuuk, that I'd be scared of it, or that the litter and mud (or dust) would just gross me out, but I feel so comfortable here. It helps that I am staying at the hotel of one of our Board members, "Truk Stop," and get to eat pretty great meals that include my favorite...salad...but I have to say that even the lesser parts have just reminded me of places I've been to and fallen in love with. From walking down the street to hiking up to a lighthouse, everything I see, even in a less than presentable form, has so much beauty in it. This is what I feel God has called me to, and couldn't be more thankful for the knowledge and understanding I've gained of our students. I will update you on specifics in future blog posts, but I'm hoping that you have an understanding of what exactly we're doing. Thanks for your time and please continue to pray for us as we work out here, for Sarah as she starts her class (and the first week of mine) next week, for Steve as he travels back to Guam, and for me as I work in Chuuk an extra week.


Love, Jen





"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.” Psalm 19:1-2

birthday..already?

Since we'll be in Chuuk on my actual birthday, 6/11, some great people came over Saturday night to hang out and celebrate with me. We made homemade pizzas, had many many cakes and pies, and played games/hung out. I have to say that this has been one of my best bday weeks in a long time. Everyone here and in the states have made me feel very special so far. I can't wait to be 26!

I'm thankful for the decorators, cake providers, pizza makers, game players, and that would have to include everyone who came =)

Plans

In two days I'll be on my way to Chuuk with new teacher/friend Sarah and our friend, mentor, family Steve. I can't wait to go for many reasons, such as:

1. I will have a better opportunity to understand my students
2. I will be able to spend a lot of quiet time with God and go to bed early...which means..
3. I will be able to recharge, hopefully.

I am looking forward to experiencing a new culture and letting myself grow and change from the experiences. We may be working there, and we will surely be giving a TOEFL test for future PIU students. Please pray for our journey from June 9-14. I know I need it.

June...ALREADY!

It's June 2, and minutes away from June 3, which has already gone by way too fast. May was the LONGEST MONTH EVER. School ended, the traveling team left, my expected break was interrupted, and people came and went. I was lonely, frustrated, weird, excited, confused, and all kinds of emotions. The end of the month, however, came with huge blessings. I'm so excited about what God's provided for me this summer. I am truly convinced that His plans are better than mine. If I had it my way, I'd be back in the states visiting at this time. If I had done that I would have missed out on so many amazing things.

This afternoon, I noticed that my friend's license plate had the numbers 6011 on it. 611 is my number. On good days, I look at the clock at 6:11. That's always unexpected, but when it happens, it catches my attention. After explaining this today, I checked the time later on at...yep...6:11. Today was a good day. 6/11 is also my birthday, which will put me half way to 52. Where have the last 26 years of my life gone? I have done more, experienced more, and seen more than a lot of people my age. I wouldn't trade the good or bad experiences for anything, and I look forward to the next 26 years. I think this is my half way point to the next set of amazing experiences in my life.

This year, on 6/11, I'll be on the more remote island of Weno, Chuuk, eating sashimi and...banana pancakes...and other things, most likely enjoying the view of our hotel, connecting with future students and current friends, and taking in the whole experience. I believe this will kick off the next great chapters of my life, and I couldn't be more excited.

Double Reef

Some new and awesome friends took Sarah, who is also a new and awesome friend, and me to Double Reef on the northern Navy base on the island for an afternoon of hiking and swimming. We explored a cave, found deer remains (my first deer on Guam...even though there's apparently many), saw two monitor lizards, found ancient pottery, and got to experience part of the paradise that is our island. I had an amazing time, especially since this was my third new hike in five days. I'm considering myself blessed to have such an amazing summer already. Check out some of the pics: