Everyone,
Language. One of the definitions I found is: "a systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings". It's something I never thought too much about but it is never far from our minds here. We get used to communicating with people using a combination of English, Greek, Farsi and Charades. Kent often uses silverware to make a cross or a bridge as he explains the gospel. I have learned quite a few random Farsi words which I manage to mangle, sometimes to the great amusement of my listeners. Kent and I have both become adept at rolling our eyes upward, lifting our chin and making a "tsk" sound with our tongue signifying "No" in Greek and "No" or "I don't want that" in Farsi. Sometimes when I sit down with a woman, as happened on Tuesday, I long to be able to speak with her freely. But once we get past the greetings we are stuck, even though we sometimes go on talking, each in our own language, speaking slowly and a little louder as if that were the problem with understanding.
I am jealous of the children. Many of the kids we see regularly, not only speak their native Farsi but have also picked up English and Greek. It seems so effortless for
them. Even "Z"s three year old twins understand and speak both some English as well as Farsi. I am determined to be more disciplined in my Greek. We now have Greek team mates, Ritsa and Michalis. They are a wonderful addition to our team, and true servants. Ritsa has agreed to tutor me on Tuesdays after our Family Meal Day. Pray that I will retain what I have already learned and progress quickly. Also please pray that Ritsa and Michalis will be able to raise the rest of their support in order to keep serving with us.
At the retreat this last week we spent two mornings talking about another type of language. Kent and I taught four sessions on a book by Gary Chapman called The Five Languages of Love. In it he explains that we each have a way that we receive and communicate love which has the most meaning to us. But just as my Farsi speaking friends and I can talk all day with the best of intentions, both communicating our thoughts in the way we understand, so we can think we are showing love to another person only to find we are communicating in a language that has little or no meaning to them. The five love languages are: Touch, Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Quality Time and Gifts. Although ALL of these are usually appreciated by most people, there will be one of them that speaks love to a person more clearly than any of the others. Learning the other person's love language is especially important in a marriage but it can also be very helpful in a team setting. We spent time together sharing and adding another "tool" to our "relationship toolbox". Hopefully we will use what we learned to better communicate the love and respect we have for one another.
We drove home on Monday from the retreat, a five hour drive. It seemed like we were all dragging a bit at Family Meal Day on Tuesday. Several people, including myself, had not even unpacked their suitcases yet. Wednesday we went in for team meeting and then I came home and unpacked and started the laundry. Our niece Tammy was back with us when we got home Monday, but I took her to the airport bus yesterday morning as she heads back to the states. I got the guest room bed changed and the room ready for our next guests. We have two Moody bible students (both girls) coming to stay for 6 weeks. Emily arrives on Tuesday of next week and Lauren comes the week after that. We have a busy summer ahead. Pray for the team's encouragement, strength and endurance. My arthritis is some better but still not where I would like it to be. As always we thank you for your faithful support and love toward us. You are always in our hearts as we do this work together. We love you all.
Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a
one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Morley Update 2011 #12
Everyone,
My Love/Hate Relationship with Being in Greece
1. Most days I love shopping at the laiki . I like visiting with the lady that sells me potatoes and onions. I like buying fresh fruits and vegetables that haven't been sitting on the shelves of a store. I like seeing the rows of brightly colored eggplants, peppers and tomatoes. I like hearing the men shouting their prices, good naturedly trying to outdo one another. MOST DAYS. Today my arthritis is acting up and my knees hurt. But it was laiki and grocery shopping day so I hiked up the street pulling my cart and stopping at vendor after vendor to buy my veggies and fruit. Then I walked to two different grocery stores in order to the find the items I needed. By the time I headed home I was pulling a full cart and carrying a VERY heavy bag of groceries. As I trudged along stopping to change hands when I began to lose feeling in my arm and detouring around cars parked on the sidewalk, I thought how much I sometimes miss one stop shopping and pulling into my garage to unload my groceries.
2. Most days I love getting hugs from kids at the ARC. I love the fact that these little and not so little ones have gone from hiding behind their mothers to running up for a hug and wanting to be picked up. MOST DAYS. Lately whenever I get an especially long hug or when I hold someone on my lap, my head begins to itch and though I know it is most likely the power of suggestion, I am forced to go home, wash all my clothes and check my head for lice.
3.Most days I love building relationships. I love it when Kent or I find refugee friends that we can really relate to. I love it when I find a new woman who speaks English. I love it when Kent comes home excited because he met a man about his age who he can not only share with but with whom he feels a real connection. MOST DAYS. Some days I hate building relationships. Sometimes it is hard to love people and then not be able to do anything to meet their many needs. Sometimes its hard to watch people you love struggle with separation from their families, not having a place to live or being in an abusive relationship. And sometimes it's hard because just as you feel you have made a friend, the person is gone. Kent's friend "O" that he was so enjoying has moved on. We have not heard from our good friend George since we got back and don't know if he is here or in jail or gone.
4. Most days I'm very thankful for the "family" God has blessed us with in Greece. I love that we have good friends and "adopted" kids and grandkids. I love spending time with them, playing games or hanging out. MOST DAYS. Although I am thankful God has given us this team, I miss my family and friends in the States. I'm sad the the flip flops I sent in Emma's birthday box were too small because I don't see her enough to know her shoe size, I miss getting together for holidays and family gatherings. I miss going to garage sales with my friend Linda. I miss being able to pick up the phone and call my mom, or my sisters or brother or kids and not have to count up the hours to see what time it is there so I don't call in the middle of the night.
5. Most days I love my job. Yesterday we had a grocery give away and one woman who came told us that the night before she was very worried because they had no food in the house. She said "I prayed to Jesus to help us and then I found the ticket you gave me. I had forgotten about it. Today I am getting two bags of food because Jesus answered my prayer." I LOVE going to work and hearing stories like this. I love having conversations with kids, especially when they try to teach me to speak Farsi. I love watching people enjoy a meal and sit together as a family. MOST DAYS. Some days I am just tired. I'm physically tired from being on my feet, leaning over kids chairs to help with a craft or washing tables and mopping floors. I'm mentally tired from trying to understand someone who speaks little English or juggling schedules, housing and budgets for short term teams and individuals. I'm emotionally tired from hearing peoples stories and wanting to help. I'm tired because regardless of recent photos I'm no Spring Chicken anymore.
Despite this love/hate relationship, I have no regrets. The longer we are here the more I realize that this is exactly where God wants us for now. I am thankful that the good days far outweigh the bad. I am thankful that I am here serving with my husband who is wise, caring and can always make me smile and often laugh out loud. I am thankful that we have a caring team of supporters who stand with us in this work. Most of all I am thankful that this is GOD'S work and that He has allowed all of us to be a part of it. Please continue to pray for us and for our team leader's father-in-law after his stroke. He is making small improvements but still has a long road ahead. Also pray for Greece and your Greek brothers and sisters. The economic troubles are far from over and many Greeks who have faithfully supported this ministry are finding themselves is dire circumstances, losing business, homes and going bankrupt. We pray for you our supporters as we know that many of you face uncertain times and have had to tighten your belts. May God bless you for your faithfulness to us and to Him. We love you very much.
Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}
My Love/Hate Relationship with Being in Greece
1. Most days I love shopping at the laiki . I like visiting with the lady that sells me potatoes and onions. I like buying fresh fruits and vegetables that haven't been sitting on the shelves of a store. I like seeing the rows of brightly colored eggplants, peppers and tomatoes. I like hearing the men shouting their prices, good naturedly trying to outdo one another. MOST DAYS. Today my arthritis is acting up and my knees hurt. But it was laiki and grocery shopping day so I hiked up the street pulling my cart and stopping at vendor after vendor to buy my veggies and fruit. Then I walked to two different grocery stores in order to the find the items I needed. By the time I headed home I was pulling a full cart and carrying a VERY heavy bag of groceries. As I trudged along stopping to change hands when I began to lose feeling in my arm and detouring around cars parked on the sidewalk, I thought how much I sometimes miss one stop shopping and pulling into my garage to unload my groceries.
2. Most days I love getting hugs from kids at the ARC. I love the fact that these little and not so little ones have gone from hiding behind their mothers to running up for a hug and wanting to be picked up. MOST DAYS. Lately whenever I get an especially long hug or when I hold someone on my lap, my head begins to itch and though I know it is most likely the power of suggestion, I am forced to go home, wash all my clothes and check my head for lice.
3.Most days I love building relationships. I love it when Kent or I find refugee friends that we can really relate to. I love it when I find a new woman who speaks English. I love it when Kent comes home excited because he met a man about his age who he can not only share with but with whom he feels a real connection. MOST DAYS. Some days I hate building relationships. Sometimes it is hard to love people and then not be able to do anything to meet their many needs. Sometimes its hard to watch people you love struggle with separation from their families, not having a place to live or being in an abusive relationship. And sometimes it's hard because just as you feel you have made a friend, the person is gone. Kent's friend "O" that he was so enjoying has moved on. We have not heard from our good friend George since we got back and don't know if he is here or in jail or gone.
4. Most days I'm very thankful for the "family" God has blessed us with in Greece. I love that we have good friends and "adopted" kids and grandkids. I love spending time with them, playing games or hanging out. MOST DAYS. Although I am thankful God has given us this team, I miss my family and friends in the States. I'm sad the the flip flops I sent in Emma's birthday box were too small because I don't see her enough to know her shoe size, I miss getting together for holidays and family gatherings. I miss going to garage sales with my friend Linda. I miss being able to pick up the phone and call my mom, or my sisters or brother or kids and not have to count up the hours to see what time it is there so I don't call in the middle of the night.
5. Most days I love my job. Yesterday we had a grocery give away and one woman who came told us that the night before she was very worried because they had no food in the house. She said "I prayed to Jesus to help us and then I found the ticket you gave me. I had forgotten about it. Today I am getting two bags of food because Jesus answered my prayer." I LOVE going to work and hearing stories like this. I love having conversations with kids, especially when they try to teach me to speak Farsi. I love watching people enjoy a meal and sit together as a family. MOST DAYS. Some days I am just tired. I'm physically tired from being on my feet, leaning over kids chairs to help with a craft or washing tables and mopping floors. I'm mentally tired from trying to understand someone who speaks little English or juggling schedules, housing and budgets for short term teams and individuals. I'm emotionally tired from hearing peoples stories and wanting to help. I'm tired because regardless of recent photos I'm no Spring Chicken anymore.
Despite this love/hate relationship, I have no regrets. The longer we are here the more I realize that this is exactly where God wants us for now. I am thankful that the good days far outweigh the bad. I am thankful that I am here serving with my husband who is wise, caring and can always make me smile and often laugh out loud. I am thankful that we have a caring team of supporters who stand with us in this work. Most of all I am thankful that this is GOD'S work and that He has allowed all of us to be a part of it. Please continue to pray for us and for our team leader's father-in-law after his stroke. He is making small improvements but still has a long road ahead. Also pray for Greece and your Greek brothers and sisters. The economic troubles are far from over and many Greeks who have faithfully supported this ministry are finding themselves is dire circumstances, losing business, homes and going bankrupt. We pray for you our supporters as we know that many of you face uncertain times and have had to tighten your belts. May God bless you for your faithfulness to us and to Him. We love you very much.
Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}
Friday, May 6, 2011
Morley Update 2011 #11
Everyone,
Time flies when you are having fun. I can't believe how fast the weeks go and it is time for another update. A couple of nights ago we had a Team Fellowship and we were asked to share our "highs" (good things that happened) and "lows" (hard things that happened) for the last few weeks. I truthfully couldn't think of any lows. Here are a few of our highs.
1) Full House: After having our sister-in-law Barb and niece Tammy for 3 1/2 weeks we got to have some new friends Paul and Elizabeth Musser with us for a few days. I love having overnight guests. I love those early morning coffee and pjs conversations and I love the late night laughter when you are so tired that everything is funny.
2) Three Men and a Baby: Kent had a good day yesterday with a couple of new refugee friends. "O" is Kurdish and is wanting to improve his English - he is also very open to spiritual things. "A" is a younger man who is also interested in English and spiritually open. Kent met them for coffee (which lasted for 3 hours) yesterday and came home excited about getting together with them again. "H" is a young man who recently became a Christian. I think he has adopted me as a mother figure. Whenever we are at the ARC he seeks me out to talk with and I really enjoy our conversations. The "baby" is actually a 3 year old but I was going for the TV/Movie Theme so.... Anyway as most of you know I would rather be beaten with a stick than to spend much time in the baby room at the ARC. However, for some reason (mainly that my back hurt from bending over helping with crafts in the kids room) I decided to go and sit in the baby room for a while on Saturday. Nargas one of Z's twin daughters decided to play tea party with me. She kept pouring cup after cup of "tea" into my little plastic cup and then giggling as I practiced my new Farsi word for hot and pretended to burn my mouth.
3) Chicken Run: In case any of you are not on facebook here is the link to view pictures of me in my chicken suit, the puppets and other great pics from our kids party. Thanks to our photographer Kenn for great shots and his wife Lisa for all her work editing and posting these - You are invited to view Lisa Dirrim's photo album: 2011 04 easter kids party Enjoy.
4) Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader: Tuesday, I was in the kids room as Ebi (our children's leader's husband) told the story in Farsi. Afterward two boys about 10 and 8 raised their hands and began asking questions. Their questions were all about things we had talked about in our Easter Outreaches and particularly our Children's Party. Questions about the resurrection, where Jesus is now, how can Jesus be God and God's son etc. The questions showed that the kids had been thinking and that they had most likely been talking about these things at home. I was so thankful that Ebi was there and able to speak freely with them in Farsi. Please pray for these kids as they seek the truth. Also please pray for Ebi and Carolyn and they still continue to struggle with resident paper issues.
5) Guess Who's Coming to Dinner: 130 of our closest friends. Our Farsi Meal Outreaches continue to run full with no drop off in numbers over the holiday. This means more people hear the word but it keeps us scrambling to have enough food prepared and has meant several very full days in the kids room. Pray that we will be sensitive to those "divine appointments" that God arranges especially with newcomers who can get lost in the crowds.
5) Itchy and Scratchy: Actually this is not a high but a prayer request. Right now we are having a huge outbreak of head lice and scabies among the refugee children. We are trying a new treatment this week but pray for us to be able to love the kids and spend time with them and not become infected ourselves.
Another prayer request is for our team leader Brett's father in law. His name is Kent and believe it or not his wife's name is Myrna. Anyway he had a severe stroke this week and Brett's wife Kristin is flying home next week to be with her family. Pray for his healing as the stroke has affected his breathing, swallowing and cognitive functions. Pray for Brett as he stays here and cares for their two little girls while mommy is away. Pray for peace for Kristin and her whole family during this time.
As always thank you SO much for your faithful support and prayers. We love you all.
Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}
Time flies when you are having fun. I can't believe how fast the weeks go and it is time for another update. A couple of nights ago we had a Team Fellowship and we were asked to share our "highs" (good things that happened) and "lows" (hard things that happened) for the last few weeks. I truthfully couldn't think of any lows. Here are a few of our highs.
1) Full House: After having our sister-in-law Barb and niece Tammy for 3 1/2 weeks we got to have some new friends Paul and Elizabeth Musser with us for a few days. I love having overnight guests. I love those early morning coffee and pjs conversations and I love the late night laughter when you are so tired that everything is funny.
2) Three Men and a Baby: Kent had a good day yesterday with a couple of new refugee friends. "O" is Kurdish and is wanting to improve his English - he is also very open to spiritual things. "A" is a younger man who is also interested in English and spiritually open. Kent met them for coffee (which lasted for 3 hours) yesterday and came home excited about getting together with them again. "H" is a young man who recently became a Christian. I think he has adopted me as a mother figure. Whenever we are at the ARC he seeks me out to talk with and I really enjoy our conversations. The "baby" is actually a 3 year old but I was going for the TV/Movie Theme so.... Anyway as most of you know I would rather be beaten with a stick than to spend much time in the baby room at the ARC. However, for some reason (mainly that my back hurt from bending over helping with crafts in the kids room) I decided to go and sit in the baby room for a while on Saturday. Nargas one of Z's twin daughters decided to play tea party with me. She kept pouring cup after cup of "tea" into my little plastic cup and then giggling as I practiced my new Farsi word for hot and pretended to burn my mouth.
3) Chicken Run: In case any of you are not on facebook here is the link to view pictures of me in my chicken suit, the puppets and other great pics from our kids party. Thanks to our photographer Kenn for great shots and his wife Lisa for all her work editing and posting these - You are invited to view Lisa Dirrim's photo album: 2011 04 easter kids party Enjoy.
4) Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader: Tuesday, I was in the kids room as Ebi (our children's leader's husband) told the story in Farsi. Afterward two boys about 10 and 8 raised their hands and began asking questions. Their questions were all about things we had talked about in our Easter Outreaches and particularly our Children's Party. Questions about the resurrection, where Jesus is now, how can Jesus be God and God's son etc. The questions showed that the kids had been thinking and that they had most likely been talking about these things at home. I was so thankful that Ebi was there and able to speak freely with them in Farsi. Please pray for these kids as they seek the truth. Also please pray for Ebi and Carolyn and they still continue to struggle with resident paper issues.
5) Guess Who's Coming to Dinner: 130 of our closest friends. Our Farsi Meal Outreaches continue to run full with no drop off in numbers over the holiday. This means more people hear the word but it keeps us scrambling to have enough food prepared and has meant several very full days in the kids room. Pray that we will be sensitive to those "divine appointments" that God arranges especially with newcomers who can get lost in the crowds.
5) Itchy and Scratchy: Actually this is not a high but a prayer request. Right now we are having a huge outbreak of head lice and scabies among the refugee children. We are trying a new treatment this week but pray for us to be able to love the kids and spend time with them and not become infected ourselves.
Another prayer request is for our team leader Brett's father in law. His name is Kent and believe it or not his wife's name is Myrna. Anyway he had a severe stroke this week and Brett's wife Kristin is flying home next week to be with her family. Pray for his healing as the stroke has affected his breathing, swallowing and cognitive functions. Pray for Brett as he stays here and cares for their two little girls while mommy is away. Pray for peace for Kristin and her whole family during this time.
As always thank you SO much for your faithful support and prayers. We love you all.
Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}
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