The New Normal

Tonight, I got an email from a friend asking me how I'm feeling now that I am "home." To be honest, the question actually caught me off-guard -- for a couple of reasons, one being that I don't think I can quite articulate yet how I'm feeling. In a lot of ways, I'm simply overwhelmed (in the sweetest sense of the word.) Overwhelmed by a fierce love for the children that we're serving. Overwhelmed by a deep connection to those I am honored to be working alongside of. Overwhelmed by God's rich goodness and faithfulness, that He has placed me here for such a time as this. While talking with a co-worker today, I realized that this is the first time ever that I can say I know, beyond a shadow of any doubt, that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be, doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing. To find yourself right in the middle of God's perfect and ultimate will for your life is nothing short of ... well, overwhelming.

Yet, at the same time, I'm struck by the fact that Liberia truly does feel like home and, as overwhelmed as I may be, it seems completely natural for me to be here. I haven't really felt the need to "adjust" or "become acclimated" because, from the beginning, it was a perfect fit. My definition of normal has been drastically altered, and it's got me thinking that, perhaps -- and most likely -- this new normalcy was the intention all along.

Liberia-bound!

For those of you who haven't already heard the news, my flight to Liberia is OFFICIALLY BOOKED (!!!), and I leave on November 29th. I'll be gone for seven months (almost exactly to the day), returning in late June of 2010. It's my sincere hope that you, first and foremost, join me in praising God for His goodness, for His provision, for His faithfulness. It's nothing short of awe-inspiring to look back over this entire process and meditate on how He has knit this whole thing together. This dream, this vision that was birthed in me long ago has beautifully evolved over time, and I'm struck, day after day, as I realize that it was His dream and His vision all along. How humbling! How ... full my heart becomes whenever I think about that.

I also ask that you keep me in prayer as I prepare to head back. I still have two weeks, yet I know that those two weeks will have flown by before I know it. There is much to do, and I could easily get overwhelmed. Yet I have this deep peace within me, even as I find myself caught up in the whirlwind of it all. Please pray for that continual peace for me; I'll most definitely need it. (And, if you live in the Reading area, I hope you can stop by Bala and Laly's on the 28th so I can see you before I go!)

New!

I just got home from an eight-day trip to spend some time in the Orphan Relief and Rescue office. It should go without saying that I ended up having tons of fun (and I have ohsomany stories to share!) - but what I'm really excited about is this:

orphanreliefandrescue.org

That's right. Our brandspankin'new website! Check it out, and feel free to let us know what you think!
(And while you're at it, you can read about Orphan Relief and Rescue in the Tyler newspaper by clicking here. Go ahead. You know you want to!)

Happy reading!

It's Global Handwashing Day!

All over the world, children are dying from diseases that are PREVENTABLE by something as simple as regular handwashing. Read how Orphan Relief and Rescue is teaching kids in Liberia how to fight germs -- and have some fun!

http://tinyurl.com/orroct09

tomorrow's the big day!

I hope to see you all at the Villa Gift Shop Fundraiser tomorrow (Sept. 26th) from 3:30 - 7:30 pm! Stop by any time during those hours and check out the huge assortment of things for sale: jewelry, fashion accessories, beauty products, candles, home decor, holiday items and so much more! (There will even be a table with yummy baked goods that you can munch on while you shop!)

Don't forget to bring your friends and family along, too! This is a great opportunity to learn more about what we do in Liberia, get your Christmas shopping done early AND help these beautiful children! And please keep this event in your prayers! Pray that God will provide and make it a huge success.
See you there!

coming up next ...

First of all, I'd like to say a HUGE "thank you" to all who attended the Orphan Relief and Rescue Dinner Fundraiser last night. (And let me just say that the food was delicious! Thank you again, Saul!) It was so wonderful to share with you all about the awesome work being done in Liberia, and the night was a great success!

Now I need your help to spread the word about an event coming up on Saturday, September 26th. Denise Colvin has a gift shop set up in the lower level of The Villa St. Elizabeth (1201 Museum Road, Wyomissing PA 19611) and has agreed to have a "shop drop-in" for Orphan Relief and Rescue. Come by between the hours of 3:30 - 7:30 PM, and a substantial portion from each purchase will be donated! It's a great opportunity to get your Christmas shopping done early AND help support the cause! She has a large variety of items available for purchase such as: Premier Designs and Estate jewelry, Mary Kay, Willow Tree, Jim Shore & other figurines, soy and wax candles, Home Interiors decorating items, framed art, Boyd's and other plushes, Christian books and greeting cards, Christmas, wedding & other holiday items, scarves and purses and much more! Light refreshments will be available, and I'll be there to share about ORR and the work that we do. So go ahead - mark your calendars and invite people to come along! It's sure to be a great time, and I can't wait to see you there. :)

mark your calendars!

Orphan Relief and Rescue Dinner Fundraiser
Join us for a night of fantastic food, fellowship and fundraising -- all for Liberia's precious orphans!

Host: Elena Pellizzaris

Price: $12.00 per ticket
When: Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Where: Hope of the Nations
134 N. 5th Street Reading, PA
Email: elena@orphanreliefandrescue.org


Please remember that tickets MUST be purchased in advance (email
me for details.) And THANK YOU to Saul Coronado for volunteering
to put on this event! I hope to see you all there!

i hope to see you there!

If you can make it, I'd love to see you at New Covenant Church of God (formerly Ephrata Church of God) in Ephrata, PA, this Saturday evening. Pastor Ted Stricker has agreed to have me come speak about Orphan Relief and Rescue and the amazing work being done in Liberia.
The address is 111 E. Chestnut Street, and the service starts at 6:30 pm. I sure hope to see you there; a familiar face or two is always helpful!
(Also, if you're interested in hosting an event or having me come speak, please get in touch with me and let me know. I'd love to be able to share with you!)

new email address.

After a few days and some help from the technologically savvy, I've finally got my ORR email account set up!

elena@orphanreliefandrescue.org

Yay! =)

wanna help?

As some of you know, Saul Coronado (a man from my church) has volunteered to prepare a dinner for a fundraising event. (More to come on that later ... but be sure to mark your calendars for September 13th!)

Right now, I'm looking for people who would like to volunteer help sell tickets. If you think you'd be able to help me out, please get in touch with me & let me know how many tickets you'll be needing. And THANK YOU in advance!

unexpected blessing!

As I pulled into the parking lot at work this morning, I was greeted by two of the girls in my class at the summer camp. Each was holding a large, bright gift bag and wearing a large, bright smile.
"What's this?" I asked.
"It's for you!" they replied.
Peering in, I saw that the bags were filled (and I mean filled) with things like shampoo, toothpaste, pens, hair elastics, deodorant - all in bulk.
"It's for when you go back to Africa," the older one explained.
My heart skipped a beat. What a wonderful, unexpected blessing!

I want to take the time to thank that family for their love and generosity. The "little" things -- like a bottle of shampoo or tube of toothpaste -- go such a long way. Your giving has blessed me incredibly.
So THANK YOU!

Q & A

Someone asked me the other day what I miss most about Liberia.
My answers are below.
:)

merci! gracias! THANK YOU.

Last night was the benefit concert at Hope of the Nations. Only one word can describe it: INCREDIBLE. How beautiful it was to be able to share my story and the story of what God is doing in Liberia, in the lives of those precious children that live there. I am immeasurably blessed to have had that opportunity.

Thank you so very much to all of you who came out & showed your love and support. And thankyouthankyouTHANKYOU to everyone who helped put this whole thing together! I've said it a million times, but it's true - there's no way I can do any of this without you. Thank you, Jewels, for birthing this event - love you times a million! Thank you to those who decorated (Mary, you're awesome!) Thank you to everyone who baked all the yummy desserts (and thank you, Cordie, for taking care of planning that!) Thank you, Callowhill Cafe, for donating the coffee. Thank you, Al & Donny, for doing the sound and A/V. Thank you, Bala and Laly, for being my creative geniuses. :) And thank you, Gustavo and Twila, for being not only my pastors but my dear, precious friends. Thank you for supporting and encouraging me. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for caring about the things that make my heart cry.

And finally, thank you so incredibly much to everyone who gave. The offering last night totaled over $1,500! (And that's not even counting any proceeds from Jewels' merchandise or donations from my monthly sponsors.) God is so amazingly faithful! I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that last night was just the beginning of something special in my life, in the life of my church (just like you said, Twila!) and in the lives of all of you who have joined me on this journey.

Much, much love to each and every one of you.
xo

save the date(s)!

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord."
(Jeremiah 29:11)

This has always been one of my favorite scriptures because it reminds me of God's loving care for me, of His good intentions towards me and that His plans for my life are always, always good.

I can't lie; the last few weeks have left me a bit unsettled about Liberia, and doubt has reared its ugly head more than once. 'Are you sure, God?' 'Is this really the plan, God?' 'God, if this is You, why aren't all the pieces fitting together the way that I think they should?'

God's answer?

Jeremiah 29:11.

God's plan for me does indeed include Liberia. That much I'm sure of. Despite the question marks, this waiting game and the several disappointments I've endured on this journey, God is continually reminding me that HE knows the plan. (In other words, I don't have to.) Furthermore, He is reminding me that His plans are abundantly good - and that I can rest in that.

So for those of you in the Reading area, I hope you can make it to Hope of the Nations on May 31st (service starts at 10) to hear me speak about my heart for Liberia and my hopes, goals and visions for my upcoming return.
(Also, there will be a benefit concert on July 31st at Hope of the Nations, and I'll be speaking at that as well. Stay posted for more info!)

Finally, please know that your prayers are always needed and appreciated, and that they are so, so precious to me. Thank you all and much love to every one of you.

isaiah 40:31.

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. [NIV]

God's word really is true. I'm living, breathing, soaring proof of it. This scripture is fresh and alive within my heart today, for He has given me a hope and strength that far surpasses anything I could have imagined.

I met with Pastor Gustavo today at the Callowhill Cafe (http://www.hopeofthenations.net/callowhill-cafe <-- shameless plug!) Ninety minutes of wonderful conversation - and a delicious berry smoothie - later, I walked away with a full and happy heart, in utter awe of my God. (I then got into a somewhat heated "debate" with the Reading Parking Authority worker in the process of giving me a ticket, but that's a whole other story.) It felt so good to be able to share my heart and my story with the pastor that I love, respect and admire dearly. Seeing someone respond so positively and with such encouragement to my vision flooded me with and hope and strength and gave even more confirmation to the message I keep hearing over and over: "This is it."

I see how God is using me for Liberia even now, even here, as I'm preparing for my return. I get to tell the stories of the precious people I met while I was there. I get to show the pictures of the children I fell in love with, the children I ache to hug and hold again. I get to open eyes to see a nation torn apart by war, desperate to have hope and strength again. I get to be a voice. I get to be a verb. I get to act - whatever that may look like on any particular day.

So needless to say, these are exciting times. God is moving, and I just get the sense that He is up to something bigger than you and I could ever dream of. Please continue to pray. Pray for Liberia. Pray for relief and for revival. Pray that God continues to ready me for this next part of the journey. Pray that I find my "place" there. Pray for His provision. Above all, pray that I illustrate Him in it all.

Much love to every one of you and my sincerest thanks for all you have done and are continuing to do.

"this. is. it."

Ok, so all who know me know that, since I got back from Liberia in November, I've been doing anything and everything I could to return. Well, it appears that patience and prayer most certainly do pay off because all those plans are starting to come together. It looks like I should be able to head back in early September - less than five months away! I have most of the money for the plane ticket and fully believe I'll have the remainder that is needed soon. I also have a wonderfully supportive church and amazing friends & family who are doing what they can to help and will continue to assist and encourage me while I'm gone. I've seen God's hand move so mightily these past few weeks and heard from Him so clearly that there is no longer any doubt in my mind.

I'm going back to Liberia.

I'm still working on/praying for a place for me to serve (and stay) upon my return; that seems to be the final piece of the puzzle, the only one that's missing. Please join me in prayer for God's favor and provision in this area. There are so many needs in Liberia, so many people and places to help. Pray that God puts me in the exact place that He wants me and uses me there.

Thanks in advance & much, much love. I'm so excited that you have joined me on this journey!