First time in Finland!

Here in Finland... reminds me of my homeland, northern Minnesota. And I see why so many finnish people settled there. I feel "at home" here because the birch and fir trees, all the lakes, and the countryside are familiar to my soul. Even the mosquitoes!

The Call2Worship staff team is gathering from the north, south, east and west! North: Alice, Mirjami (northern Finland)... West: Hilde (Norway) and Cindy (Sweden)... East: Mary (Phillippines)... South: van de Wetering family and me (Holland). We've been getting to know one another for a couple months via Skype meetings and now we are face-to-face... talking, worshipping, praying, seeking God.

We have the sense that God wants to lead us day-by-day in this adventure... so we are committed to "wait for Him". Not always easy to do when many of us are used to leading and structuring and being responsible.

I'm reminded of one of my "take home" thoughts from the popular (and recommended) book, "The Shack" in which the main character asked God about responsibility. Basically it went like this:
"God, I thought it was a good thing and expected of me to be responsible?"

"I never asked you to be responsible, that's MY job... I want you to be responsive to Me. If I direct you to take up something, then you have ME behind you, directing you, supplying all you need to accomplish that thing"

Hmmm, that idea resounded in my over-responsible soul and I've been chewing on it ever since. My application is to learn how to be responsive to God, the Responsible One.

So, we are here in Finland... in a small place called Koivumaki (Birch Hill) near Siilinjarvi at the YWAM base... getting ready for a week of following Jesus and sitting at His feet. I have the sense that I will be learning much.

Students will come, God will be at work in and through us and something small but significant will be birthed here as we call Finland to worship the Creator!

Honey just a few weeks ago

These photos are just taken a few weeks ago while on holiday in Norway. Little did I realize that something was happening inside my little friend. I just thot he was a bit tired from all the changes... now I know better. His liver, gall bladder, prostate enlarged, he is anemic and we still don't know exactly why.
Please pray that we'll find the cause so it can be treated
Thanks,
Belinda and Honey

pray for Honey

Hello friends, This is a special prayer request for my dear little friend, Honey. About 6 weeks ago, while I was in Norway staffing a Leaders Training Course, Honey became sick. It seemed like it was from a tick that had slipped through my daily tick checks on him. He was lame and lethargic for a couple days and was obviously not feeling well. One day he would be fine and another day he would seem sick so I waited till we returned to Holland to get him checked by the vet. Vet visits.... When we got back to Holland last week I took him to the vet the next day for a blood test. The blood test immediately showed other problems so we were referred to a specialist who did an ultrasound and a biopsy of his liver. He has hepatitis (inflammed liver), an enlarged gall bladder and prostate, is anemic and has lost a lot of weight. Problem is, the vet has been unable to determine the cause of the problems. Without knowing the cause, he cannot be treated effectively. Yesterday I took him again for more tests and I hope to hear back early next week what those results are. He is on a special diet that I've been making for him... he is so hungry but if I give him too much it causes more pain in his abdomen. The vet prescribed some enzymes to help him digest his food better (which was not happening). He is also getting some treatment to support his liver functions. It is not life-threatening at this point but, if left untreated, it could become dangerous. Honey sleeps alot (probably because of being anemic) and is taking life slower than he's ever done before in his 6 years. He eats well (very positive!) and though his systems are depressed, he is still strong in spirit most of the time. He has gained a little bit of weight in the past week. Bottom-line Okay, bottom line: we need prayer! Please pray that the vets will find ANSWERS so that they can treat the problems. I am certain that this is what will make the difference. Please also pray for me... I'm due to leave next Friday, July 24th, to give a Call2Worship seminar in Finland, returning August 3rd. It would be SO HARD to leave Honey home in Holland for 10 days when there are still not answers. Also, his usual guest family is on vacation, so I need someone to care for Honey while I'm gone. If you would like to do this, please contact me! Thank you SO much! Blessings, Belinda (and Honey) on vacation in Norway

Pray for HoneyBoy

Hello all,
Please pray for Honey because he is quite sick.
The vets have biopsied his liver and there seems to be quite a bit of damage done... will get the rest of the results this coming week, the diagnosis and prognosis.
He is sleeping alot and lost weight... not his usual alert and spunky self at all.
Thanks for caring and praying!

On vacation in Norway

Enjoying some rest and refreshment here in Norway together with friends. The mountains, the water, the freshness of this country is restoring my soul. I'm thankful for vacation!