Time For An Update

For some reason in the midst of a really long day I am feeling inspired to blog - so here it goes. My last blog 4 1/2 months ago was titled 'For The Good'...it was based off a Shane & Shane song that I cried everytime I heard because I really didn't understand what God was working for the good in my life. At that time all I knew was I was back in Jersey and unemployed. I was living off my credit card, debt was increasing, I missed my friends in Charlotte and my travels from last year. I had no clear direction and battled daily feeling like my life had no purpose. I had no clue what God was up too.

Four days after I wrote that blog I began a job at Starbucks. When I took the job I was desperate...I had no clue what God had in store. There are long days and I have worked far more than anticipated in the last 4 months. I also love my job far more than I ever imagined and this job is turning into a career that ties together many of my gifts - leadership, administration, management and business. I am not just making coffee, I am using my mind and the gifts God has given me and I love it. I probably drink too much coffee, but it's all good. I have no clue if this is where I will be long term, but for now I am content and thankful for the Lord's provision.

As far as Jersey, I am back. The tags on the car have been changed, my residency is official and I am not going anywhere anytime soon because I know I am right where I am supposed to be. It is a HUGE blessing to be near my family and see them on a weekly basis. I am obsessed with my nephew and love being able to just grab dinner with my mom. My community is growing as well and I have fallen in love with a ministry through the Helping Hands Rescue Mission in Philadelphia. God is doing great things with my church Hope Community in Moorestown and I am fully on board with the mission and plan to spread the gospel to Moorestown and the surrounding community. I love that through my job many faces in Moorestown are familiar and I know them by name. My job is more than just a job, it is where I build relationships, learn to know people by name, and in turn share who I am and what I am passionate about.

There are still days I miss Charlotte and my friends (thankful for a trip there in 6 weeks!!). I am not totally sure about the direction of my future, if it includes a husband and kids or grad school or ministry overseas, but I don't care. I am living in today, the present and moving forward one day at a time. I am thankful that God didn't give me instant gratification 4 months ago like I wanted, but overtime worked out HIS PERFECT PLAN. He is good. I still struggle, but I do know and believe with all of my heart, He's got me. Romans 8:28, which a friend reminded me of yesterday sums it up perfect - "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

For The Good

I'm going to stick to the song theme b/c it seems to be how God is speaking to me these days. Last week a friend sent me a video from our trip to Haiti in February and the first song on the video was For The Good, by Shane & Shane. As I was watching the video I found myself crying, but it wasn't because of the images. I already cried a lot in January when the earthquake struck and in February when I saw the damage in a country close to my heart. Nothing in Haiti that I see in a picture shocks me, because I saw it live. I'm not going to write you a novel on the song like I did with What Do I Know of Holy, because the song speaks for itself. It is truth and it is straight out of Gods Word. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." For everyone in transition that has returned from the race and doesn't know what the heck they are doing with their life, for anyone going through a hard time that can't see or hear from God, and just for those who enjoy music and words of truth...go buy this song on Itunes. It is worth a dollar and it will speak volumes to your heart.

When darkness is surrounding me
by Your Spirit, Lord help me sing
that You are working all things out
Lord, I really need to hear you speak
Remind me in the waiting
that You are working all things out

For the good of those
who are called by You
for the good of those
who are in Love with You
That's why we sing

Holy God of light
I lay down my life
Holy is the Lord
Even in the storm be glorified

We like to take the blessing from You
Shall we not take the trouble too
You are working all things out
We like to take prosperity
Shall we not take the suffering
You are working all things out

Holy are you Lord
even in the storm
be glorified
Worthy of affection

God is good, He is worthy of affection, He is holy and He is for our good. I can't say I always believe that and walk in it, but daily I soak in that truth and trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to take care of my doubts. It is a battle for our hearts daily, and it is His battle, not ours.

One Month To Live

Today I checked out a new church. I went for 2 reasons: the name was the same as my home church in Charlotte, NC (Hope Community Church) and I woke up late (it's only 5 minutes away). They were starting a new series based of a book called, "One Month To Live". It got me thinking about what I would do differently if I only had 30 days to live. The pastor talked about how Jesus lived passionately, loved completely, learned humbly and left boldly. I long for those ways to be descriptive of my life. I felt like I was living that way when I traveled the world last year. I was living radically for Christ and my life was full of adventure. Daily I was loving on the poorest of the poor and I was making a difference all the while falling more deeply in love with Jesus and learning life lessons that will stick with me forever. It's a bit more of a challenge to live that way here in South Jersey, working 7:30-6pm in sales and adjusting to a new environment. Not much feels radical about sales, but yet it's where God has me. So what will I do to be purposeful? How will I live passionately and love completely those God puts in my path? How will I learn, will it be humbly or arrogantly? Will I be bold and courageous or will I hold back? I was telling someone the other day my life didn't feel purposeful. It is only not purposeful if I choose to make it not purposeful. If I choose to believe the lie that I can't have an impact here, then I won't. It's a choice. All of life and how we live it, what we worship, what we do...is a CHOICE. You have one month to live...what is your CHOICE?

I Officially Live in NJ Again!

Well folks, I did it...I officially live in NJ again. Some days I wake up and can't believe it. I feel like I am on the show Lost and I have returned to the Island. The Island for me is the land of everything I knew agea 7-22 and then have visited once a year for the last 8 years. It is surreal being back. On top of the memories and flashbacks, for the first time since Feb 2007 all of my belongings are in one place, or at least what is left of them. So it has a been a week of going through CRAP, making a goodwill pile, reading old notes, looking at pictures and being nostalgic. Pretty pathetic, huh? I'd be lying if I didn't say I shed a few tears or wonder what the heck I was doing here. I miss Charlotte and my friends a lot. I miss the adventures of last year and daily interacting with people and sharing Christ. But a news flash occurred the other day on a run. I was failing to remember that I don't have to be in Africa to share Christ. I can share Christ right here with every person I come in contact with in South Jersey. I'm so quick to forget things, ALWAYS.

Despite my self-pity and the last 11 days have been pretty sweet. I have spent a tremendous amount of time with my family. I have done work for my Granny. I have seen a show in Atlantic City, won a little money and got to hear what God's done in a new friend's life. I have spent time with people that I haven't seen in over 13 years. I have sat at a table, had a drink and laughed with someone who has known me since I was a 15 year old punk making poor choices. One of my best friends in NJ just got engaged to a great man. I am living with someone who has consistently pointed me back to Christ over the last 15 years. I have an awesome house to live in, a great landlord who cares about me, and food on the table. And today I got a job!! Yes ladies and gentlemen, I am officially a new Sales Rep at East Coast Business Concepts for Verizon Business. So next time you see a good looking blonde in a suit selling you something, think Liz Froba and give the person a sale. It is not a forever job, but for now it is a good fit and I think I will learn a lot about leadership and networking, 2 of my passions. For now my territory is my mission field and the Lord is still with me, before me and behind me as a sweet friend reminded me. He covers me completely and He is all I need! You can change lives anywhere, you just have to let Him use you.

Africa then Haiti then NJ - BIG UPDATE!

I feel like so much has happened in the last month that I'm not sure where to start, what to share, or if I should simply sing the praises of a God who loves us and PROVIDES for our needs. My life has been a whirlwind and I have literally gone from one side of America to the other, moved all my belongings to NJ, worked a slew of odd jobs, raised awareness and money for Canaan Orphanage in Haiti, and in 48 hours will hop on a plane to Swaziland, Africa. People have joked telling me they can't keep up with where I am and honestly some days I can't either. That is why I truly believe that it is only by the grace of God that I am still going strong and that everyday I wake up full of joy and overwhelmed by His love and goodness to me.

So here is a quick update on what I've been up to and what I will be up to in the upcoming weeks. Obviously anyone that knows me or talks to me has heard about Haiti. It is pretty phenomenal what God is doing through Canaan in the midst of this tragedy. They have been able to network and connect with people, including the military, for things such as food distribution. They have been able to get medical teams in from the states every week. They have been able to have 3 children adopted, including 2 babies. (Read about the story of Joseph and my good friends Chris & Sarah Hlavacek here - http://therollingbrick.blogspot.com/2010/02/story-of-joseph.html?spref=tw ) They are connecting with, visiting and providing financial assistance to Pastors and families they knew in the Port-au-Prince area that have lost everything. And literally they have turned into a medical relief and refugee center. Many of the kids at Canaan speak English, the advantage of that is they are able to serve as translators in local hospitals for medical teams. Pretty sweet, huh? God's hand is all over this and the beauty is Canaan is connected, ready, and willing to be used by God. They are the light of Christ to a hurting nation and they are there. I can pray and raise awareness, but I am not physically there. Your support has enabled them and empowered them to help their people. THANK YOU! Please pray that commercial flights will resume in 2 weeks as planned and we will still be able to go on February 28th. If you would like to follow specific updates, please join the group on Facebook - Pray For Haiti & Canaan Orphanage. To give financially, visit http://www.canaanorphanage.org.

Timeline of my next few weeks and months and game plan for the future (yup, I actually have one):

February 15-24 - Swaziland, Africa - This is a partner trip with Adventures In Missions and Children's Hopechest. This trip was made possible through excess support from World Race. It is a vision trip to go be a part of and see what God is doing with Aids orphans in this country. If you didn't read my last blog, basically the most staggering statistic is that by 2050 the UN predicts this country will cease to exist. CRAZY. Please be in prayer for this trip in whatever way the Lord leads. Most important prayer request right now is my health as I seem to be coming down with a cold and I leave in 48 hours.

February 26 - March 5 - Montrouis, Haiti (Canaan) - If commercial flights resume, which they are saying Feb 19th, then me and a team of about 10 folks will spend 5 days in Haiti. I have no idea what that will entail after the events of the last month. I assume we will love, serve and be of assistance in whatever way they need. The schedule appears longer b/c a fellow world racer, a high school student, and I are driving to Fort Lauderdale to decrease our expenses.

March 8 and beyond - Moorestown, NJ. I can't wait to be around my family and finally in one place. The big news is that God has birthed a vision in me and a very close friend from the World Race, Emily Hunnicutt. We are in the process of developing a detailed business plan of a non-profit that would serve other non-profits in the areas of marketing, fundraising, donor relations, and development. If the Lord continues to open doors and the counsel we receive advises us to move forward we will aim to start this organization in May. Please pray for clear direction, open or closed doors and all of the details to move into place. This is HUGE, EXCITING, and WAY BIGGER than us, so we know that is of God. We are taking some risks, trusting Him, and trying to keep up. We welcome your prayers. If you want to learn more just shoot me an email and I'd be happy to share.

Again, thank you for your prayer, support, encouragement, finances and being a part of my story. I am in awe of God and the way money continues to show up and/or He provides opportunities and energy to earn it. I will never doubt God's provision because I literally see it EVERY SINGLE DAY. It is pretty unreal...to Him be the glory. Beyond March 8th I will post all blogs to http://lizfroba.blogspot.com. My email will remain the same: eafroba@yahoo.com and my new address will be: 712 Lippincott Dr Moorestown, NJ 08057. Please keep me posted on your lives and thank you for following my journey. I believe this was just the beginning and preparation for all that God has for me in the future...one step at a time. THANK YOU!

(Pics: Billy is now one and styling and more than 1/2 of BLING reunited in GA!)

Update on Haiti, Life & More

I'm on a plane between San Diego and San Francisco as I'm typing this blog. (side note – everyone should fly Virgin America – they have outlets and wifi) With all the chaos in Haiti, I'm not sure where the month of January has gone. It feels like just yesterday I was leaving Charlotte, NC to come spend the month with a family I love here in San Francisco, California. Even in the midst of tragedy in Haiti and trying to raise funds and bring awareness the Lord has been gracious and allowed me to see this state and many people I love and care about. California is by far one of the most gorgeous states I have ever spent time in. I have seen everything from Tahoe down to San Diego, it is unreal...the mountains and the beach in one and sometimes even on the same road. In my opinion, everyone should drive the Pacific Coastal Highway before they die. Road trip anyone?!?

Anyways, I wanted to give a brief update on Canaan and share some updates on my life as well. The funds continue to come in and people are literally stepping up all over the country. Schools and youth groups are adopting Canaan and it's awesome. PRAISE GOD. A second medical team arrived a few days ago to relieve the first and more medical trips are being planned. PRAISE GOD. There is still so much need, so if you feel led, please continue to give here at http://canaaanorphanage.org. At this time, we are not taking teams, however if you join Pray For Haiti & Canaan Orphanage on Facebook or email me, we will continue to keep you in the loop. If Spirit is flying in 5 weeks, I still intend to go with the Dental Team from February 28^th-March 4^th. Please continue to pray, that is the most important way you can help, no matter where you are. God is doing great things at this place and I know He will use it to be a light in this time. (The women pictured on the right I met in Cambodia on The World Race, while serving with Water of Life...it was a blessing to see them here in California.)

Also, I wanted to share briefly about a trip I will be taking to Swaziland, Africa from February 15^th-24^th. It is a vision trip working with the Nsoko Project, which you can read more about here. Adventures in Mission is partnering with Children's HopeChest, also an amazing ministry. I'm very excited about this opportunity God has given me and the funds were provided through excess from my World Race account. PRAISE GOD. Here are some stats about Swaziland to get your heart moving in prayer and compassion for the people I will be spending time with in 3 weeks: 1) Life expectancy is only 30 years. 2) 15 year olds have less than a 10% chance of living to age 35. 3) More than 50% of the population lives on about 28 cents a day. 4) Half of the country's population is under the age of 15. 5) In some parts of the country, 80% test positive for HIV. 6) According to UN statistics, the entire country will cease to exist by 2050.

Cease to exist by 2050...that is ABSOLUTELY mind boggling to me. If the world hasn't ceased to exist by then I will be 70 and still alive and Swaziland will be gone. CRAZY. Please cover this trip in prayer as well as my remaining time in CA, my move to NJ and my precious friends in Haiti at Canaan Orphanage. Thank you to all of you that have given above and beyond in the last 2 weeks to me personally and to Canaan. Your money will be used wisely, with discernment and will bring healing to a hurting nation. I'm thankful for you all.

(Pictures - One of my favorite people, Jerah, in Coronado, Skiing at Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe and sunset on Laguna Beach after our drive down the PCH)

Haiti Relief Video & Ways You Can Tangibly HELP!!!

Hey everyone, I threw this video together tonight to show a group of middle schoolers and it had a tremendous impact. I will be sharing it next week with a group at a public HS here in Danville, CA where I am currently living. This is DEFINITELY worth 3 minutes of your time. Please be praying for Canaan and that Samaritan's Purse would adopt them or we would find someone who has access to a plane. THIS COUNTRY IS IN GREAT NEED...WATCH THIS VIDEO AND CHOOSE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! For donations, please visit: http://www.canaanorphanage.org - for immediate questions and ways to get involved, please contact me or join our group on facebook - Pray for Haiti & Canaan Orphanage. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE GIVEN. WE CAN'T DO THIS WITHOUT YOU! WE HAVE RAISED CLOSE TO $50,000!!!!

HAITI IN CRISIS!!! READ TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP!

If you have followed my blog you know i have a heart Haiti and have spent a significant amount of time there. What you may have not known is I am planning to return in 6 weeks and now hope to return sooner. Despite the tragedies that have occurred in the last 24 hours I have every intention of still going at the end of February and if I can come up with the money to get there and put a team together I will go sooner. Here is an email you will probably be receiving if I have your email, but just in case I knew this blog would hit a lot of people. Please pray about helping. Please pray for this country and these people. Please pray for God to move in a mighty way in the midst of this tragedy and for people to turn to Him. God is in control, I believe that...and He will be glorified in this mess. Contact me with any questions via the email me link on the left. Read how you can help below.

Hi Friends & Family,
If you are in my address book, you are receiving this email. If you would like to help, I will give you a few ways you can as well as update you on my current situation. I am sure by now you have heard of the tragedy that took place yesterday in Haiti. The capital Port-au-Prince where approximately 2,000,000 people live has been destroyed. It is truly heartbreaking, whether you have spent time in the country or not. Some of you received an email a couple weeks sharing about an upcoming trip I am taking to Haiti in February. This trip is still scheduled and if I can get there earlier to help then I will do so. As long as a plane will land I have every intent of going. I am currently unemployed and in in transit so whatever I can do to help this country and people I love, I will. Unfortunately, being unemployed limits my ability to help financially so that is where I need you to help. I am sending this email to 700 people. If everyone gave $10, that would be $7000 towards relief efforts. Let's be honest..$10 is one meal at Panera, I'm broke and I can afford that. I think the pictures all over the web and facebook will give you the motivation to do so. (Click here to see the one on my facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3835952&l=8ea943f420&id=502501431) There are two ways you can go about helping. Keep reading.

You can send the funds to me at: Liz Froba 2066 Weddington Lakes Dr Weddington, NC 28104. You can make the checks out to me or if you want a tax receipt to Canaan Orphanage. Canaan is a 501(c)3 organization run by my friend Chris Hlavacek. You can also give through the Canaan Orphanage webiste: http://www.canaanorphanage.org - this is set up through paypal. The money will be funneled to where it is needed and use it to get help down there along with food and medical supplies.

I will continue to send updates via my world race blog, my new blog: lizfroba.blogspot.org, and facebook...I still don't understand Twitter yet.

The reports from Canaan are good. They are safe. There were 3 kids that I know of who were in Port that they have been unable to get in contact with. All cells in Haiti are down. Pastor Henry has also had no contact with his family, who all lives in Port. This morning Pastor Henry and Elsie went in to Port to try to find them. Please pray for Pascal, Stepenson and Yolnide...as well as many former Canaanites and their families who live in PAP. I have also received updates from Dony St. Germain and the orphanage connected with Christ Covenant. They are pretty far from Port and reports are good. Some damage, but not devestating.

This country needs are help. Even $5 makes a difference. Thank you for reading this. God is in control and He will help His people.

Peace-Liz

PS - If you live in the Charlotte area, please keep reading: Two needs: Going to try and collect extra supplies to take down in Feb. If you have medical supplies or clothes you would like to donate, please contact me via email. I will be back in Charlotte on Feb 2nd. Also, this is a request outside of Haiti. I am really in need of a truck or suburban to move stuff to NJ. The rental trucks are outrageously priced for my current financial situation. If you can help or know someone that can, please let me know. Looking to move stuff in Feb or early March. Can give a honda accord in exchange for a truck. THANKS!