For most of my adult life I have moved every year or every few years. I've done some pretty incredible things, grown as a person and seen the world. The Lord has given me unbelievable experiences. I like change and it doesn't intimidate me. It actually excites me. BUT, I believe I'm in a new season and this season involves staying and seeing it through. It means having a impact beyond a few years and seeing the change come to fruition. It means facing and working through some things that are difficult versus walking away. So with that said for the time being I'm staying in NJ. I have signed a lease in Marlton and I will continue to manage the Starbucks I've been at for the last year and a half in Cherry Hill. Some pretty incredible things are happening there too. More to come later...off to celebrate Independence Day! Happy Fourth of July!
about the week in Peru that I have struggled with what exactly to write about. Many have asked what we did, what the kids were like, where they came from, what God taught me, how the food was, etc. 
nice motor. We moved down the river about an hour and arrived at the place we would call home for the next week, Puerto Alegria. We were welcomed by 47 smiles excited for us to be a part of their world for the next week. And that is exactly what we did. Language was a barrier, but you don't need words to preach the gospel. You just need love. We played soccer, took lots of pictures, laid in the hammocks, made crafts, built some things, laughed a lot and swam in the river. Lesson 2: Become Like a Child. Sunday morning I was journaling and as I watched the little ones run around and laugh without a worry in the world, I felt Jesus saying, "Become like a child Liz." Children have a unique innocence about them, they are curious and long to know people. They have no worries and are full of laughter and love. They trust easily and have little fear. I believe all these characteristics lead to freedom. When we become like a child and live like a child, we will experience freedom. (On a side note, I read "Heaven Is For Real" this day on the boat to and from church - if you have not read it, check it out - well worth your time and a great picture of faith like a child.)
Lesson 3: The Importance of Community. We had a great team that meshed together incredibly for these 9 days. We represented 4 different states and all different ages, but we quickly became one and it was as if we had known each other for years. We worked together to love these boys and show them Christ. We shared, worshipped and prayed together. It was a sweet time of fellowship. I have been blessed with community in all locations since college, but I have struggled to find it this past year and a half in NJ. I have met some phenomenal believers, I attend a great Church and friendships are growing, but I haven't made those friendships a priority. This trip reminded me that you have to be intentional to find community and it is so important. We were created to do life together, not alone. I believe we will make an impact far great together, than if we try to do it alone. 
d 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. 
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."
& 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. 
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.
n 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 - 
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 
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. 
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.
