It's Time To Blog Again...

It's been about 2 years since I wrote a blog and I am going to attempt to re-enter the world of blogging :)  I love to write, I'm not sure why I don't do it more often.  I read somewhere once to "stay where you grow".  I wish I could remember the exact quote because it is much more insightful and thought provoking.  For the last 6 months I had been intending and planning to relocate back to Charlotte, NC for a handful of reasons.  However, over the last month my heart has moved a different direction.  God is doing things here in my life in NJ.

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!

Rest For My Soul - Puerto Alegria

There are so many directions I could go with this blog and so much I want to tell you 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.

I'll start with the ride from the airport in Iquitos to the boat we took to Puerto Alegria. As tears streamed down my face I was quickly reminded of all I saw the year I traveled the world. The tears were a result of how much I have forgotten. Lesson 1: Remember the places God has taken you and things He has shown you. It is so easy to forget in the busyness of life. God gave me the privilege of a pilgrimage 2 years ago. He showed me many people, places and things. There is a whole world out there much different then the bubble of America we live in. I have been so caught up in wanting the American Dream these past 2 years, that I forgot the world outside the walls of America. It is so much bigger than us and in reality I have so much more than 99% of the world. I am ridiculously blessed and yet so often I am discontent because my life doesn't look like I thought it would at age 32. Lord forgive me just kept repeating in my head. I was humbled.

We hopped on this sweet boat pictured here. It was like a giant wooden canoe with a roof and a 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.

This blog is getting long and I apologize, but there is one final thing I would like to conclude with. It is the thing I feel like God has been screaming to me through a megaphone for the last year. It isn't anything earth shattering or new, in fact it is something all of us need to hear over and over again from Him. Lesson 4: TRUST ME, I LOVE YOU. For me it took leaving my comfort zone, seeing God's hand on 47 young men in the Peruvian Jungle who have been pulled out of dark circumstances and given a second chance. Their smiles and joy alone reminds you that there is something so much bigger than you and all your junk. It doesn't discredit our struggles or issues, but it reminds me that the manuscript for our lives is written. God has our best interests in mind and He is working out a plan for each of our lives. His love is far deeper than we will ever comprehend. I'm thankful that He took me on this journey and His pursuit of me is so relentless that He will do whatever it takes to reach my heart. He used my little buddy Lexon, pictured below to remind me daily in Peru that He loves me and has a specific plan and purpose for my life. I pray He used me to show him and the other boys that as well. I'm believing God has a great plan for his life, my life and all of our lives. It starts with trust and belief, that is where you find true rest for your soul.

Thanks for your support, prayers and being a part of my story. Much love. Peace.

More pictures can be viewed on my facebook at:
Puerto Alegria or Puerto Alegria Dos

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!)