We got home from Cambodia one week ago tonight - almost to the minute that I'm writing this. I wish, oh, how I wish I could sit down and update our blog more often. Right now I am compiling everything so I can just "spill the beans" about our trip and how it affected us this year. It was completely amazing, humbling and life changing all together. I am a different person because of it.
I am so thankful to the amazing people in our life who have been so supportive both financially and by sending encouraging e-mails, cards, texts, facebook posts, etc. Really, just a simple line saying "I'm praying for you," means just as much as anything. I wish I could "bottle up" Cambodia and give you a glimpse as to what we do, how it changes you so that you can experience it, too. But, hopefully by looking at the pictures and reading about it, you will get a glimpse of our hearts, the people, the children and the Holy Spirit will move on your heart what he wants you to get out of it too.
There are many things to write about, but right now what is really on my mind is just how simple life is, how simply ministry is and God wants to give us a "simplistic" perspective on life and what really matters. What really does matter to you? Sometimes we skim over those types of questions and don't really think about it, but for us, we are forced to think about what really matters when we're face-to-face with children who eat once a week because of someone's heart to feed them, who otherwise would likely starve to death. I have to think about what matters because I've spent time with little girls who have been rescued from sex trafficking and have lived nightmares none of us can imagine. I don't write this to send you into a depression but hopefully to help you to stop and think, what matters in life? Is it money, position, career, friends, vacation, schedules, etc.? While those things are necessary, in our heart of hearts, we know what matters but those other things can all to often creep in and preside over what God wants us to focus on. So, take a few minutes and quietly talk to God about your thoughts and ask him for His perspective on what matters - you won't be disappointed.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
We're off... almost! :)
Today is the BIG day - we leave for Cambodia at 6 p.m. tonight. I have intended to post an update well before now! We have everything we need, all of our support has been raised and we're ready to go. In summary, it was quite miraculous and completely God that we have been able to raise $30,000 in two years for our efforts in Cambodia. It's humbling and an honor to serve God in this way. It blows our minds, really. In fact, late last week, we had an extremely generous donor send in $4,500 for the projects we will be doing in Cambodia. Although we only knew this person for a short time, God connected us and their heart and we are able to do incredible things. We are now able to do the full scope of what we wanted to do, such as: build much needed bathrooms for the orphanages (Hope Centers), paint and labor projects, purchasing fruit and vegetable plants for self-sustainability, buy shoes for the orphans and street children (who literally have no shoes. Their feet are covered in scars and open wounds), medical treatment for the street children, feeding children (who only eat once or twice a week if their lucky) and so much more.
We are so grateful and appreciative to all of our friends and family for their investment in us and for being a part of reaching the world. It doesn't matter the amount, but each person did what God told them to do and because of it we're making a difference in the world. We're so thankful for our parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins, and precious friends that believe in us and are such a huge part of our lives. Our expectations are high and we know God is going to do something special and unique on this trip. Thank you for your prayers and I'll try and post as often as I can.
In the meantime, you can read daily updates on: www.gadberry.wordpress.com.
Much love!
Andy and Ali
Saturday, March 7, 2009
A special Christmas season
This Christmas season was especially wonderful as Allison's younger brother, Barrett, married an incredible woman named Lindsay (affectionately called Lizzi!). What made their wedding extra special was that Andy performed the ceremony (his first as a pastor) and it was very touching. Barrett and Lindsay are truly perfect for each other and Lindsay is the long lost sister I've never had. After Christmas and a honeymoon to Mexico, Barrett and Lindsay reside in Cheyenne, WY, where Barrett is stationed in the Air Force and Lindsay is a Physician's Assistant on base.
Christmas was very low-key and special as well. We spent Christmas day in Caney, KS, with Andy's family. The most exciting part was Avery (our neice) got a new puppy, so we had a lot of fun with that.
New Year's Eve we ended up in McKinney at Ali's dad's for a last family get together with the newlyweds before they moved to Wyoming.
What a great year 2008 was!!
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