http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org Frank & Elizabeth Varaso - - Adventures In Missions en-us Sat, 5 Jul 2008 05:10:06 GMT 30 http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=june-update http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=june-update   Well, it's been a very eventful couple of weeks for the Varasos!    Most notably, Elizabeth said "goodbye" to her 20's yesterday, and Frank found his way on the 6 o' clock news this very evening!  As if having our summer teams arrive, welcoming friends from all around the world and surviving this week's intense heat wave weren't enough!    Actually, it was a short getaway from the busyness of this week's mission trip, and an attempt to cool off that pu Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=may-update http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=may-update   Hello all! I'm writing this in the few remaining hours before Frank & I head out for a week of solace & retreat!  We will be spending this week camping in the northeastern mountains of Pennsylvania, waking each morning to campfire coffee & sleeping to the sound of crickets.    I must admit, I feel a mix of excitement and apprehension.  It's often much easier for both of us to "do" rather than "rest."  However, God has been speaking clearly, and i Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=10-a-new-broad-street-run-record http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=10-a-new-broad-street-run-record Well, I didn't quite reach my goal, but I came close, and I did top my time from last year!  Last year I hoped to run all 10 miles of the Broad Street Run without stopping .... I did, in 2 hours, 8 minutes.  This year, I hoped to finish in under 2 hours.  Unfortunately, I still needed to shave off 8 additional seconds per mile, so this year's finishing time was 2 hours, 1 minute, 22 seconds.  (Pretty close!!  There's always next year!) Frank & I are alrea Tue, 6 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=11-shake-the-governors-hand http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=11-shake-the-governors-hand It used to take me days, sometimes weeks, to get back to normal after a visit to Philly before I moved here permanently.  Since the first full week I spent here, this city and its people have held such a special place in my heart.  I felt so full, so focused, so at-home when I was here in Philly, that adjusting back to everyday life when I was back in Ohio or at college in western PA was always tough to do.  When I was home, I would eat-up any opportunity to experience Philly from Tue, 6 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=12-a-high-five-from-the-mayor http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=12-a-high-five-from-the-mayor It was near the 9 mile mark on the race . . . I had gotten a little spurt of energy when we passed the van playing the Rocky theme . . . but I was still pretty whooped! I was pretty excited having just shaken the hand of Governor Ed Rendell about 3 miles back.  Little did I know, I would have hand-to-hand contact with another famous Philly personality.  It was actually the distict voice that we heard before we saw him . . . Mayor Michael Nutter on the side of the road, handing out hig Tue, 6 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=urban-psalm-42608 http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=urban-psalm-42608 How long, O Lord . . . how long?  How many more sleepless nights on account of the behavior of those who don't honor you? How much more mockery and cursing do your servants have to endure in this place? The ungodly act as if they own this place.  They prepare for their party, and expect your servants to tolerate it and stand silently by.  They fill the streets with loud curses, and even louder music.  Late into the night, they celebrate.  What do they celebrate?&nbsp Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=special-prayers-for-alex http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=special-prayers-for-alex I'm writing this with a heavy heart.  Sometimes I'm just not prepared for the reality of the hard aspects of life here.  One of the things the Melanie and I resolved to do this year was to celebrate the birthday of each one of the kids who we work with in some special way.  It's been great fun . . . we had a surprise party for Shaquine, a Mac & Cheese and Chicken dinner for Khalil, Melanie took Amanda ice skating, we took Gage to get his picture taken, and just last week we Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=april-update http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=april-update   Hello All!    I'm writing this on a lovely Spring day here in Philly!  Yesterday was just as beautiful of a day, and was particularly delightful for me. Let me tell you a little about it . . .   Each Wednesday we hold a Bible Club at a church nearby.  Last week, our lesson was on "Beautiful Feet" -- we talked about the verse, "How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news," and then talked about the apostle Paul who took his feet Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=9-eating-cheese-in-wisconsin http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=9-eating-cheese-in-wisconsin YUm . . . . Cheese really does taste better when it's made in, and eaten in Wisconsin!  Later on this same trip, we got to have dinner at the original Famous Dave's BBQ near Hayward, Wisconsin.  Oh, what fun adventures . . . Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=8-my-first-taste-of-caviar http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=8-my-first-taste-of-caviar What a lovely Easter weekend!  God has blessed us so richly with the friends that He's surrounded us with in Philly.  We spent the afternoon at an Easter "Eggstravaganza" at our friend Shera's apartment this afternoon.  Shera's cullinary creations included all sorts of egg dishes -- crab, asparagus & mozzarella quiche, easter egg basket cupcakes, deviled eggs and a new twist on the deviled egg recipe - "Angel Eggs."  So, with my first taste of Angel Eggs came my first tas Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=march-update http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=march-update   Hello All!   A fairly monumental event has occurred since our last email update ---  On February 16, we watched the odometer on our car click over to 200,000 miles!  This happened during our 2,500 mile, 13 day road trip to Georgia and back.  We were able to visit with people who have been to Philly to minister before, some who are getting ready to come here an minister, and got to make connections with folks who we hope will come to minister here in the future.&nbs Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=7-my-first-movie-production http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=7-my-first-movie-production For years I have avoided Power Point like the plague.  I was sure that it was far too complecated for me to figure out.  Well, this week, I'm proud to say that I not only conquered my fear of Power Point, but I went on to wrestle with Windows Movie Maker, and came out on top!  Frank & I will be travelling to Georgia at the end of this week and all through next week to share about our ministry.  Although I am never quite sure how to give an answer to the question, "So wh Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=6-30-specific-prayer-requests http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=6-30-specific-prayer-requests At the beginning of the New Year, I crafted a list of 30 specific prayer requests for 30 people in my life . . . it's sweet to see some of the fruit already, and to hope for more!! My heart aches and pines as I look over my list, and as I lay awake some nights, trying to remember and lift up each one of these requests.  They are prayers for miraculous physical healing, wisdom for friends seeking direction for ministry or relationships, restored marriages, freedom from addicitions, emotiona Mon, 4 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=5-a-secret-revealed http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=5-a-secret-revealed   Matthew 6:16  "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting.  I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen and your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. " This entry will probably seem controversial, and Sat, 5 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=4-list-my-30-favorite-movies http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=4-list-my-30-favorite-movies It's just about 4 am, and holiday traveling has left me on an odd sleep & wake cycle.  After sending some emails to some dear long-lost friends, I've decided to knock one more thing off of my 30-before-30 to-do list, and document my 30 favorite movies.  Although the top few do represent my absolute favorites, the rest are not necessarily in any significant order!  I hope this list will yield a few good recommendations of movies you've never seen! 1) Pride and Prejudice ( Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=christmas-with-the-fletcher-street-gang http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=christmas-with-the-fletcher-street-gang With Melanie's help this year, we have been able to endeavor more and more exciting events with the Fletcher Street kids.  This past Saturday we had Christmas extravaganza event including cookie decorating, real live reindeer, a gift exchange, a scavenger hunt search for Baby Jesus and a Christmas Carol recording session.  We travelled from Philadelphia, due south through Deleware, Maryland, and back into Lewisville, Pennsyvlania where Melanie's parents live.  They've graciously o Mon, 24 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=3-who-doesnt-love-monkeys http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=3-who-doesnt-love-monkeys Maybe it's because I'm a quirky middle child, and an "it's-all-about-fun Otter" according to the Leading From Your Strenghts personality inventory, but something about the silly and fun-loving personality of monkeys has always appealed to me.  I was just about as giddy as a child when I found out on our recent vacation to the Dominican Republic that I could have the opportunity to hold and get my picture taken with a monkey!!  Each day of the week there is a differnt photo opportunity Sat, 8 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=a-run-across-the-ben-franklin-bridge http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=a-run-across-the-ben-franklin-bridge Ever since I spent my first summer in Philly back in 1998, I've been all talk about journeying across the pedestrian portion of the Ben Franklin Bridge that runs between Philadelphia and Camden, NJ.  Well, at long last, I turned talk into action, and decided that such a feat was worth of being included in the 30 before 30 list.  What a gorgeous view of the city!   Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=my-first-5k http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=my-first-5k It's Thanksgiving day, the day of the first annual Gobbler Games, created and directed by Melanie Gehrmann!!  While Melanie took on the title of "Event Director" she graciously allowed her husband Ryan the title of "Assistant (to the) Event Director."    I was not nearly as gracious to my husband as Melanie was to hers.  I left him in the dust, completing my first 5K, crossing the finish line at a sprint just about 30 seconds before my beloved Frank.  I'm still t Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=30-before-30-the-countdown-begins http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=30-before-30-the-countdown-begins In 30 short weeks from now, I will be 30 years old!  This revelation has inspired me to construct a "30 before 30 list" --- 30 things that I would like to experience or accomplish before my 30th birthday.  However, I would love to have this life experience, insight, wisdom, humor and creativity of all of you folks in constructing this list.    I already have a few items . . .   I'll be running my first 5K this week at the First Annual Gobbler Games founded by AIM P Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=how-great-is-the-love-of-the-father http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=how-great-is-the-love-of-the-father      It's been a little over a week since I returned from leading an AIM trip in New Orleans, but most every day since then, some aspect of what God showed me while I was there has lingered in my mind.  It's impossible to put of out of mind the profound destruction, and with current news stories still featuring the post-Katrina recover, I'm constanty reminded of what I wittnessed there.        However, it's not just the gravity of the des Tue, 18 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=the-appearance-of-spring http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=the-appearance-of-spring      With the Spring flowers comes a season of excitment and busyness to everyone who is a part of AIM.  Spring trips are beginning, and all of the work that needs to be done to prepare for Summer trips kicks into high gear in the months of March, April & May.  God is gracious that just when I seem to need that extra energy, incentive & passion, the Spring flowers show up on the trees, the warm breezes strir up, and the singing birds seem to make everying ab Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=my-advocating-intercessor http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=my-advocating-intercessor     Isn't it so wonderful when God gives us experiences that bring to life in a tangible way who Jesus is to us?  I had one such experience today.  In the thick of it, it didn't feel wonderful, but when Jesus stepped in as my Advocating Intercessor, I was reminded just how sweet and gracious the Lord really is!      Yesterday I boarded a plane in Philly bound for Chicago so that I could spend a few days meeting with people here to set up t Thu, 9 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=living-in-the-valley-of-the-shaddow-of-death http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=living-in-the-valley-of-the-shaddow-of-death    The block of Coral Street between Boston & York Streets is smaller than most city blocks, but it seems to always be full of activity.  A few years ago when a friend of mine was looking for a block to use as the subject of her Sociolinguistic research project, I directed her to this block as a place where she would almost always find people sitting outside, ready and willing to chat with her about their lives.  Interestingly enough, my friend had to eventual Tue, 28 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=welcome-to-my-blog http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=welcome-to-my-blog Friends & Strangers -- I hope you enjoy these posts .... a collection of news, thoughts, stories of past adventures and general observations about life from the point of view of a child of God living in the City of Brotherly Love.  You can find archives of my past newsletters under the "Past Newsletter Articles" topic.  Soon I should be adding a "Faces of Philly" topic as well in order to introduce you to my friends and neighbors here.  Under the "General Articles" you' Sun, 19 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=walking-with-jesus-in-the-rain-in-vermont http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=walking-with-jesus-in-the-rain-in-vermont My "welcome" screen on AOL tells me that it's lovely day in Philly at 61 degrees and partly sunny, but here where I am in Vermont, it's a rainy, stay inside kind of day.  I'm here for the weekend staying the the Franklin kiddos, and I brought my dear friend Kellie along for the experience this time.  Emma is napping after a fun-filled morning of sign-language DVD lessons, dancing to Glen Miller, reading her favorite books, watching The Incredibles, painting my nails, and lots of Fri, 3 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=bruised-beat-up-broken http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=bruised-beat-up-broken One of the issues of greatest concern to youth leaders, parents, and the youth themselves who come to serve on mission trips to Philadelphia is their physical safety.   In fact, as I write this, Ive just made a call to a youth leader who is facing such concerns as she thinks about bringing a team to Philly this summer.   Any minute, she may call me back, and Ill put this article aside so that I can share with her what I have shared with dozens of leaders preparing to com Sun, 15 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=pleasure-delight http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=pleasure-delight The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; Surely I have a delightful inheritance.   Psalm 16:6        This verse sounds a bit like an utterance that one would expect to escape the lips of a billionaire as he reviews his profitable portfolio, or a young heiress as she lounges by her pool and gazes over at her multi-million dollar mansion.   You might expect such a proclamation to Thu, 15 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=desiree http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=desiree   Three years ago when I started helping out with an after school Bible club at Union Tabernacle Church, I met siblings Christy, Desiree and Mike.   I got to know Mike really well in all of the one-on-one chats that we had got to have, and often on our walks to the door when he was asked to leave early.   Christy has always been pretty quiet, but Ive never known Desiree, or Desi as she better known, to be afraid to speak whatever is on her mind. Ive always had a specia Thu, 15 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=forget-me-not http://elizabethvaraso.myadventures.org/?filename=forget-me-not Dear Elizabeth, Well, its your turn now.   All summer long you made the mission team participants write letters to themselves to receive at a later date.   You reminded them of Gods plea to His people in Deuteronomy 8, Please, dont forget Me.   When life it good, remember Me.   Dont stop loving Me.   I am abounding in love for you.   Please, please , remember Me.   You reminded them how hurtful it is to be forgotten. Wed, 15 Sep 2004 00:00:00 GMT