Merry MasChrist

I just typed Christmas into Google Images, and tons of pictures of Christmas trees, and presents, and Santa Claus came up. Isn't that sad? After all, Christmas is Jesus' birthday, shouldn't he be what this is all about?

This year, my friend Gabby and her family have decided to call Christmas MasChrist, In spanish, MasChrist translates to more Christ. I really like this idea, because I think it puts the focus on the birth of Christ. Which is what the focus should be on anyway! How would you feel if no one even thought about you on your birthday? I think that would be a bit how Jesus feels.

I think I'm going to give this another try. I know that I have been really bad about posting lately, but there are some really exciting things going on at the Block house that are worth sharing:). The most exciting thing to me, is that my family will be moving to Guatemala for full-time missions. I think this is really cool. I have always wanted to be a missionary, because that is what I love most. I cannot wait! I know it will be totally different from my life now, but I have learned that different is good. I am definitely going to miss my friends and my school, but it will be so worth it! Follow me as we continue on this journey!

Super Summer!

Two weeks ago, I got to spend a week at my brother's college for Super Summer. Super Summer is like church camp, but more intense. We did nine hours of bible study a day, and we had tons of fun, but the coolest part was seeing tons of people with the same heart come together and worship. I had a super time at Super Summer:)

Wii Raffle

*UPDATE: the winner of the wii raffle is Marcia West. We raised a total of $180 for the Adami Tulu Preschool

Remember that preschool in Ethiopia that I talked about? That place really touched my heart. I cannot forget about those precious kids, so I am hosting a wii raffle to raise money for the Adami Tulu Preschool.Tickets are 1 for $5 or 3 for $10. Just $3 feeds a kid for a month!

Our Trip to Ethiopia

There is a quote that reads: preach the Gospel always, and when necessary;use words. I cannot even begin to tell you how many times this quote went through my head on on mission trip to Ethiopia. Because of the language barrier; I knew the best way I could 'preach' about Jesus was through my actions and through my love. I pray this lesson stays with me always.

My favorite day of the whole trip was when we went to Ziway, Ethiopia. We went to a preschool, sponsored by Lifesong for Orphans. The kids there were literally wearing rags, they walked miles to school in shoes that were falling apart, yet here in America, everyday at school I see kids in their hundred dollar jeans and their new Nikes, but their joy for life doesn't seem any deeper than these children in rags. I have found that people often try to fulfill their happiness with more. More clothes.More toys.More boyfriends or girlfriends- always searching for someone or something to make them feel like they are enough. It may work for a little bit, but then there's something better that they want and they run off chasing after that 'thing'.


For a long time I have felt God calling me to missions. I don't know what the future holds, but having the privilege of spending the day with missionaries in Ethiopia was like a dream come true for me. The work they had done ranged from building a school and feeding program, to constructing a bridge so that the people didn't have to wade across a river to go to the trade market. What I loved about what these missionaries did was they would see a need, get the project started, and then equip other individuals to see the project to completion. in an amazing way, this bridge became a symbol of connecting God's people for His glory.
Another place the missionaries took us was to one of their medical clinics. My new baby sister had a rash on her neck and we were going to have it looked at. Trust me when I say it was nothing like the doctors' offices here in America. There wasn't even glass on the windows, and their supplies were very limited. As we pulled up to this tiny little building I have to admit, I was wondering what we had gotten ourselves into. We walked in and saw a sweet Ethiopian man, with a huge smile on his face, ready to treat the rash. Then, I was blown away by what happened next. He wouldn't accept payment. This sweet man with obviously nothing would not take payment. My mom pleaded with him and he shook his head no, explaining that "we are in this together-we are brothers and sisters in Christ, and this in what we do for each other". As I watched my mother weep, I learned something very important that day, no matter how little you have-you always have something to give for God's glory.

What's the Buzz about Google Buzz?

If you are a Gmail user, you probably saw a tab labeled Buzz under your Inbox tab. Much like Facebook, Google Buzz is a social networking site. It is used through Google, and like Facebook you can `like’ statuses and reply directly to postings. Google launched Buzz on February 9th, and since then, the program has skyrocketed. There are over 200 mobile check-ins per minute, and about 160,000 posts and comments per hour.
Google Buzz can be used to contact people, get ideas and access information, which is why it is beneficial to students. It’s a great way to stay in touch and share thoughts or information both publicly or privately. Plus you can connect to other sites you use like Google Reader or Flickr. It also recommends posts that it thinks you are interested in and can summarize posts so that you just get the `good stuff ’ and everything goes straight to your inbox!

I need your help...

Halfway across the world, there’s a place called Ethiopia. Where the average income is less than a dollar a day, and less than half the people can read and write- we can help them. On March 6th I get the chance of going to Africa. While I'm there I will be working with Lifesong for Orphans, who is starting a school in Ziway, Ethiopia (pictured above), but they need our help. By bringing your gently used childrens' books to school, we can help give kids across the world a chance to learn.

Photo Courtesy of Lifesong for Orphans

Haiti

Wow. I don't even know what to say. After seeing the hurt of these precious people, just in pictures. The devastation of this earthquake has been incredible. It was 7.3 on the scale. The death rates in feared to be 200,000, close to the amount of the tsunami in Indonesia a few years ago. Watch this video taken from a camera at a stoplight as the earthquake happens.




It's painful to watch what they are going through. The hospitals are filled but there's so many people that need help. So far America has raised approximately 200 million dollars to benefit Haiti. If you want to help there are many places collecting donations. You can text donations to the salvation army, or there are places to help on twitter. THEY NEED OUR HELP!!!