Introducing Talya & Kyra

This week, I interviewed two very special ladies in our dorm--Talya and Kyra. These girls are young, but I am amazed by their character, their desire to know God, their quiet strength, and their testimonies of courage. I love to listen to them talk and I always look forward to their hugs (their love languages must be physical touch and words of affirmation). As they share a little bit about themselves, I pray that their hearts and humor make you smile.

Talya (TB) and Kyra (KK)

Called to Love (CTL): Kyra, tell me what you think about Black Forest Academy (BFA)? What are the first words that come to mind?

KK: "Blue. Not a normal boarding school, much more homey and comfortable. Everyone is really close. I like how close everyone in the dorm is. I really like my dorm sisters. My brother goes here too and we have a better relationship since we have moved here. We depend on one another more. The teaching is hard, but I can understand it. It is easier than my old school. I really like the teachers here."

CTL: What do you really like about living in Germany?

KK:"I love the changes in the weather, especially the seasons. It's hard to describe, but it’s a great opportunity to live here."

CTL: Do you have any secret talents or skills?

KK: "I really love my thumbs—that is my favorite part of my body. I also really like to do people’s hair. I usually play the piano every day, it helps me to rest. I would like to be more involved in horseback riding one day. Walkers (my mom's family) are always late—it’s in my genes."

Krya's "toe thumb"--she is really proud of it :)

CTL: What is your favorite quote?

KK: "I know this one! I just changed it on Facebook! 'Everyone makes mistakes.' Hannah Montana said it first! Also, from summer camp in New Jersey on Long Beach Island, there was a quote that was shared by the leaders, 'Open your eyes and see beautiful things.'"

CTL: Can you share a favorite memory from this past year?

KK: "Yes, I have to think back. On the first day, when everyone was meeting for the first time… that was so much fun and CRAZY. We went for a walk in the vineyard and played foosball in the basement and planned to do Yoga on Tuesdays (but we didn’t ever do that!) And I also really love movie nights, our first volleyball victory, and hanging out with my brother Kyle at HBR (a high school boy’s dorm)."

CTL: If you could be present in any event that takes place in Scripture, what would you want to see?

"I would want to go to the Garden of Eden and see what it was like there before Adam and Eve messed up our lives!"

CTL: If you had 1 million euros, what would you do with it?

KK: "I would pay off all of my parents’ debts. Give half of it to charity—as many charities as I can. Then, place part of it in stocks and bonds. And then I would buy a first class plane ticket to the USA and buy a house in Pennsylvania. Then, I would spend the rest on myself—clothes, accessories, etc."

We couldn't do without the classic "goofy" shot!

CTL: Talya, what does BFA mean to you?

TB: "BFA has become a tradition in my family, both my brother and sister went here. When I came to visit them, I dreamt of coming here." So your dream came true? "Yes!"

CTL: How does it feel living in a dorm with 17 people? That’s a big family!

TB: "I absolutely LOVE it! I have always wanted a lot of siblings and a really big family and I get those two things in the dorm. Although, I do miss my real family. But living in a place where I can call the people here 'my family', makes me less 'homesick' or 'parentsick.' I like how we have become a really big family, it seems like we have know each other forever."

CTL: "What has been a highlight from the past year?"

TB: "Playing improv games with our dorm (example: the awkward bench game where you take on an identity and try to irritate the other person off the bench) Our crazy awkward games brings out our wild sides, that’s something that I will always look back on and smile when I remember the dorm." Is that when the real Talya B. comes out? “Maybe?!... There is always an overflow of weirdness in our dorm."

CTL: "If you could be present in any event that takes place in Scripture, what would you want to see?"

TB: "I think that seeing Jesus crucified would be really difficult, but I think it would be life-changing to hear his last words, feel the earth quake, and then see him rise again. Yeah."

CTL: What do you want to do when you grow up?

TB: "I am not sure what exact profession I am going to choose, but I want it to have something to do with languages, children, and music. One thing my best friend and I have talked about for a long time is starting an orphanage (we have even planned out the decorations in each room) somewhere in the heart of Africa. And also designing a center for the handicapped to care for them, teach them, and simply love them."

CTL: What is your heart language?

TB: "That is a tie—it is between Turkish and English. When I am in Turkey, speaking the language, it comes naturally and I feel like that is a part of me. And English is my mother tongue so it’s also a part of me."

CTL: Do you have any special talents or skills?

TB: "I love playing on the guitar and piano and I love to sing my heart out whenever possible (although it does drive my dorm sisters CRAZY sometimes!). I love experimenting with different notes, lyrics, and voices."

CTL: What do you think of your parents being missionaries?

TB: "I am so proud of them. I admire them for dedicating their lives to God. I admire all the things they do and for staying strong in their faith through so many tough times in Turkey. They’ve inspired me."

Talya's beautiful family

A New Beginning...

The 2012 spring semester at BFA has officially begun! I arrived safely to Liel on Sunday morning and then began welcoming our students home on Monday morning. We are all jet-lagging a bit after the overnight flights and changes in time zones. I was impressed that all the girls made it to the bus this morning by 8:15 (especially because I accidentally overslept!).

It made my heart glad to hear and see all of the laughing, screaming, and hugging that took place as the girls saw each other for the first time after their Christmas holiday. Christmas presents were exchanged, welcome back posters were made, new clothes and shoes were modeled, bags were unpacked, and then by 11pm, the house was silent :)

I was particularly grateful for gifts from two students who both wrote notes encouraging me that I am "the best RA ever." A sweet friend of mine at BFA recently told me that when we receive gifts like these it is like a "rose from Jesus"--a means by which He expresses His love for us when we need it most, sometimes in a very real and tangible way. This was certainly an uplifting start to the new year.

If you could continue to pray for us at Liel, we would be so thankful. In our prayer time last night, a few of the girls explained that they are homesick and concerned about the academic demands of this semester. They fear being overwhelmed this first week. I assured them that the Lord does go before us and that even when we feel anxious, weak, or broken, He still holds all things together (Colossians 1:17).

As a staff, Michelle, Troy, and I ask for your prayers as we invest in these students. Please pray that we would be deliberate, intentional, and purposeful in our prayers and daily interactions with them. We are still understaffed and do hope and trust that the Lord will provide additional help this semester.

Truly thankful for you,

Lauren

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I also wanted to share just a brief update about my time at home during the holidays. I was so thankful to be with my family and to not be separated by time zones and several thousand miles. As each Christmas passes, celebrating Christ's birth becomes more special, incredible, and real. I was inspired by several sermons and comments about Mary's faith and just how much she trusted and loved God as she did not question or doubt the work He was doing in her.

Our family was also delightfully surprised this Christmas by several engagements--congratulations to my cousin, Whitney, and her fiance, Ryan, as well as my closest family friend, Kelsey, and her fiance, Dan. It is certainly exciting to see our family growing. While I am still uncertain of my plans for the next school year, my summer is already booked with three weddings in June, July, and August! This makes my heart glad :)

To those who I was able to meet with, thank you for ministering to me and encouraging me as you did. To those who prayed, prayers were answered as my time at home was restful. I praise God for how you have faithfully cared for me and supported me.

Our 2011 Christmas photo

Happy New Year from the Roop Family!

I'll be home for Christmas

Christmas celebrations began this past Friday afternoon in Liel, Germany, when several girls and I visited a local neighbor that sells Christmas trees. A few hours later, the tree was up, the living room was decorated, and Rascal Flatts' "I'll be home for Christmas" was playing on the radio. It was a sweet tradition to share with the girls. Christmas is extraordinarily meaningful for us as there is so much that we are anticipating over the next month. We will celebrate Christ's birth in four weeks, we will be home in three weeks, and the fall semester ends in two weeks. GLORY!

I wanted to share a few photos with you this afternoon from the high school Christmas Banquet that took place Saturday night, November 26, as well as our Dorm Thanksgiving celebrated on Thursday, November 17. It has been such a joy to share these special occasions with my Liel family.

The classy tree!

My Girls--aren't they beautiful?

Our adorable dorm parents--Troy & Michelle

After just a few hours of hair and make-up preparations, they're ready for banquet!

Ji Soo and her date, Chan

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Liel Thanksgiving--November 17, 2011

Liel Family Photo!

The Liel Ladies and their guests

The big, big table--with lots and lots of food!

Priscilla, Eseli, & Michal

The Energetic 8th graders!

Laura, Me, & Lynnea

The Fabulous Freshmen

Joyce, Me, JAZ, Talya, Priscilla, Michal, & Eseli

The Spunky Sophomores

Kyra, Me, Erin, & Ji Soo

Offerings of Thanks

This Thursday, we are celebrating Thanksgiving with our students at Liel. The menu has been planned. The shopping will take place Tuesday. The food prep will begin Wednesday. But this season for giving thanks, starts today.

I am thankful because I get to share life with these students...

Dorm brothers

We've been celebrating several birthdays at Liel, including Seth's, one of the dorm brothers. Seth and his brother, Keith, are the sons of the dorm parents, Michelle and Troy. These boys are fantastic. They add such a great dynamic to our dorm family. They are funny, witty, musical, and just plain cute. They may be outrageously outnumbered, living in a house with 13 women, but they are such good sports :) They are so involved here and it has been so encouraging to see them build relationships with their dorm sisters. Their biological sister, Lynnea, has also done a wonderful job of sharing her brothers.

Joyce--Transformed by Grace

The chapel theme for this year at BFA is "Only Grace." Joyce has been so moved by grace in her life, that the Lord inspired her to write a song about it this fall. Once the song was completed, she shared it with the high school chaplain and the chapel band. It was so well received that the chaplain and chapel band invited her to share her song at chapel two weeks ago and explain how grace has changed her life. It was incredibly encouraging. Joyce's testimony and song were inspirational. It is beautiful to see the Lord at work in such a young life. Pray that the Lord would use her to minister to her class and spur them on.

Displays of Talent

Lynnea, Joyce, Ji Soo, and Talya just finished with BFA's fall musical, Suessical. The production was fantastic and I was so impressed by their dedication to it. They spent hundreds of hours practicing and rehearsing over the past two months. Ji Soo played in the pit orchestra and Lynnea, Joyce, and Talya were Whos (as pictured above). These ladies are so talented.

My little baby bean! (Do you remember?)

Laura has been especially energetic and full of life this past week. She just celebrated her 14th birthday on October 31, so perhaps that has something to do with it! She is always making us laugh--especially when she demonstrates her most recently learned ZUMBA moves to Shakira's Waka Waka. It is absolutely hysterical! This girl is going to be a professional exercise instructor. Her fun-spirit is absolutely contagious. She makes a bad day, better :)

My trouble makers...

Erin and Ji Soo are sophomore roommates and they have officially earned the title of "dorm pranksters"--these girls love to joke around with us. Their most recent prank was pretending to be German youth late one night, who were knocking on our windows and taking pictures of our dorm students from outside of our building. The girls were dressed in black and their faces were covered. It just so happened to be the dorm parents' night off and our dorm sub and BFA track coach, Peter, decided to check our property to be safe. He spotted the "girls." They started running. And Peter started chasing (while also addressing them in German). He caught them (what a surprise, right? haha) and the girls took off their disguises. We all laughed...the next day :) But not only do I laugh with these girls, I also have the privilege of living with them on the same floor. I have been profoundly moved by their hunger for Jesus. We have "couch time" before bed and this has been a sweet time of prayer, asking questions, and finding answers about how to seek God. I love these girls.

Victories

Priscilla was awarded MVP for the JV volleyball team at BFA--I was so proud! She is such a dedicated young woman. Pray for her as she tries out for basketball this week!

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It has been refreshing for me to share this update with you because many times I forget to be thankful. I forget to rejoice that this is the day that the Lord has made. I forget that today is holy and good. Instead, I find myself getting so caught up in a daily routine that somehow I am living life, but failing to revel in it and enjoy it. How can it be that my eyes don't see? That my ears don't hear?

I don't have an answer to my own questions; but I do know that I am human and therefore also very weak and prone to wander. And yet, Jesus is strong and never far off. He got my attention today--as I reflected on my time with these students, I was much more able to grasp how the Lord has been good to them and to me. A father baptized his son in church yesterday and he encouraged the church to remember this theological absolute--"God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good." As a result of this truth, we every reason to rejoice and every reason to sing.

Please join me in offering thanks to our incredibly Good Father today.

"But I have trusted in your steadfast love;

my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord,

because he has dealt bountifully with me."

Ps. 13: 5-6

"Oh give thanks to the Lord,

for he is good;

for his steadfast love endures forever...

I thank you that you have answered me

and have become my salvation.

The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone.

This is the Lord's doing;

It is marvelous in our eyes.

This is the day that the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Ps. 118:1, 21-24

"There is only Christ: he is everything."

"There is only Christ: he is everything."

Colossians 3:11, JB

Sometimes these posts are about the girls and dorm life at BFA, but sometimes they are also about the beautiful and broken missionary journey that Jesus has called me to in Germany. My hope is that these glimpses into my own personal spiritual growth can encourage you and challenge you. My prayer is that these words would never be written in vain, but that they would be read in order to fulfill the purpose for which they were shared.

Over the past month, I have been challenged. I bought a round trip ticket to the States and was holding my grandmother's hand within 24 hours as her battle with cancer was ending. I grieved her death with my family two days later. Four days after that, I returned to Germany to find that by October 26, the personnel office at BFA needed to know what my intentions were for the 2012-2013 school year. I was overwhelmed. It seemed as if too much was being required of me.

Several weeks later, after having the time that I needed to process and grieve, I was able to see that the beauty in all of it was that Jesus was there...

When I saw my grandmother's frail body, there was an immediate understanding that this was not what the Lord created her for. She was not created to have a body ravaged and destroyed by disease. She was created for so much more. And so, in celebrating her life, He gave me hope. Those who believe will be restored. Those who believe will receive new life. Those who believe will experience precisely and completely what they were created for--intimate fellowship with their Creator. My grandmother's death was indeed swallowed up in victory through Jesus Christ (I Cor. 15). I am so incredibly blessed that the Lord made a way for me to be home through the generous gifts of my family.

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While in the States and upon returning to Germany, I have fielded many questions about what I will be doing next year (when accepted by BFA in February of 2010, I signed a two-year contract and raised support for two years). To be completely honest, these questions have burdened me because I didn't and still don't have an answer. I have thoughts and I certainly have hopes, but I don't have a plan. And this makes me feel irresponsible. The pressure is familiar. I am immediately reminded of my senior of college and my senior year of high school. And I certainly don't welcome the stress and anxiety that seems to accompany feeling "lost."

But in reality, I am far from lost. In fact, I am following Jesus. I am not alone on this journey. I am being led. I do have a leader. He has called me to wait. He has called me to trust. It is not in His character or nature to supernaturally reveal the future to me. Otherwise, why would I need to trust Him?

For the next 8 months, I am sure of one thing--I have the privilege of serving and loving high school girls at Black Forest Academy. This reality brings me joy.

Friends, I don't know much. I don't know why some suffer through disease. I don't know what the future holds for you or for me. But I do know Christ and He is everything.

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Over the past three days,

three people have called my attention to the Lord's words spoken to David in Psalm 32...

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my eye upon you...

...steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord." (vs. 8-10)

For God to keep His eye upon us, revealing His vigilance (n.-the action or state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties) and intimate care over all who believe...

And for God to promise us steadfast (adj.-resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering) love when we trust Him...

This is the Christ that I will wait upon. He is everything.

What is Liel?

Tonight, I wanted to let pictures tell the story of life at Liel. These were taken on a Saturday afternoon picnic at the top of a vineyard in our village. It is hard to describe this place because words don't seem to be enough. But, I can say that these ladies are life-giving. Liel wouldn't be the same without them.

So, what is Liel?

Liel is....

...life...

...family...

...fun...

(The classic 1...2...3 BAM shot)

...friendship...

...joy.

Thank you all for your prayers and support that allow me to

share life with these beautiful young women.

Two Gifts from the East

This morning, I could introduce you to Hannah and Ji Soo on my own, but that would just barely skim the surface; instead, I decided to ask them a few questions and let them answer for themselves! But, let me start with a brief introduction--these two ladies are fantastic! Hannah and Ji Soo are our two Korean students at Liel and they are truly beautiful women who are full of life. This year is their first year at BFA and they are transitioning so well. Their parents are both on the mission field and it is quite apparent that their parents love for Jesus has had a profound impact on their daughters. It is not uncommon to find Hannah and Ji Soo playing piano and singing worship songs, encouraging one of their Liel sisters, reading the Bible or a devotional book at breakfast, or speaking with someone about what God is teaching them or how He has challenged them. They are treasures--my two gifts from the east.

Enjoy Called to Love's first interview! :)

Ji Soo & Hannah

Called to Love (CTL): BFA is like _____ (fill in the blank)?

JK: "Camp! (A LONG camp that is) We are away from our parents for a year and we are on our own, but it's really fun because we get to meet so many new people. It also allows me to grow in independence and learn to take care of myself."

HK: "A place where you can combine your faith and your everyday life. The church, the school, and the dorm are one. All teachers speak of the Bible regardless of the class subject--I really like that."

CTL: What was the best part about the first day of school?

JK: "I was excited because everything was new--the people, the life--everything was so different from Nepal. New is exciting for me."

HK: "It was good that everyone I asked wanted to help me, although they didn't know me and I didn't know them, they were so helpful. It was like we were already friends and yet I didn't know them."

CTL: Are you enjoying being a Liel Lady? Why?

JK: "Yes! Because I have not met any sweeter girls and awesome dorm parents and RA than I have ever met before. Even though we have only known each other for three weeks, we are already so close."

HK: "Yes! Because although we are all from another country and background and we haven't really known each other, we can still pray for each other and we can share our problems and our thoughts and our worries. We are like a true family--we have the parents, an RA, the other girls, and dorm brothers. Everyone is so different, but they are all accepted just as they are--no matter how weird or awesome, loud or quiet. I also like how small our dorm is--it allows us to get to know one another more, it allows us to be more like a family."

CTL: Tell me where you were born, where you have lived, and where you'd like to go?

JK: "I was born in Korea and then one month later, moved to Nepal for 14 years. Now I'm here in Germany. I would like to live in Italy because I think it is an awesome country--I am in love with it! And I want to visit other countries too--but there are too many to name."

HK: "I was born in Korea, I lived there for 10 years, then I came to Germany for 6 years, and now I am here again! I would like to live in a country where Korean, English, or German is spoken. I don't want to learn any more languages!"

CTL: What do you want to be when you grow up?

JK: "I don't know! I would like to be a loving person. I want to be known by how I love."

HK: "I dream about being a missionary doctor in Africa."

CTL: Tell us something that would surprise us about you?

JK: "Two things that I get really weird about are puppies and food! They just make me really excited. I LOVE Korean food. My secret talent is that I can get people hyper. I also have a very American accent."

HK: "I can speak German better than I can speak English. I can also cook Korean food."

CTL: Can you share a favorite devotional thought/Scripture verse or story? Or a favorite worship song?

JK: "I am intimately involved in all your moments and I am training you to be aware of me at all times. Your assignment is to collaborate with me in this training process." This is from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, I read it on August 25 and it encouraged me because I knew that I would have to depend less on my parents and begin depending more on God here. I understand now why God sent me here...I feel like God wants me to become closer to Him and collaborate with him in daily life."

HK: "I cannot pick one! Philippians 4--I find this interesting because God does not promise to change the situation or fix it (what worries us or makes us anxious), but He does promise to guard my heart and my mind. And this has a HUGE impact on me. When I look to the sky, I know that He is mighty and I know that everything is in His hands. When I remember who He is, I am not scared anymore. It doesn't matter where I am or what I do, I know He is mighty, He always has the best thing planned for me. I find it more and more possible to live by the Bible--it's really real, it is true."

Please pray for Ji Soo and Hannah as they begin this new and challenging season of life at BFA. They have left so much behind--pray that Jesus ministers to them in mighty and surprising ways here. Pray that the Lord would magnify, fortify, and deepen their faiths.