Thankfulness and Anticipation

Psalm 105:1 says:
"Give Thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done."

This week I've been thinking about thankfulness a lot. When I look at my journey back to Ibiza it's becoming clearer that God is orchestrating every step. Not only did an anonymous donor donate a large chunk of my expenses for this summer, but I also got offered a temp job at the beginning of this month. So I've been working and saving. My temp job ends the day before I fly to Ibiza...perfect timing!

Thinking about how I got the money for this trip reminds me a lot of my first trip to Ibiza. I remember having this overwhelming sense that I was supposed to go, and also the overwhelming sense of dread because I didn't have the money! Through some crazy circumstances God gave me the money I needed for the trip. This week it almost feels like God is giving me a little nudge to REMEMBER the way he's provided in the past.

As I remember I'm filled with thankfulness, and also a real sense of anticipation. God provided a way for me to go back to Ibiza this summer. Knowing that fills me with a real sense of purpose. I can't wait to see exactly what God has for me this summer. I think that will include some personal growth and also multiple ways for me to be a reflection of him to the people I meet on the White Isle.

I can't wait!

Raising Funds...Like a BOSS!

You may have noticed that I posted a countdown clock on the right sidebar of the blog. As I type this I see that I've got 32 days 23 hours 33 minutes and 32 seconds...

31...

30...

You get the idea! As I countdown the days until I leave, I'm also working to raise the rest of the support I'll need to go. My airline ticket is an expense that's getting closer and closer. I'll be leaving for Spain on April 19th, which means I'll need to buy my ticket in just a few short weeks.

In an effort to raise the $1500 I'll need for that I've created this cool little airplane graph:

There are about 300 squares. Each square = $5. What I'm hoping will happen is that people will purchase a square or two (or five or ten!) and before you know it my ticket will be paid for!

If you're interested in donating towards my ticket, just click the donate button on the sidebar or check out my How to Donate page.

I've got some savings that I'll be using towards my time in Ibiza this summer as well, so I'll be covering $500 of my airline ticket cost. God has been so generous to me, when it comes to Ibiza that I believe the rest of my ticket cost will be provided as well!

Joke of the Day: 

What does a nosy pepper do? (scroll down for the answer!)








Get jalapeño business :)

Ibiza Countdown 2014

So today is March 15th, and as I look at my desk calendar I realize that I've got a little over 4 weeks before I'll be boarding a plane to go back to Ibiza. So now the countdown official begins! I've got a lot to do in the next 4 weeks...

1. I need to raise the rest of the financial support I'll need for the summer. Okay...honesty time. Fundraising is not my favorite thing to do! It makes me nervous and antsy and I wish I could just hit the lottery and be done with it! I think what I'm beginning to realize is that fundraising is more than just asking people for money. It's more about asking them to join with me in spreading God's love in Ibiza. Most of them will never set foot on the White Isle, but by donating they can take part in what God's doing there through me.  
2. I need to buy a suitcase. And I need to pray to the overweight baggage fee gods that I won't get charged too much! 
3. Preparing Spiritually. Doing missions work is serious business! I know it's the power of God that changes peoples lives...not the power of Poppy! I'm just the vessel, and I want to make sure my house is in order.

I'm also thinking about trying to document a lot of my trip this summer by vlogging (video blogging). So stay tuned for more on that! I've always wished that instead of trying to explain Ibiza to people, I could just take them with me. Since I can't do that, I thought vlogging would be the next best thing!

Make sure you check the blog regularly, because I'll be keeping you updated on my journey to get back to Ibiza in 2014!

Poppy in Ibiza 2014!!!

So Yesterday wins the 2014 award for "BEST DAY EVER" (at least so far!)

I was going about my normal Monday morning business, checking my e-mails when I noticed a new e-mail from Abby Clayton (one of the 24-7 Ibiza leaders).

Turns out that an "anonymous" donor had donated money for me to be able to come to Ibiza this summer. To say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement.

I literally just sat in front of my computer and cried. I've been praying about getting to Ibiza this summer, but just couldn't see how that was going to happen. For the past week I'd been thinking that I should just let Abby and Charlie know that I wouldn't be able to make it this summer. Just as I was ready to give up, God provided. 

The money that was donated for me will cover a large chunk of my summer expenses, but I'll still need to raise about $2500 to cover the rest of my living expenses and to pay for my airline ticket. 

I'll be looking to leave for Spain sometime in late April/Early May. 

WOO HOO! 

Christians in Ibiza?!

I was out walking the other day with some friends, when we were approached by a PR. For those who have no idea what I’m talking about, here’s a little Ibiza 101…

In the very touristy areas, pretty much every business will have a PR. They stand outside of that business, and try to get you to come in. As people walk by they may stop you and ask you where you’re headed, and then quickly list off their drink or dinner specials to try to entice you to choose their place. Most PR’s get paid based on how many people they get in the door.

So as we were walking down the sunset strip, a girl tried to PR us into the restaurant she was working for. We declined, and told here we were workers. She asked where, and then we got to tell her about 24-7 Ibiza. We also invited her to our center (which is for workers). The funny bit was that as soon as she heard that we were Christians, she reacted with complete surprise. “Christians? In Ibiza?!”

I found her reaction to be very interesting. Most people don’t expect to find God here. And I also think that most people think Ibiza is beyond help. We don’t believe that’s true! I love getting to shock people with the fact that God is here in Ibiza, and he cares about them! Every night that I get to help someone home, or have a conversation in the West End, or even pray with someone out on the streets, I get to show people that God is alive and well, and MOVING in the place! 

Going to Extremes

May Newsletter Released!




If you're not signed up for my newsletter, your missing out! Sign up by filling out the form on the right side bar of this blog. Here's the LINK to the May edition. Lots of news to share!