by sherricrandall | Aug 3, 2018 | General
I spent last Friday at Disneyland with my husband and two of my four kids. What a fun day! We crammed as much Disney as we possibly could into about seven hours. Let me tell you a little more of the story… We arrived the night before in LA ready for a quick weekend get away. My luggage however didn’t arrive so off we went in the Uber to our hotel where I requested “ the bag”. You know, the hard toothbrush, paste, odd scented deodorant, and tiny black comb kinda bag. I must say I was feeling annoyed with myself for not just carrying on a bag. I was assured my luggage would arrive by 9 am the next day. 9 am comes and goes and my son is flying in to meet us and so we need to go. I put on my jeans and shirt from the day before, brush my teeth with the bristle brush, borrow my daughters make up and throw my hair up in a pony. Sad my shorts, white shirt and tennis shoes are still in transit as it is going to be 90 degrees.
We arrive at the Magic Kingdom and I am determined to enjoy this abbreviated day of fun with my family. We quickly start hopping on rides and grabbing fast passes and walk for miles. I now have a blister on my toe because although my flip flops are oh so cute, they are not the best walking shoes. We enter “ Splash Mountain” and literally sweat to death for over an hour to be told the ride had a log jam and will be closed for the remainder of the day. Disappointed, yes! I was looking forward to being splashed by the cold water in the sweltering heat. We shrug our shoulders and walk to Indiana Jones where we had reserved our fast pass. “ Sorry folks, the ride is shut down,” says the very chipper Disney worker. We decide we are ready to leave the Magic Kingdom and head to our favorite place in Marina Del Rey for dinner. It did not disappoint, we laughed about all of our mishaps and adventures and deemed it a wonderful day!
We arrive back to the hotel, still no luggage. We take the stairs because the elevator has a sign… “Out of Order”. We burst into laughter and climb the stairs satisfied with our very fun day!
So what does my Disney day have to do with your leadership, your parenting? It’s all about perspective. The truth is we all are going to face disappointment in our life journey. Things don’t always work out the way we so meticulously plan them. The learning is this – just because there are a few bad moments doesn’t mean it is a bad day or worse a bad life. A few rides not working didn’t lessen our very happy day spent at Disneyland. Disappointment is commonplace, that however, isn’t the challenge. The challenge is how you react to disappointment. Disappointments give us opportunities to shine. They can help define us as good leaders/good parents. In fact, how well we handle disappointment can either hinder our relationships with our team/our family or can earn us respect and credibility for the challenges that will come in the future.
Here are some things to help when disappointment happens –
- Remain calm and composed so those emotions don’t rule the response.
- Look within – could your involvement (or lack of it) have prevented the situation?
- Always give the benefit of the doubt – operate in grace.
- Focus on the issue, not the person.
- Ask yourself, what can I learn from this?
- Be a leader – allow the disappointment to help you build better bonds with your family/your team.
Life is about enjoying the journey God has you on, learning to shine for Him, disappointments and all.
by sherricrandall | Jul 3, 2018 | General
Day 1
June 22,2018
So excited to travel to Colombia. The idea for this trip began last September at Momcon while at a dinner we had organized for the Mission Hills Team and the Latin American Leaders. One of the Mission Hills leaders, Emerald Holden sat next to a lady from Colombia, Lorena Gutierrez. They began talking and found out they had so much in common. They were of similar age,they had kids that were similar ages and both shared the passion to help moms through the ministry of MOPS.
Lorena has a ministry where she sells used American clothing to help young moms and their families. She was the leader of her MOPS group in Cali, Colombia. A dinner conversation, a big dream and 9 months later I am taking off to the airport with Emerald, Jacque and Karissa. All leaders from Mission Hills. Ready and eager to join our Latin American leaders, Monica and Lorena.
We arrive after a quick stop in Miami and are greeted at the airport by Lorena and her husband, Andres. Monica Rovira, our Global Ministry Developer from Latin America, has joined them and I am so happy to see everyone. They take us to a local spot for dinner where we try coconut lime drinks, plantains, and an odd looking fruit called granadilla. Everything was delicious. We immediately connect with Lorena and her husband. Conversation is fun and easy.
They have secured a local hotel for us which is absolutely beautiful. A local Cali family owns it and we are greeted as if we are celebrities. Quaint, charming, perfect.
Day 2
June 23, 2018
We start the morning sitting in the dining room of this old home that was turned into a beautiful bed and breakfast. Colombian coffee, fresh fruits, eggs, and the most amazing homemade bread. We are joined by a sweet mom by the name of Anjelica. She is a cousin to one of our MOPS leaders. She will be our interpreter for the day.
We walk across the street to the NOW Hotel where we will be staying for the rest of our time in Cali and where we are hosting an outreach event for moms in the Cali area. I am overwhelmed with emotions as we reach capacity and there is standing room only. So many moms interested in MOPS.
Lorena starts the day and I am so impressed with her ability to lead and to speak. We each take our turn explaining MOPS. We share vision, and our own personal stories of how MOPS has impacted us as moms and leaders. I am so proud of our team from Mission Hills. Each of these girls holds such a special place in my heart. They speak with confidence and what they say is very impactful.
We attend a luncheon for the MOPS leaders in Cali and then host a workshop for the leadership team. We brought gifts that we share and then stay to talk and answer questions. Their enthusiasm is so contagious and I feel so energized and so very thankful for the opportunity I have to work at MOPS International.
MOPS business is finished for the day and we head off to find Colombian soccer jerseys. We end up shopping from the vendor on the street corner and it is a blast. I purchase a jersey, a hat, and some very cute Colombian flag earrings. We hop back in the car and snack on homemade breads as we navigate the crazy traffic on our way to church. There are at least 5 lanes of cars and motorcycles weaving in and out. Fun to be out in the city.
We are attending a service tonight at a Cenfol church. I am so impressed with this organization and their commitment to reach the world with the love of Jesus. They are in a new building which is a beautiful home. I love the worship in Spanish and enjoy the teaching which we understand through Andres who is interpreting for us. We are invited to speak and share what MOPS is about with their church family. An honor to be able to speak to them about what MOPS is doing around the world.
After church we pick up the kiddos and find our way to another amazing local spot for a Colombian food called arepas They are little pastries filled with meats and cheeses. At every meal we have the chance to try different fruit juices and they are delicious. The Colombian people drink a lot of fresh juice. I love it!
Our first full day in Colombia was very busy, very productive, and I find it hard to fall asleep as I am so excited about all I have seen today, the beautiful moms I met, and the experience of church in Colombia.
Day 3
June 24, 2018
It is Sunday. We participated in church last night and have set aside today to have a little fun. We drive with Lorena and Andreas to their family home in the mountains outside of Cali. We first stop at a Walmart type store where we stock up on bottled water and snacks. We are dressed in our Colombian jerseys so obviously get a few looks at the store. Everyone is very friendly.
About an hour and a half later we have left the city behind and arrive in the beautiful countryside of Colombia nestled in the Andes mountains. The views are spectacular. The air crisply scented with the fragrance of orange, lime and mango trees. We are invited to go out into the yard and pick fresh limes off of the trees. We make it a team effort and begin slicing and juicing the limes. Lorena and Andres turn our little harvest into a delicious limeaide. Amazing! We settle in and start watching the World Cup soccer game. Colombia is playing Poland. So fun to share in the cheering of their team which by the end of the first quarter becomes our team too. They win and we jump and scream like we are locals.
Before we leave the mountain house we gather more oranges, limes, and avocados to take back to the city. We stop at an outdoor dining experience. It is a place where people come and enjoy birthday parties and family gatherings. There was a fun playground, trampoline and sledding hill. Of course we each took a turn in the plastic bucket sliding down the cement track built into the side of the hill. So fun. What a fun Sunday enjoyed with our Colombian family.
Day 4
June 25, 2018
The day begins with a visit to the home of Pillar. She is a local pastor who will be leading a new MOPS group in the city of Cali. She is an incredible woman who loves Jesus and loves others so well. We get to meet her teenage daughter who is a delight and eager to practice her English skills. Pillar has set out a beautiful array of fresh fruit and we get the opportunity to learn more about her church and the way in which sees the opportunities to reach more young moms in her community through the MOPS ministry. She is full of love and hospitality and she sends us off with gifts.
Next stop – “ The Farm”. This stop was very impactful for many reasons. We enter an area known as the “ Agua Blanca” and we have the privilege of meeting an incredible woman by the name of Maria del Carmen. She is an attorney and an amazing advocate for the people of this area. She runs one of the clothing stores with the gently used clothing we have donated.
This place has been scarred by violence and poverty and the 52 year civil war. Her family has set up a small farm right next to the river that runs thick with human waste. She provides opportunities for people to begin again. They raise chickens and goats and employee locals to take care of the animals. She and her family have proclaimed this land that once was overtaken by the drug cartel and have cared for it. The budding trees and newborn animals were tangible signs of renewal, life and hope.
Maria del Carmen is an educated woman who could have stayed in the city after she earned her law degree but instead she chose to return to her home. She is a strong and determined woman wanting to help the people in her community including young moms who sell used clothing. She is making a difference in this world. It was a privilege to meet her.
Next stop – the first location of the clothing store. We drive down a very narrow and steep street and stop in front of a small door. Inside is a clothing store fully stocked with more of the used clothing from Denver. The two ladies who run the store are so sweet and eager to show us how they have things organized. Those of us from Denver step inside the shop and immediately recognize our own clothing hanging from the display. A full circle moment for sure. A green checkered shirt I wore to cheer on my boys while they played football is displayed and now a woman in Colombia will be wearing it. I pray for this woman never knowing who it will be, struck by the opportunity we all have to care for others around the world. Nelly and Consuelo run this store most days and they care for the women and families in their community so beautifully.
Next stop – We climb like mountain goats to get to the top of the hill where this next MOPS group meets. This home along with other make shift homes is where many displaced people from the war and refugees have settled. Her name is Leidy and she warmly welcomes us into her home where about 20 young moms and their kiddos gather once a month for a MOPS meeting. Our team joins in and we host the MOPS group. Monica and Lorena share a beautiful teaching time. Our team has brought a craft project for kiddos to make butterflies out of coffee filters, pipe cleaners, and markers. We join in the fun. One of Leidy’s neighbors is making homemade empanadas and I ask if I can join her. She teaches me how to stuff them, fold and mold them to perfection. She works the whole time we are meeting lovingly preparing food for these moms. The empanadas are delicious. I am struck by how normal this feels. Visiting with young moms and their babies. We offer to pray for these moms and they begin sharing their stories, their hardships. I am broken hearted and have a hard time holding back my tears. This is a hard life that they have yet they are finding community, strength and resources to help them be the best moms they can be. I have the privilege of praying with a young mom who has two small children, her husband is in jail, and she is looking for a job. She cried and told me she felt so hopeless until her neighbor invited her to MOPS. Her circumstance has not changed but she is being loved on so well by this MOPS group, she is learning about Jesus, she told me she now has hope. There were many heartbreaking stories that day, but there in this small house on the side of a mountain is a group of woman who now have true community. They are MOPS moms.
We end the day with Andres, Lorena and their three beautiful kids in their home. We sat outside and talked for hours. Some conversations were very deep and we covered all topics from politics to religion to our hopes and dreams for MOPS in Colombia. We then started listening to music which of course led me to sharing Spencer’s music with them and a spontaneous dance party began. We learned all sorts of latin dance moves and we laughed and danced with the kids for a long time until we all needed a break and then we ended up sharing stories of how we met our spouses. Our love for the Lord, for the MOPS ministry led to an evening that I will never forget, friendships I will forever cherish.
Day 5
June 26, 2018
Our travel day to Bogota. We arrive to the hustle and bustle of Bogota. We are staying with Monica’s Uncle Reuben who greets us so warmly. They have prepared a homemade soup that is delicious. We sit at his dining room table with hand painted placemats from Monica’s grandma, Italian opera playing in the background. I feel like I am living in another world for sure. The latin culture is so good at the dining experience. Amazing food and even better conversation.
We freshen up and head off to meet with the MOPS leaders from Bogota and Venezuela. We refuel with caffeine provided by a cup of coffee at Juan Valdez. Monica’s cousin is our driver and he is pointing out interesting facts about the city to us as we navigate the traffic of Bogota.
A small gathering but an amazing group of women who will be ministering to a diverse group of moms. A wide socioeconomic range, single moms, women who are professionals and work full time, homeschooling moms, moms who stay at home full time. We share ideas and have a great brainstorming session. Of course we are treated to more delicious food and sweets. I am so excited about the leadership team in Colombia and Venezuela. These women are amazing!
Monica’s cousin picks us up and takes us to the top of the mountain that overlooks the city. The view is spectacular. The city is illuminated and full of life. It is a city of 14 million people. We enjoy our time together and enjoy a local treat of aguapanela, cheese and bread. We place the cheese in the hot tea and allow it to melt and then dip our bread in the tea. A fun culinary experience. We pose for a selfie as we leave with the lights in the background. I can’t help but think of all the moms out there in Bogota who need to know that they are valued, loved, and seen. I pray for MOPS to grow in Colombia so more moms know the love of Christ, the value of community, the strength to raise the next generation.
Day 6
June 27, 2018
We leave early and travel to the North of the City to experience the Catedral de Sal. (Salt Cathedral) North of the city of Bogota is a small town named Zipaquera where an old salt mine exists. In the early 1970’s miners began carving crosses into the walls of the mine and holding church services to ask for protection as they worked underground. What they created is incredible and even hard to explain. We went on the official tour complete with head phones explaining all of this in English. I was expecting to have a museum experience, a history lesson, but instead I had a very deep and meaningful spiritual experience as we walked the stations of the cross. We were 600 feet underground listening to Ave Maria surrounded by beautifully carved cross sculptures. We stopped to pray for MOPS and the country of Colombia as it continues to heal from the over 50 years of civil war.
We then began our trek back south. Monica as our driver and guide. She shared with us the rich history of her country and family stories and then we stopped for coffee and pastries at a local shop. “ La Vaca qui Rie”. ( The Laughing Cow) I placed our order without Monica translating and was so proud of myself. haha
We then continued on the long trek through the mountains for several hours to Monica’s family home outside Girardot. We spent the night where she spent many summers with her grandparents and cousins. We had a few encounters with ghekos, spiders, and even a bat which is a little unnerving for a Colorado girl. The drive was priceless as it gave us many hours to be together and talk about life.
Day 7
June 28, 2019
We wake early and head to the retreat center in Girardot. We decide to wear our Colombian jerseys again because Colombia is playing Senegal. We arrive and are greeted with music, and horns and flags. Ready for the game. We make the decision to wear our jerseys when we are introduced and I keep mine on as I begin speaking to the gathering of pastors.
What a fun experience to be in Colombia during the World Cup. Colombia defeats Senegal and the celebration is awesome! Luckily there is a man speaking about finances after the game and before my talk. The crowd is settled down.
I am nervous to speak in front of this group. They are distinguished pastors of the Cenfol church movement and are respected leaders in their countries. We meet for prayer before I start and my team assures me to just share from my heart my passion for the MOPS ministry.
Monica is my interpreter and we take the stage. It was a joy to share with them what MOPS is really about and how this is a wonderful strategy for their churches, for their moms, for their countries. I am honored to have this opportunity. We were met with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement about what we shared. Later that afternoon we had a time where we could share more information for those who were interested. Monica did a beautiful job of leading this time and our team shared stories too.
We are thrilled that 30 new churches will start MOPS programs in the next few months. Excited for Lorena and the leaders of Colombia. Thanking God for our time.
We stayed for dinner where we had the opportunity to get to know Monica’s sister and brother in law and more of the pastors too. I was thankful for a little more time with Lorena and her family as well. Goodbyes are hard. Our time with Lorena, her family, and the MOPS leaders in Colombia is something I will treasure forever. I am thankful for our time in this beautiful country and the ministry we shared. We gathered in a circle, held hands and prayed for each other, for MOPS and for Colombia. We tearfully said our goodbyes and piled in the car for our return to Bogota. I felt relieved, thankful, and tired.
Day 8
June 29, 2018
Monica and I shared a room so first thing in the morning we were up and chatting about the week we just shared. Hard to believe it has been six years since we first met at Momcon in Dallas. Our hopes and dreams to bring MOPS to Colombia came true. We give God all the glory!
Off to the airport, a little shopping for some trinkets to bring home. Our goodbyes are never easy. I am beyond thankful God placed Monica in my life and we have the opportunity to serve the moms in Latin America. We do believe better moms make a better world and we want to do our part in implementing this global venture. Returning to Denver with my sweet friends, thankful for the time we spent together in Colombia. The experiences, laughter and stories we will forever share, the new friends we have added to our lives and the excitement we share for all the moms who will be part of MOPS Colombia.
original_url: 713332AF-8A5D-43A8-8097-F2E5A2015CC8
by sherricrandall | Mar 22, 2018 | General
I just spent three days in the hospital with my daughter as she was battling a kidney infection. She was very sick and needed IV antibiotics and fluids to battle the infection and dehydration. Scary for sure. We were scheduled to leave on a beach vacation the day she was admitted so obviously we were disappointed, yet so thankful we were not in another country navigating a serious health issue.
Thankful for God’s provision and timing!
I immediately contacted our family and network of friends asking for prayers. Amazed at the response of texts, phone calls, flowers and cards.
Thankful for a loving family and amazing friends!
I sat next to her bed and worked on my laptop and made phone calls in the hallway. The mom who was on her phone next to me was in tears because she said she was getting nowhere with her boss in extending her time off to care for her sick son.
Thankful for a job where I had the flexibility to be at the hospital when I was needed !
As my daughter improved we were able to take walks down the hallway, pushing the IV pole. She was still receiving the fluids and medicine needed but the machine only worked for a short while before it started beeping and needed to be plugged back into the wall. The nurse said, “You won’t get very far on your own without being plugged into the power source.”
How true is that statement?!
How often do I try and do things on my own. Relying on my own strengths and abilities and forget where the real source of strength and abilities come from. A gentle nudge and reminder from the Lord as I walked next to my daughter and the IV pole.
We got her back to her room, plugged in the IV and tucked her back into bed. I snuggled up on the couch with a blanket too and pulled out my Bible and “plugged in”. Thankful for the sweet moments in a difficult situation and how God reminded me of all I have to be thankful for ! We both fell asleep to the background noise of the drip of the IV…
Happy to report she is home and returning to her sweet 16 year old self !!
John 15:4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.
by sherricrandall | Mar 6, 2018 | General
If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies… Author – unknown
Transitions can be challenging. Change isn’t easy, even if it is good change. When I think about my life and the changes I have experienced, I ultimately think change has led to positive growth in my life and when I embrace the reality that God is in control and I am not, things tend to go much more smoothly. It is when I falsely believe I am in control that gets me into trouble – Anyone else? Change is something we tend to fear and become anxious about because we do not feel in control of our life at that point. The truth is, God can use change to bring about a deeper faith and understanding of His will for our lives if we only allow it.
Marriage, going from being a working woman to being a stay at home mom – 1, 2, 3, 4 kids. Each new stage presented challenges as my little family grew. Then being a stay at home mom and going back to work. I think that transition was hard as I navigated work responsibilities and home responsibilities, never quite keeping up with my own expectations of holding it all together. Now most of those little kids are in college and we have only one kiddo left at home. Soon we will be living in an empty nest which I have been told is a whole new transition. I faced a scary health change when I was diagnosed with cancer and the changes that brought to my life and my body were difficult to say the least. From life altering to minute, we all will face the challenges that change brings into our lives.
I recently left my position at our church where I served in Women’s Ministry for the past 10 years. So excited to take on a new role at MOPS International where I am currently the VP of Global Ministry and Leadership Experience. I feel as if I have been transitioning into this position for the past five years when I first started working with the global team as a volunteer. I didn’t see it at the time but hindsight has afforded me clarity in God’s plan. Even though I knew this was the perfect fit for me it was still hard to change roles. Silly things like adding a commute to my day, not knowing where things were in the office, where the closest restaurant is for lunch, those small things that keep you a bit unsettled. A few months have passed and I feel as if I am settling in. I am used to the drive and have used the time in the car to connect with family and friends or to listen to a Podcast. My day to day life schedule has changed and the people I do daily life with has changed too, this does not diminish my ministry at the church nor the deep friendships I have made. This change has added new challenges and opportunities that I am so thankful for. I love the new staff I have a privilege of being a part of and I am leaning into what the future holds.
John F. Kennedy once said “ Change is the law of life. And those who only look to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.” How true. It is easy to dwell on the past where things were either great or bad, focus too much on the present if you are in a tough situation or are in a wonderful situation and fear it will change. If we do either we miss out on the possibilities of the future and what God has in store for us. When you finish changing, you are finished.
I think of the little caterpillar and how he creates the chrysalis. The chrysalis is the transformational state where the tissue of the caterpillar is broken down and new life begins. Isn’t that true of us, sometimes we must breakdown our lives in order to change and grow. It is only after the change and growth phase that a beautiful butterfly emerges.
Embracing changes in life can be hard especially when they are sudden or difficult but my challenge to myself and to you is to trust that God will use those changes to mold and shape you into the person He desires you to be.
It is often said that the only constant is change and that all good things come to an end. What if we lived in that tension and fully embraced all that this life experience has to offer, changes and all.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
