JOY (joi) n. Intense and especially ecstatic or exultant happiness.

School has accounted for much of my enjoyable writing opportunities, but now it’s out once again!  And this lack of updated communication always seems to be followed by a lame excuse for my faulty blog inabilities.  …Sorry I haven’t written in a while!  Not that anyone’s reading any way, but that’s okay!

There’s always been this desire to be the kind of  blogger who sips on a hot cup of coffee late at night with her nerdy glasses pressed on her nose pouring out her deepest discoveries on the internet.  People read her stuff and are compelled at such heart and exposure are emitted through her words… but I’m afraid I can’t offer that, shame.  I can try real hard to conjure up something fascinating or incredible, but I think I’m stuck at the basics.  While there are many things going on deep within, I don’t think it’d be appropriate to publish some of them.  And that’s what probably prevents me from being that blogger girl of my dreams!  I really would love to vomit life to you, but some aspects have been too detailed to account for and a wee-bit personal to share in case it would effect another person.  Ugh, if only I was bolder and meaner! :)

Well, at this moment I’m on RA duty.  I get off in about 20 minutes (1 am) and I just decided to waste some time!  Pity party: I’ve been sitting at the dorm front desk for the past three nights (from 6:00-12:00/1:00)and I have one more duty night tomorrow, oy!  But it’s been really good getting to know more of the girls here and catching up on some movies!  I’m currently reading a really good book but I haven’t sat down and devoted time specifically to finish it!  It’s a bad habit, I know, but I’ve learned SO much from it thus far!  It was recommended by a wise woman I know and I’ve been moved in many ways through its messages :)

…and now I’m sleepy!  Just… a… few… more… minutes!!!  I’m going to end it here so that I can write up the duty report for the evening, but it was nice getting acquainted again!  Have a wonderful day and I’ll be back soon enough!

Joyfully,

Joanie :)

A few years back I was on an unscripted TV show and have been asked recently to write a blog entry for them to post on their website. I thought I’d share it on my own blog as well, so here it is!

It has been quite a few years since the show aired, yet people keep recognizing me anywhere (malls, restaurants, banks…) and everywhere (Austria, China, Mexico…)! What in the world?! …they tell me it’s my voice :P I love it and find it hilarious every time someone curiously looks at me and asks if we went to high school together… no, I’m sorry that I have never lived in Montana, Washington, or Idaho… :) Either way, it’s always great to meet different individuals from all over the nation and world and to get to know them to the best of my ability in that moment!

The sum of how life has been since the show cannot merely be summed up in simple sentences, but I’m going to try my best in giving you the juicy details that might challenge, give hope, or just inform you. There’s honestly nothing too different about me, but people tend to get all awkward and “star struck” (I am not a “star” by any means, but thought the phrase suited the reactions I receive) whenever they find out I was on MADE. All I ask of you is to completely imagine me as your sister or daughter (preferably not your mother or wife) so that you can get the full and unbiased perspective. Cool? :)

I think the one word that would sum up my life since MADE would be “intentional”. I’m going to be very blunt and honest as to why, so hear me out if you’d like. If you are closed-minded or stubborn, turn back now because I’m only going to challenge your thinking. It was merely a few months after the show aired that my life transformed in a very dramatic way; I began to passionately and intentionally follow Jesus Christ. I know, I know… that line might have completely turned you off or maybe even perked your ears a little, but my life has literally been implanted and secured in the hope and salvation of Christ. There’s no other way of telling you about who I am without professing that I let go of my own life and followed a true way of living in pursuit of the Lord. Simply, this can be broken down into two categories: Love God and love His people. Aren’t you glad that everywhere I go I try to have the mindset of seeking the best for you? Shoot, you’re pretty lucky! Call me a holy roller if you so desire, but this has been the climax in all of my existence and I in turn have so much more purpose, direction, and hope through it.

Much of what I went through on MADE led into this change of perspective. I experienced some pretty entertaining and challenging moments while going through the filming of the show: a neck injury, a petty boy crush, a new hobby, and a new outlook on the world; but it was after the show that much of that growth had to be put into application. Once the cameras stopped rolling and the directors flew back to their big cities I was able to see the accumulation of everything that had developed and strengthened within my character. Because of the trials that were faced and the accomplishments that were made, life after MADE had a whole new meaning and purpose. It would be a lie if I said that I felt invincible after the wakeboarding experience, but there was certainly a new instilled nature of confidence after knowing that I could get through moments of complications and adversity.
So, if that’s what I gained through the show, then what am I doing with my life now? Well, I’m in college!!! Whew, I hated high school! Oy, I say… oy! I’m at a University down here in Texas (Yee-haw? And no, I do not ride a horse to school. He’s currently on vacation :P). I love this school and try to be involved and interactive in any way possible. Ever since I came as a freshmen (I’m on my fourth semester now) doors kept opening left and right in terms of opportunities in which I could serve and be intentional (there’s that word again!) with my gifts and abilities.

One area of great interest for me is my involvement with the many international students on campus. For some reason we just click and our friendships come so naturally! In order to further be involved in their cultures and their lives, I decided to take up an opportunity that the school provided where I got to teach in Asia over the summer. It was a phenomenal experience that confirmed my direction in life: I was designed to pour my heart into international missions :)
Ever since I was young I always felt odd about the prospects of remaining in the States for the rest of my life. My personality, giftings, and interests never matched up too well with this culture and I got to see my true nature ignite when I was put in the passionate furnace of missional service overseas. So… that means I’m going back out into the world! I will go anywhere and do everything that I am called to do. Of course there’s patience along the way that I must hold firm to, but there’s a striving ambition to fulfill God’s purpose for my life.
Can you do something for me really quickly? I want you to take a deep breath. Take two if my ridiculously long story has completely sucked the wind out of you…
The fact that you are still breathing means that God still has a plan for your life and is graciously using you each day. If you don’t have a personal relationship with Christ and have questions, hit me up and I’d love to chat with ya about Him :)
My past is said and done, the present has been pretty fun, and now my future is limited by no one (ha, I just made that up… and it’s kinda lame :P). The direction I am currently going in through my education and ministries lines up with my passions of sharing the gospel, missions, and languages. So, we’ll see what door opens next! I feel like I just wrote the essay to a final exam, and I’m pretty sure you didn’t appreciate being the teacher who just read it! …sorry about that… So, what’s my grade?! :P
Hit me up on facebook and I’ll try to keep in touch with ya! No stalkers please. Y’all need to pick up a new hobby because it’s kinda shady and boring… I suggest wakeboarding instead! Have a blessed year everybody and say hey if you run into me at some point in life!
Joyfully,
Joanie

It, as I often say, has been TOO LONG!  This is certainly a problematic issue that I’m pretty certain cannot be treated, but I’m in remission at this very moment… so we’ll see how this update goes!

Okay, so schools back in session and I’m lovin it!  I have got a plate full of opportunity and a plethora of open doors, so we’ll see how this Fall 2008 semester finishes up.  I’m absolutely “booked” with reading (tehehe) because of the many “educational blessings” I have, which they call classes these days.  God absolutely knows what I can and can’t handle, and He’s making it obvious as things come and go.

Some absolutely beautiful opportunities have made themselves available this semester and I cannot wait to see all of them come into completion.  I am currently at the initial hopes of going overseas again this summer.  Details later :-)

I know that this post is kind of grammatically awkward, but I just need to get back into the swing of things.  I am currently on fall break (YAY!!!)… but it’s ending tomorrow, haha!  It has been the most relaxing and wonderful week of rest and it was definitely appreciated.  I wasn’t stressed or tired at all, I just needed a moment of restoration and time where I could collect my thoughts outside of my daily rushed life at school. Sorry for the shallow update, but I’ll try to keep posting as the semester finishes off!

Joyfully,

Joanie

God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Savior, Lord, Bible, Fellowship, Blessing, Prayer, Hope, Grace, Mercy, Spiritual Warfare, Salvation, Church, Baptism, Heaven, Hell…!!!

WHEW! That goes out to all the emails, blogs, and messages that I wasn’t able to use these original words in!  Now don’t call me a holy roller, but encouragement that says, “Dog has amazing plans for you” doesn’t really have an affirmative ring to it :-P

I’m back home in the yee-haw state and it has been such a joy to have spent time with my family for about a week.  Yes, only a week :-(.  On the go and ready for the next step, college is calling my name!  This will be my second year at DBU, and it has been such a blessing in my life!  Actual classes begin on the 25th, but I have got all sorts of training prior to (which I’m absolutely looking forward to).  The car is all packed up and my joy is just as full; this is only the beginning of an indescribable year of opportunity, challenges, and growth.  Oh buddy, I can’t wait!

Of course as a recap from my teaching trip in China, the bottom line comes down to it as being absolutely AMAZING!  The whole experience wasn’t so much about a lesson being learned but more of an introduction to the potentials of God’s vast plans in life.  As said before, I’ve always desired a vocation outside of the States.  With this itch that I was born with, I really found peace and clarity that my spirit was at rest in another country (so far it’s been in China).  My personality, standards of living, interaction, and natural chemistry were equally balanced on this trip and it was remarkable to experience.  I am utterly aware of the statistics about missionaries in their “honeymoon” and year-long terms of leisure or struggle, and I do know that our stay was a mere fraction of what it took to fully be indulged in that culture.  We were practically honeymooning with coconut drinks and hula skirts.  Despite that, there was a deeper sense of spiritual peace that professed that I would be coming back to that exact location.  Whether it just be for one/two/three more summer(s), one year out of college, or a lifelong commitment, this sense of direction stood out the most of the whole trip and it has been clearly pressed on my heart.

So where to go from there, I don’t quite know!  I will pray for open doors, walk with grace and patience through them, and savor the Savior for His unspeakable freedom He has given us in this world.  Speaking of Savior, I have got a great blog topic next on the Holy Spirit!  Potentially controversial, but totally necessary and ground shaking!  Until then my wonderful friends and family

Joyfully,

Joanie

I’ll be in the States on Saturday!!!!!!!
Wow… time has (in the most cliche fashion) flown by SO fast!

5 weeks in a foreign country has really added up to being an absolutely amazing trip; a trip that I desire going on again next year! There are by far too many topics to cover within this last entry, but I just need to find a decent conclusion to all that occurred while I was over here.

Prior to ever hearing about the Asia trip offered through DBU, I had always had an instilled knowledge that I would get out of the country for a while. There just seemed to be an uneasy sense of discomfort with many things that I was noticing in the States. Completely and utterly grateful for my birthplace, America has been such a b1essing in my life. Having now been exposed to a very miniscule part of Asia, I am able to see a completely different perspective on both of these opposing cultures. Coming back to the States will give me a clarifying view on how I feel about each, but I have to say that my mind has been blown away and my breath went with it.

I don’t want to be the one planning the future, but I am almost certain that I will be back. There is just something natural and real about this place that meshes very well with my personality. He has given me such peace in hope that I will return someday to have a deeper connection with those who I have locally served and bonded with. Who knows though! He always works in the most beautiful and ironic ways, so I truly look forward to seeing what’s up his long choir robe sleeve :-P.

I just got back from a local orphanage; something I normally would never choose to do.

As you know from the previous posts, I’m not the kind of girl who just loves to pick up infants and speak gibberish to them as they slurp drool. But my heart was really moved the other day when I felt led to visit an orphanage while I was here. I had never been in one, and this was taking a huge step. I went with my two new friends from Asia who have previously worked in orphanages, and we set out Thursday right when school got out. He completely opened the doorways of approval, transportation, and access. For only 3 kuai (about $.40) and a 1 hour long bus ride we arrived at our much anticipated destination. The orphanage ended up being an asylum for abandoned children with dissabilities and illnesses. It was a very heart wrenching sight, especially knowing that this was one of the nicer shelters in the city. There were about 30 cribs in one room with little ones either seated in special wooden chairs or tied up in their cribs half asleep. Yes, tied up. Part of the reasoning was to keep the children form climbing out or hurting themselves, but it was a very unexpected sight to see. The workers looked tired and strained, but I saw them as being heroines of selflessness. The children’s ages ranged from a few months old to about 4 years, each with their own unique dissability (primarily down syndrome). It was so tragic to see that many of those children might die soon, and that they wouldn’t be the top pick of the market when it comes to adoption. But despite the sadness, I swear that I say Him. I saw G-d in their eyes. Their bodies may have been mutated, but His presence was pure, innocent, and striking. I continued to weep over each child as I realized that He loved each of His children. Each of them were completely abandoned and disowned by the world and its inhabitants, but Dad never let go of their precieous worth. It was beautiful, absolutely beautiful. I plan to do this again someday :-)

I would absolutely love to tell you more about this trip when I get back! Feel free to chat in person, email (JoanUyvari@yahoo.com), or facebook if you have any questions, comments, words of encouragement, or just spam mail (spam mail is better than no mail!). I cannot wait to see many of you when I get back home from the 2nd to the 10th! I want to also say thank you to the many people in Arkansas, Texas, and California (and any other states) who have been “thinking” to Him about this trip. There is absolutely no doubt that many lives were completely and utterly changed within our group and in this city. He is so good :-) See you all so soon!!!!

Good night Asia and good morning America!
Joanie :-D

Sorry Guys, no blog with this one but enjoy the Asian Photos 

This past week has been a very moving week for me.  Not so much to extremes as you may be imagining considering where I’m at, but I have been getting insight into my human nature when it comes to working with children.  I would describe it as a wind that comes and goes on an East Texas farm.  Sounds depressing if you figuratively imagine that, but just work with me on this one.  It is more so an idea that derives from a previously known characteristic about myself; I’ve never been too fond of the whole kid raising/child rearing thing.  I’m hoping that He will fully change my heart along this road of life, but it is something that I’m consistently seeking to find joy in. 

But I have got an update!  In contrast to my struggles with children, He really has been giving me a heart to love my kids since I’ve been here!  11 boys and 4 girls have been slowly capturing my heart and teaching me to love them for each of their personalities.  He has breathed life into each of them, and I need to embrace and love each of His little masterpieces.  Now, whether or not I decided to have my own kids one day is another story :-P.

Much of why I had been struggling a little bit was that we were preparing for our class plays (there are 2 that we do throughout the summer, and this was just the initial one).  We performed a story that my 1^st TA wrote about a big tree trying to find himself outside of who he was made to be.  It went pretty swell and I’m so proud of my kids.  My initial reaction in contrast to the other classes’ performances was that I failed in challenging my kids.  If I’m looking at the things that others are doing around me and I am not proud of the accomplishments of my kiddos, then of course it is going to seem that I wasn’t as good as everyone elses!  But my kids did great, and I am satisfied with that… and also satisfied that it’s over, haha!  I’m hoping to do the Wizard of Oz for the big performance.  That’d be a trip!

TODAY IS FRIDAY!!!!  That means… well, the week is over!  As a group we are going to a smaller town outside of the city to do some sight-seeing of older and antiqued areas.  I’m looking forward to that time off (it’s a nice little vacation that the school company has given us :-).  We’ll be gone the whole weekend, so woot woot! 

We have about 10 days left of teaching in our classrooms and about 15 of living here!  Time has flown by so quickly (sooo cliché), and I am now starting to understand that it will be difficult to leave my kids and this country.  I don’t say that with sadness or regret, it just is what it is!  I really do look forward to going back to the States and to school!  He’s got SO many amazing opportunities going on here and there.

I’ll be sure to take some photos from this weekend, and I still need to finish uploading this week’s photos as well!  I’m sorry about that; I’ve been having internet problems over here.  Only a few more days and I’ll be back in the States!  Until then, thank you so much for your pr@yer$ and support.  I know that He’s been doing amazing things over here :-)  

I have to say that being here has been amazing!  As a group, we have seen exquisite sights, eaten phenomenal foods, bargained for ridiculously cheap things in the underground market… It has all been such a blast! 

In saying that, I have to be careful.  The purpose for us being here is not to be tourists, but for us to love, care, and teach these children.  On the plane ride here, one of my teammates was sharing with me some previously gained wisdom from another trip.  She said that we shouldn’t just have the eyes of a tourist, but sp!r!tu@l eyes for the lost. 

Thus far we have had one grand instance of a local girl coming to know Him.  It was amazing!  One of our teammates met this girl and within 24 hours of hanging out and talking about their favorite TV show, Sex and the City (oh how ironically He works! :-P ), she wanted to know more about what our teammate thought about Him and who He is.  Very carefully, and with discernment, she shared with her the story of Cristo and salvacion.  The local girl was SO excited about the Good News and accepted this truth into her life! 

WOW! 

It was really jaw-dropping to watch the progression of how He put this desire in my teammate’s heart to be ready with answers if the girl were to ask questions… and she did!  It was at the local “building with the pews” that my teammate randomly turned around and asked if I could intercede for her over the whole situation prior to her acceptance.  It was such an honor to feel a part of His plan :-)

So, I have to keep editing my rough drafts for the blog throughout the week, and I have an update that would merely seem like new news to you all anyway!  A door was opened today that led to a very deep conversation between my Teacher’s Assistant and I.  It all began with a question about my purity ring that I wear on my left hand that makes me look married. 

My promise ring

 She asked if I was in “love” (all google-eyed) and I said no, then she asked if I had “a crushes”, and I said yes.  And she began to test me as to why I was not professing my “love” for this person, and I just simply stated the whole, “he will come to me when the time is right”.

“So Miss Joan, do you believe in destiny then?”

“Well, I believe that someone greater than me knows when it will happen in my life and with whom.”

“Oh, so you believe in Gawd, Miss Joan?”

The conversation went on from there into a very deep discussion on theawlogee and “thoughts” of who He is and why we’re on this earth.  And to add, she’s only 14… and very BRILLIANT!  I have been so impressed with my TA!  And coming from that conversation only heightened my awareness of how important it is to be ready if there are questions.  We ended up talking for an hour during my teaching time (I just told the kids to read and draw and it worked out just fine), and it was pretty amazing :-)  If you could keep her and our conversations in “thought”, that would be amazing!

So this week has been pretty good!  We’ve finished our 2^nd week of teaching, and now we’re going downtown to stay in a hotel for the weekend!!!  Holee crap!  I’ll be sure to get lots of pictures posted when we get back!

Okay, so I want to inform you on the weather… I pre-assumed it to be very humid, and it is!  We sweat non-stop, but I’m totally used to it and kind of enjoy it to some degree :-P  My skin was a big concern for me before I came because of my eczema, but it has been SO good here!  Our skin is always moisturized because of the humidity, sweat, and oils in the food.  So if you notice in many photos that our skin is very greasy looking, it’s because it is and there’s absolutely nothing we can do about it!  Plus, you can’t really wear makeup either; powder turns into dough, cover-up turns into mud, and mascara turns into tar.  So, I’ve been “roughing” it when it comes to vanity :-P

Speaking of vanity!  We often go to this salon that is literally underneath our dorm that only costs 10 kuai (about $1.50) for a hair wash and massage!!!  It is so great!  But oh buddy… Asians may seem fragile and small, but they’re so freakin strong that it hurts!  I actually got my hair cut the other day!  They did a great job, especially since it only cost $4!!!!!  WHAT?!?!  You can’t even find conditioner in the States as cheap as that!  It also is a great example of the language barrier, because I didn’t expect on getting a haircut when I walked in :-D 

Overall, things are AMAZING over here!  I love the group I am with and the people of this culture.  We’re headed off this weekend to spend the night downtown and be total tourists!  Woot woot!  I’ll be sure to post a bunch of pictures (or Lizzy will :-)  Wo ai ni (whoa eye knee)-I love [y’all] <haha, add a little southern twist :-P

Joyfully,

Joanie

So as you all know, I, Liz Uyvari (Joan’s Sis), is posting her blogs for her, so here are some of the pictures she sent me to upload on here. Enjoy!

Sorry I know its not very pretty but I have a month to work on that! Enjoy!

Yes, I would never imagine that I would ever experience the bizarre feeling of the complete time change, but it is real and it is obnoxious!  Being 13 hours ahead of you guys certainly nips our regular sleeping habits in the butt!  You all should go through this sometime, it’s kind of surreal.  When we’re merely starting the day, everyone back home is getting some good shuteye (and vice versa).  The sun rises about 4:30, which is the time that it has been waking me up, and it starts setting at about 6:30 or so.  

I apologize that it has taken a while to get this post uploaded!  I’m afraid that my blog server does not work in this part of the country, so my sis Lizzy has been helping me out!  What would we do without family?!  

There are so many things that could describe this place!  The city has its similarities to Dallas or Houston, but there are quite a few differences in the reckless transportation, unique food, people, and language.  Culture shock has honestly not set in; it just seems like I’m in any other big city in the States.  The language barrier is a major difficulty in the sense that I may never be able to comprehend it, but we have received amazing help and direction from alumnus of the previous years, our personal leaders, and the school’s/program’s leadership. 

It hit me today that I am so thankful for the structure of this trip.  Having a group of people I know, I came with, and are leaving with maintains a very important level of accountability and fellowship amongst us all.  It is really needed.  I would walk through the halls on the way to my class and realize that it would initially be very difficult to go through this without others with me.  This may be my first trip out of many or the last, but I am gradually recognizing the importance of encouraging one another as brothers and sisters and as a body of say-ers and do-ers of the Word.  

I know you all want to know what it’s like here!  Well, the transportation is one thing that will certainly catch you off guard!  The people drive CRAZY!!!  I swear I’ve almost seen 10 people almost die while zooming across oncoming traffic riding their rickety old bikes.  Every time we get in a taxi, our lives are completely in the driver’s hands… and His :-)  I actually witnessed a woman almost die from our cab and a large truck.  She just walked out right across the street as our Taxi took an unprotected right turn (without looking for oncoming traffic to say the least) as a 12-wheeler came from the opposing street.  It’s certainly adventurous to say the least, and we have a great deal of freedom throughout the school we are teaching at and the city itself.  

We are at a very beautiful school!  My classroom is quite the looker, one of the nicest actually!  I’ve got dark wood flooring and many windows that act as a nice breezeway whenever we want them open (and we have an AC unit that prevents heat stroke ☺).  MY KIDS ARE SO GREAT!!!  And… I WANT TO ADOPT AN ASIAN BABY!!!  Haha, that one might change, but it would definitely be something that I would consider in the future.  So, back to my kiddos!  I am teaching English to a lower fluency group of 3rd graders, and I have 15 kids: 4 girls and 11 boys.  Yes, 11 boys!  They’re a hoot!  We have methods of rewards and discipline in our class and I had to implement the first strict measure of discipline on Friday.  One of my boys ran away when our class was on our way to lunch.  When we came back to class he had to sit in the “thinking chair” where he wrote about what he did and state that he will never do it again.  All I can say is that the blue ink on
the paper smeared a bit from his little 5 year-old tears ☹.  Poor kiddo, but now  he understands his actions and he was really well behaved from then on.  Despite the minor tasks of keeping order, it is really wonderful being able love on these kids and to treat them with respect.  I don’t know if they get it often, but I know that I’m called to do it!  

I really look forward to the rest of this trip.  There are so many things that I would love to tell you all, but I am afraid that I need to hurry and send out this blog (I’ve been accumulating it this whole week, oy!).  I should be able to write more soon ☺

Joyfully,
Miss Joan [tee-chuh= teacher in 3rd grade Asian language :-)]