Ashley Pharis's Blog
Change is a GREAT thing!! Ashley's LONG Overdue Update! / 12.14.09, 12:09 AM
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” ~Seneca, Roman philosopherHello dear Family and Friends,
I again have failed to keep you all up to date with my life and ministry….as SO MUCH has happened since I last wrote! Some changes have been in the works for a while now, some just very recent and unexpected!! All very exciting! I will share the changes in chronological order :)
——-CONTINUING WITH MISSION YEAR—————————————————————————
As many of you know, when I initially started with Mission Year on staff as a recruiter, I only committed to working for a year in this role. I was looking forward to using this year to transition out of my time as a volunteer, gain experience professionally, but also to discern my future as I considered possible Graduate School and vocation options.
But as I got into the thick of this job, traveling and making significant connections all over the country, I realized it may be beneficial to Mission Year to continue with the work I’ve begun. As I prayed about it, I really felt like I wanted to honor this organization by continuing on with them and really put my full efforts into another year with the groundwork I’ve laid out as a recruiter. So I am committed to one more year as a recruiter, to reaching out to young people who are looking for a way to live out their faith in a radical way as Jesus called us to do. Thanks for your support in all of this, it is greatly appreciated! Please check my webpage for updates, how you can give financially as I am still fund-raising for Mission Year (and we are in MUCH need these days!)
http://missionyear.org/blog/ashleypharis/
FYI: ALL DONATIONS GIVEN IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER WILL BE MATCHED BY A GRANT WE RECENTLY RECEIVED!! So if you feel lead to give, your money will be doubled and invested into the lives our in-need communities, neighbors and team-members who are struggling to raise funds in this economy!! Good news!
——-I MOVED TO ATLANTA!————————————————————————————————
This past January my boss randomly asked me if I’d be willing to move to Atlanta. I remember that day very clearly because it was the coldest day in Chicago in 10 years so I immediately said “Yes!” As I thought about it more, I realized how much I had grown to really LOVE Chicago, it had become my home. But after many months of prayer and reflection, I realized I was ready for a change. Even though I wanted to stay in Chicago, God had prepared my heart for change so I was willing.
Now, here I am, 5 months into living in Atlanta…and so far so good! It’s warmer, people move slower, and the tea is sweeter. How can I complain about that? I am really enjoying working in the Mission Year headquarter office with my new boss Sarah Quezada and Mission Year President Leroy Barber. Until recently (November 28th to be specifc, wink) in Historic Washington Park Neighborhood, right across the street from the high school were Martin Luther King, Jr. and Gladys Knight attended! And thought I miss Chicago, I am seeing signs of poverty in Atlanta like I have never seen before, but there is Hope in the midst and that is exciting!
——-I GOT ENGAGED + MARRIED!!!!———————————————————————————
Well this is probably the biggest news and I’m hoping that most of you have already heard :) But if not, take a look at our website to get the whole story!! http://www.theknot.com/ourwedding/AshleyPharis&MikeNienaber
It’s been a pretty amazing ride, and the whole way I’ve been amazed at God’s faithfulness and great love like I’ve never experienced it before. And I have to recognize Mission Year in this, because if it wasn’t for Mission Year, I might not have met my husband who did Mission Year in Chicago 5 years ago! His name is Mike Nienaber (pronounced knee-neighbor), he is originally from Seattle and he is the most friendly, upbeat, adventurous, servant-hearted and sweet man after God’s own heart that I’ve ever met!! We got married 2 weeks ago in Indiana, and are now living in South Atlanta in a little fixer-upper home that God placed in our path, and we are so excited about learning how to continue living out our faith intentionally now as partners and best friends! And we’d love to have visitors so please let us know if you’re in the area or need a vacation to HOTlanta!
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So there’s the update. I pray a peaceful, restful holiday season for all of you as you continue to press into the meaning of Christmas, Jesus, to find rest for your soul in this busy time. Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2
God’s love and peace, Ashley “Pharis” Nienaber
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