your Q’s, my A’s
I’ve been living out of a suitcase for 17 days now.
It’s been really good, but also really tiring. It’s hard to stay on top of the work I need to get done in the midst of all my travels.
And even harder to find time to blog.
My creativity is in shorter supply than my time and energy.
For a couple months now, at the prompting of a friend, I’ve been wanting to open up for questions here at The Grit. I figure that now would be the perfect time to do that.
My brain is so tired, though, that I haven’t even been able to think of a fun name for a Q&A series of posts. I’d love something more creative than “You Ask, I Answer” but … I’ve got nothin’. (“Truth or Dare” is probably the most creative thing that came to mind, but I’m not even sure it fits.)
I digress…
Ask me some questions!
Now, I may not answer them all, but you are welcome to ask me anything. I’ll work on responding to your questions in future blog posts over the next few weeks as I’m on the road.
Anything goes.
Really.
So…
You ask – I’ll answer! Go!
And I’d love to hear any suggestions
you have for what we can call this!
@mandythompson says:
Ok. I know you’re gonna think this is crazy, but I read the title of your post in my handy dandy Feedly, and I thought: “Alece is so creative. She always comes up with the catchiest little phrases. Your Q’s, My A’s. Love it.”
So, in my book, you did good!
I don’t necessarily have questions, but I do have a few blog ideas…
1) How about a critique of each city/area you visit. Or a snippet of Local Flavor from each town. Series “The Grit on…..” ie: The Grit on Portland, The Grit on LA, The Grit on Coastal Georgia (hint hint)… Then you can do a write up of each spot you visit. Kinda like a secret food reviewer or something.
2) Bring back some of those meme/game things we used to do around here… Like those word games we used to do. Stuff like that… It’s light & easy & low-effort from you.
3) Have guest posters – like guests that do Four-Minute-Friday, or something. It’d require minimal effort from both of you.
4) “Glory” – do a series on your favorite verses or something… Just a quick paragraph on each of the verses. Short posts. Verse + Al’s commentary = Glory
5) Use this: http://animoto.com/ to create a killer slideshow of your west-coast tour.
Ok. That’s all I got for now.
Love you so much!
m
*cough* don’t forget “The Grit on Austin” (hint, hint) ;)
@nateonamission says:
The Grit on Seattle // love it!
She’s got some good ideas!
@cassgirl says:
Grit on San Diego Baby!
I wanna know when she’ll be there – my David is there and would love to see Alece again!
@cassgirl says:
She will be here the last week of May through the weekend. We will be having a meet and greet. Hopefully she’ll see this and pass the word off to you soon.
@gritandglory says:
we need to plan where/when and set up a tweetvite so we can spread the word…
Are you coming to Austin? Cause I’ll drive to Austin to see you! :)
@gritandglory says:
i wish i could!
@gritandglory says:
you really like “your Q’s, my A’s”?! maybe i’ll just go with that then…
i’m not sure i’m good at review-type posts… but i should try to highlight some things from each stop at least. hmmm….
are you offering to four-minute for me?
@mandythompson says:
Of course! I’ll four minute any day.
Alece in this truly challenging and difficult part of your journey in life, could you please share with us the most encouraging things that help you to take the next step and the the next?They can be little things that others may see as insignificant, regular things that are part of your week or major things that you say ‘Wow!! God did this incredible thing and it’s blowing me away! How HE knows my deepest needs.’ As someone who walked a journey very similar to yours it would be interesting and a great blessing to hear what just blesses your heart and encourages you forward in steps of faith.
Blessings on your travels and today may you see His hand actively involved in your life. Keep trusting Him b/c He will never fail you.
Stephie
@gritandglory says:
your words are a BIG encouragement to me. thank you, steph!
@cassgirl says:
I agree with Mandy… Your title is perfect.
Wow… I have a million questions, but I am so looking forward to getting some of them face to face in a couple weeks. But hmm… Let me do it now for the sake of the blog.
1. What do you miss the most ot of your childhood, (place, person, thing)?
2. You’ve been around the world already, but where is ONE place you haven’t been but waiting too.
3. How do you describe God?
4. What is one more lesson that Grandma taught you, but you have never shared?
Yes, PICTURES!!!
I’m with mandythompson… I thought Your Q’s, my A’s” was a catch title when I first saw it and had roughly the same Alece is so creative thought. My vote, stick with the title. Have to leave for class, but I promise to write some Qs soon.
i’ve been struggling with this too…
i love it when i make the time to blog, the conversation it starts, but right now carving out time and energy feels impossible.
can’t wait to see how you fill your gaps!
hmmmm….questions are hard
what if you interviewed the folks you are staying with or somehow introduced your readers to them…i’d love that!
@tamhodge says:
thats a great idea! mostly because shes partially staying with me and i love to be on camera.
not really.
well, kinda.
dont judge me.
@gritandglory says:
we need to do somethin-somethin when the creativity juices kick in this week!
I really like Mandy’s idea about snapshots of your travels through the U.S.
What is one place in the world you would like to visit but haven’t yet, and why do you want to go there?
I like asking people this question – what does ‘beauty’ mean to you?
I can ask you 2 questions – one silly one serious….
Is there a way to support you if we or our location is not on your whirlwind trip? Is there a link on the Thrive page?
What one food do you cook/create better than anyone else?
@gritandglory says:
i’ll definitely try to work this into a post, but for anyone interested in supporting Thrive, you can see how here:
http://www.impactsouthafrica.com/invest.html
I’m with Mandy on all of it! Good ideas Mandy! I too had thought you should have some guest blogers to give you a break and since you do it for others. Maybe by some people who have walked with you and touched your life or just some of your faithful readers.
I was wanting an update on how your travels are going. Have you had to speak to crowds yet if so how did it go. I’m praying.
Um I’m going to think of a good question and then come back. Right now all I got is lots of normal questions. Boring!
@gritandglory says:
i’ve never been one to blog about my day-to-day happenings… more of my day-to-day thoughts. it’s a stretch for me to think about talking about what i’m actually DOING on my trip and that kind of thing… but that would definitely be helpful for people to hear. hmmmm…
Was there/What moment on that trip to Africa in high school made you think: “This could be my calling”?
That’s all I got. Can’t wait to see your answers to some of these questions.
@nateonamission says:
ooooh me likey!
I know I’ve heard you say that it clicked on that trip to Nica, but man …
that must have been some amazing thought processes.
What were you thinking as God was calling you to another part of the world.
@bajanpoet says:
When you coming to Barbados?
Seriously trying to ask poignant questions here lol
What was your first set of culture shock going to South Africa to start Thrive?
When did u know you wanted to start a ministry?
If you weren’t a missionary, what would u be?
Ok, that’s it – for now lol
I love playing this game! I’m always asking my friends tons of questions lol
1. If you were about to be served your last meal on earth, what would you want it to be?
2. If you could have one superpower what would you want?
3. What has been the one greatest lesson the Lord has taught you over the past year?
4. Favorite scripture?
5. What do you like to do to relax?
6. Favorite movie?
7. What is the one thing you love the most about being a girl?
8. Favorite St. Arbucks drink? lol
K, I could seriously go on and on, I love this! lol
@pa3cia says:
wha’ts your favorite food? =]
Since you have lived outside the US for such a long time what are some of the things that shock you about your home that you had never noticed before?
@kamriereed says:
Lets see….. How do you live up to the standard that people put on you? I figure since you have been in the missions a lot sometimes people expect to you to be like God. So how did you find a way to deal with this?
@bajanpoet says:
Boxers or briefs LOL KIDDING!!!!!!!!! *hahahahah* You SAID anything, right?
The answer to THAT is “Depends.” *wink*
@bajanpoet says:
*grin*
@atangie says:
If you could ask God anything, assured that He would answer you wholly and truthfully and that you would comprehend said answer, what would you ask Him?
@cassgirl says:
Okay I got some more:
1. Hugger or a handshaker ?
2. Comedy movies or tear jerkers?
3. what size shoe do you wear?
4. When are going to fall into Her arms again (Africa)?
hmmmm….
what kind of senior citizen do you want to be?
have you read the book “Land of a Thousand Hills” by Rosamond Halsey Carr? (a recent read of mine and it’s really good)
Oh, good question! (The senior citizen one.)
let me make the question a bit more specific.
if you could time travel and meet alece in 40 years from now, what are some of the things you hope to see in her and what are some of the things you would be disappointed to see?
@gritandglory says:
i haven’t read that book… might need to check it out…
@amandalou01 says:
If you were to have any other career, what do you think it would be? {even if you love what you’re doing…what would you do if forced to change??}
I’ve hesitated asking this all day, because I don’t want to create one of those “too soon?” moments, but you can ignore it or delete it if you want!
Do you ever dream about/hope to be married again? Have you met any cute guys that made you look twice?
Sorry if it’s too soon or too personal or inappropriate, but you said to ask anything!
Dear Alece,
I’d love to hear something from each leg or day of your trip of something you saw, heard, etc. of how God spoke from His heart to yours. A way that He reminded you how close He is, His love for you, His faithfulness or glory, power, goodness and so on. It could be the smallest thing. Help us to see through your eyes what you’re seeing.
Praying.
Love,
Lisa
Alece, I have two questions.
First tell us something about you, not something we would guess. Something that most peaple don’t know. An example is it’s not a surprise to people who know me that I love to ride motorcycles, but most would never guess that I love to read and have written poetry.
That is why Lenard Ravenhill is my favorite christian author.
Second what advice would you give someone looking to go into full time missions. I will be primarily be self funded in just a few years.
you said anything… so sorry if I am prying too deep. Since I am several months behind you in my marriage struggle, I wondered – did you ever, and do you still wake up in the middle night surprised, or sad, that you alone? Does it hurt any less than it did at first? I have to confess that I still wake up almost every night, crushed, defeated, and feeling humiliated …and just wondered if I am the only one who feels this way?
@gritandglory says:
i would hug you right now if i could.
Alece,
I love your blog and think you should just enjoy your travels and we’ll all still be here when you get back !!
@Nomadstacey says:
What was Thrive like 5 years ago?
What are encouraging changes you’ve seen over the past 5 years at Thrive?
Where do you want to see Thrive in 10 years?
What’s next on your ‘I have to do this for me’ list?
What can we, as a blogging community, do to encourage and support you during this trip (besides, of course, praying)?
What is your biggest personal prayer request (ie not for Thrive, but for Alece) right now?
AHEM! :) Alece, if you are going to be in Austin, I only live an hour from there. (That’s where it’s at yo!) I would totally drive to see you, and I’ll pay for your cup o’ starbucks. ;)
@gritandglory says:
i wish i could get down to texas… no plans to as of yet.
Oh and that was my question. :) Also, what’s your middle name? Favorite band? And… do you say “sharp” to the people in South Africa? I won’t lie, I miss it. :) And I miss “Is it?!” And I miss…… ” now now…” :) hahah. Random I know. Oh, have you ever eaten the spudlas? Is that how you spell it/say it? The “burger” with fries? And did you like it? Personally I didn’t but…. everyone made a huge deal about it. :) I just picked out the fries to eat it!
@gritandglory says:
i confess to saying “sharp”, “is it” “now now” and “shame” far too much!
what are spudlas???? i feel like i should definitely know what that is, but it’s not ringing a bell…
Do you mean a Gatsby? Its a long bun with lots of random things in it often including fries
The hardest part of adjusting to SA culture after growing up in the states.
Your favorite SA dish, dessert, or food/drink item in general.
Your favorite place to visit here in SA? Where MUST I go before I go home (whenever that is)?
When you get back her to SA, may I drive down for a week/weekend to visit you in person and help out with whatever you need?
Favorite book you’ve ever read? Favorite book you have read in the past year?
q: do you want me to make you a logo for you q and a posts?
(just kidding!!!!)
@gritandglory says:
i would actually love one if you find yourself with creativity and energy to spare! gonna stick with “My Q’s, Your A’s” as the title…
;)
@gritandglory says:
thanks for these questions… some interesting ones in here for sure!
feel free to come back and ask some more!
@elainaavalos says:
I’m not sure if this was asked already because I’m only popping in for a second to ask and then hopping off (while trying to pretend there’s not 700 and some unread blog posts in my Reader) but…
can you tell me what went into your original decision to go to Africa full time? If you’ve already written about that, I’ll hunt through your archives. I was just curious to know if you went w/an organization and then later started Thrive Africa or…? I’m feeling pulled in a couple of different directions but I’m not sure if I’m ready yet (which could indicate that it should be now…haha) and I was just curious to hear what your decision process was like.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!!
If your marriage went a bit different in that your husband did not up and leave, but instead continued the double life riddled with lies and pride – how would you respond knowing what you know now, what you are learning now?
sorry the above is so trite ….
for a bit more levity – pick a fav verse of the bible that you are pondering – scramble it and have your readers guess the verse and reference… Will at least get us to look on bible gate way. com and perhaps get a few more verses in us…
I think I am late to the party. Here are a few questions for you that I hope will be for some fun and some thinkin :) Still bummed I didn’t get to see you in Portland.
1. You are very open on your struggles right now. Share your strengths! We all have them. What’s yours?
2. What do you hope for?
3. What makes you giddy in fun?
4. Throughout your last year, do you have any strained relationships/friendships? How do you move through these?
I must say I wanted to ask the really personal ones too. The only one I came up with is when do you plan on coming remotely near to chicago? ;-)
@XCWATERBOY says:
When will you come to New England?
I’ll be in VA, WV, DC area for about a month this summer I think. Will you be around?
Finally, what is your favorite kind of spreadable cheese product?
Do you ever plan to go back to South Africa and the farm?
What for are being on your beautiful toofs? (retainer?)
Do you have any pets?
Hey, do you miss Harrismith?
Who did you know out there?
We are planning to move there on mission in a coupla years…
Bless,
Chris