Angie

October 17, 2008
by Angie Leave a comment

Way Back When

Look what I never published! It’s only a few months old…

My 2 Favorite Mission Friends

My bad! I haven’t blogged for numerous days…but who’s counting?

Kevin and I are preparing to head to Richmond, Virginia and Oklahoma City for appointment week. This week will be chuck full of meetings and gatherings and sharing…and commissioning for service overseas. It’s a bit overwhelming! One thing we will do is to prepare our testimony, which we will share at the appointment service. I was thinking back…

Way back when, our two children were preschoolers! Even before that, in high school, maybe middle school, I have had a love of the French people and the French culture. The extent of that was to perhaps visit the country one day, maybe study there during college (mission trip to France, yes, studied during college, no). Like my mom likes to say, I was born French, just in the wrong country.

Fast forward a few years. Bub and Bubbette (my dad’s nicknames for the 2 little Q’s) were not yet in school. I needed something to do with the kids on Wednesday nights at church, as nothing was offered. Our pastor suggested we try Mission Friends. Cool. That began my journey with missions. What awesome curriculum for preschoolers (and mom’s who teach it!). We studied cultures, foods, languages, people of the world, and missionaries and their families that lived and worked around the world to share the love of Jesus. With each lesson I prepared and taught, I fell more in love with being obedient to the call and serving wherever the Lord called. I didn’t instantly know that I was being called, but rather, grew into it. I’ve always felt a pull towards Western Europe, but thought it would be ‘in the future’ trips exploring cities and countrysides.

My babies!

A few years later, after writing for Mission Friends and Mosaic, the call to go myself, instead of just reading of others going, continued to grow. I went on several mission trips. Each trip confirmed the direction I needed to head. Kevin and I both went to Paris on a mission trip, where we served alongside workers in the city. That trip and the relationships we built confirmed the call for both of us, not just going, but the place and the people. Whoo-hoo!

To make a really long journey of manageable length for this blog, now we are getting close to heading across the water to live and work in east Paris. On June 27, in Oklahoma City, we will be appointed as missionaries. Please pray for us ~ it will be exciting and awesome! And we’d prefer not to experience any of their world famous tornadoes. In the northwest, we are used to volcanoes, wind, heat, rain, snow, dust…Not tornadoes. Show me the safe place please.

Following appointment week, we head home to prepare in earnest for living in another country. The house is gone, but too much of the stuff remains. You know, yard sale, storage unit, giving away belongings, lists of what to take (or not)…We will be at our church in Union Gap (13+ years) until December 28. We leave for orientation and training January 26th-ish, with hopes of being in Paris, going to language school, around the beginning of April!

The great news is we have years of experience…in English! The bad news is it will take us old folks longer to learn a new language! (We were informed of this wonderful tidbit.) That’s ok. I’m sure you can teach 2 old dogs new tricks – and words.

Look at how young they were!

October 17, 2008
by Angie 1 Comment

They’ve Closed My Starbucks!

Chelsie at her Starbucks

This is it. One of the last happy days before our flagship store of 15 years was closed! What a going out party! Our best, most favorite, family Starbucks was one of the unfortunate ones that had to be closed. Nevermind that it was the first in Yakima, had the best workers (especially the beautiful one above, my baby), and had a great community. Tears were abundant as baristas hung out and worked together for the last shift. But what a party!

Let’s just say, I love Nicole’s plan for happy hour…basically from 4:30 until closing (free drinks!). Throughout the day, customers had delivered flowers, so the tables were all decorated with fresh flowers in miscellaneous (ie coffee pots, vases, urns) containers. One customer brought pizza for lunch, another brought a carrot cake decorated with his phone number. Cookies, donuts, and pastries were brought out of the case and passed around. Calories were not an issue. Neither was caffeine. Photos were displayed, along with a poster board showing each barista and where he or she was being transferred. The only horrible thing was that this was the last night the store was open.

Amidst the tears, there was plenty of laughter. I had to really laugh at the dismantling of the store…which commenced promptly at 7:00. Furniture and things that had to go were walked out of the store and deposited in waiting vehicles. And then that was it. The store closed. Now it is just a shell – contractors have already removed the counters, shelves, signs…Blah. It’s the saddest corner of the whole parking lot. Empty, quiet, and dark. I know Top Foods took a hit with the store leaving. They had a great partnership. Just give me 10 minutes with Howard. This is one unhappy chick.

Now, in order to see our favorite baristas, we have to travel to 4 other stores, hoping to catch them while they are working. (I almost got in trouble today, as it’s taken me quite a while to catch up to Stephanie – sorry Steph!). Bittersweet. But wonderful memories. For more pictures, look for me on facebook.

Peeps, make me a grande, nf, xhot, 3 pump chai…to go.

September 11, 2008
by Angie Leave a comment

Upon Further Reflection

One Q catching a future Q

My BAD. And my mis-snake. The Quantrell’s DID NOT visit Bass Pro. I guess there is not a Bass Pro in Washington state, at least of which we know. That being said, we did visit a store with outdoor huntsperson items…Cabella’s!

“A wild and crazy northwestern family, the Quantrell’s, was recently spotted at a local rouge cou (red neck) watering hole off of I-5. Cabella’s was the site of family fun and silliness for this colorful family. Members of the clan were spotted gazing at the fish in the aquarium walk through, shooting laser guns (weapons) at a staged shooting range, trying on country style clothing, romping up and down stairs, walking through the ‘stuffed animal – aka game – museum’ and trying to name and classify as many wildlife as they could. Other customers were seen heading for the nearest exit or slowly backing away from this rowdy group. Employees reported that in all honesty, the Quantrell’s were just out for a good time. No damage was done.” ~Northwest Reporter

So, as you can see, we actually visited Cabella’s. It is a wonderful store, off of I-5, with absolutely nothing around it, except SEVERAL long roads, round-a-bouts…, and northwest greenery.

Looking for a good time? Take a trip and gander (not to be confused with Gander Mountain, another outdoor store, of which we do not have in Washington state) at the wildlife. Perhaps you will be fortunate enough to encounter the rare, nomadic Quantrell clan.

Taylor hits the target

September 10, 2008
by Angie Leave a comment

The Quantrell’s Visit Bass Pro!

Wow! Check out that cute family (in the header photo)! In this order: Kevin, with antlers sprouting from his back, Shrimpette -aka – Angie, the shortest, vertically challenged family member, Taylor – the mechanical wizard, tallest, Army boy stationed near this Bass Pro, and last, Peeps, I mean Chelsie, also sprouting some mysterious antlers, just like good ol’ dad.

We love our family! God has blessed us greatly with wonderful kids, not afraid to be zany and wild. Well, not as ok with it as mom, who can still embarass them in public (isn’t that a mom’s job? OUI!).

So, if you too want some cool family photos (too bad the other wildlife had to be cropped to make us fit), head to your nearest Bass Pro, and take advantage of the Red Neck (Rouge Cou) dream come true.

Ooo-ahhh.

August 14, 2008
by Angie 2 Comments

Fools for Christ

On the road again (to Boise)

(France) What? Are you crazy? Sell the house, car, and belongings, pack up and leave the kids, family, and church? Out of our minds? Fools in the eyes of the world? You bet! What does it take? Obedience and willingness to follow the Lord, wherever He leads, whatever the sacrifice!

Kevin and Angie Quantrell, recently appointed as IMB missionaries to Paris, France, are willing to obey and go. “When we look at what God gave up for us, His only Son, who died a horrible death on the cross, and what Jesus gave up, His rightful place in heaven with His Father, it doesn’t seem silly to sell it all and head overseas to follow Him. The world thinks we’re nuts for giving up careers, home, and family to go and tell people in France about Jesus. What seems foolish to us is to ignore His command to go. He gave us everything, and He will take care of each little detail. Is He our Lord? Is He worth the sacrifice? Yes! Crazy would be saying no…”

We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ!…

(1 Cor. 4:10a)

Pray for Kevin and Angie as they live foolishly for the Lord, giving their lives as a living sacrifice for the One who gave all for us.

~ Kevin & Angie Q., IMB workers

July 26, 2008
by Angie 1 Comment

Ode to Annabelle

My nanna

Webster’s II: ode 2. A lyrical poem often in praise of an object, person, or quality and usually marked by exalted style (2001)

The joy of my kitty, who thinks she’s so pretty,

Fills my heart with big laughter and smiles.

When she is purring, she knows she’s deserving,

Of carasses, loves, treats, ~ no denials!

Overeating, her specialty, she’s addicted to food,

But milk, alas, no, the result is way rude (ugh).

Princess Pinhead

Her belly, ahhhh, soft, white, and so furry,

Rolls abound plenty, mid-aged sag, don’t worry.

They’ve said pets resemble, an owner or two,

Mmmm, I fear to admit, jiggle and rolls prove ’tis true.

OCD she is that, takes after her dad,

With loud demands makes her wants known.

Her cat box must be perfect, her water quite fresh,

Her coat coiffed so neatly, I don’t know who is owned!

Verbal is she, talks a mile a minute;

And dare you talk back, c’mon, just get on with it.

Pound kitty was she, but a family she has now,

Nanna, banana, my black and white cow!

(Don’t tell her I said that, she’s sensitive about her weight!)

Help for Mommy

Sad but true. Annabanana, Nanna, Banana, Annabelle must live with a new mom and dad when we leave for France. She cannot speak French, and has not passed college entrance exams for taking French courses. So behind she stays, and I know I will miss her warmth, extra fur (found everywhere) and our devotion time where she tries to hog my lap instead of my Bible.

Alas, she will live with her grandma and grandpa. They will be trained very quick, just to her liking. After all, she is a brilliant, verbal, demanding cat!

"I just tell her the words, and she types," says Annabelle.

July 23, 2008
by Angie Leave a comment

My Baby is Engaged!

Awww, they’re so cute! It’s official. As of Sunday, July 20, our oldest child (ok, he’s 20) is engaged. The happy occurence took place at a church BBQ and swim party in the lower valley. Suspicion was high for others (we had a hint of what was happening) when the 2 involved parties snuck off in shorts, swimsuits, and the piece of junk (NEVER tell Taylor I said that), I mean ’72 green Chevy. After being gone for a mere ten minutes, they came bounding back, honking the horn and flashing a lovely ring. Yahoo! No date is set, but congratulations to Jamie and Taylor! Does that mean I’m getting old?

Engaged at last!

July 22, 2008
by Angie 1 Comment

Allo!

Ooh la la! I travelled into the world of French dialogue this week! And it was very scary. Oui, I mean non. It was humiliating. Oui, that is the correct word. Humbling.

Imagine this. In our Yakima Valley, we have many languages, from Spanish (predominant) to different Native American dialects to Philippino to Japanese, and increasing Russian sounding and Asian. But not often is there French. I don’t believe any of our high schools even teach it anymore. But the biggest language we see is Spanish.

A few days ago, I was headed into Top Foods, the grocery store we frequent (especially since our daughter works at the connected Starbucks, which is one of the 2 in WA state to be closed – not a good move, but that is another story and I’ve already been in contact with headquarters). I walked past two women. My ears perked up as it sounded like they were speaking French. Cool. I thought, oh, I should stop and say bonjour. Mais, non, I continued out the exit. Non, I thought, this is unique for us. So I waited for the doors to open (I was on the wrong side), and went back in. Alas, they were gone.

I figured I had missed the opportunity, so I walked to the car and put my groceries away. Glancing back, I saw the same 2 ladies sitting down in front of Starbucks in the outside cafe chairs. Try number 2. Hmmm, another free observation. Moi, I seem to need at least 2 chances to get things together. Maybe that’s why it’s taking Kevin and I about 6 years to pursue this call to France.

Girding myself with at least a cheery “Bonjour” I timidly waltzed across the parking lot and went up to them. Yes, you can timidly waltz. As I approached, they immediately got up and started announcing they were just waiting…(In France, at least Paris, one must buy food or drink at a cafe before acquiring the right to sit in a chair and use a table – they thought I was going to run them off). No, no, I said. You are fine! Then I commenced with my one word of Bonjour, Allo(2 ways to say hi). They were so friendly and glad that I had stopped to massacre the French language with them – I mean they were very gracious and spoke with me. Their English was wonderful. My French, all 3-4 words, were atrocious.

Fast forward, the two amis were a part of a 10-person tour led by a French professor who had taught one year in Montana and was now leading this group for 24 days throughout our beautiful northwest. Voila! The rest of the group came out of Top Foods, and I helped them gather enough chairs and tables to sit together. I’m sure the newcomers were wondering about me. But I soon enough enhanced their ears with my preschool sentences of wrong tense French. I know this because they very nicely were happy to help me correct what I was saying. Humbling. Yes, humbling.

Let me tell you how friendly and polite they were. If I could have dug up some more rudimentary French, I’m sure I could’ve stayed. But my nerves frazzled out. Sigh. I did manage to share that Kevin and I are moving to Paris next April, to which they all responded excitedly, and wanted to know details and whys and where would we live and study (I told them, in French, that I had already studied French there…which they corrected for me, as obviously, I hadn’t studied yet!). They were from southern France, Toulouse, but who knows? We may meet somewhere in France!

My newest observation and fact about Angie – I have a basic working understanding of some French, more in writing than hearing or speaking. But confront me with a French speaking person, and voila, it’s all a big fat ZERO of blathering idiot (say that in French ee-dee-ote). Tant pis, too bad. The great news? I was excited to talk with these new friends. God filled me with love and a desire to get to know them and spend time with them.

Merci beaucoup, mon Dieu, for the opportunity and the encouragement to visit, however humiliating, with the people of my heart.

PS A funny sidenote – I was sharing (dans english) that after culture shock and a few months of French school, I would be able to speak much better when if I met them. The professor said that I must drink MUCH WINE. Does much wine make the culture shock go away? Or just make one not care how bad her French is? I didn’t tell them I wouldn’t be sampling their fruit of the wine, I mean vine, at least not until the great heavenly feast. 🙂

July 18, 2008
by Angie 2 Comments

Boise State

Kev & Ang pose for lovely publicity photo!

On the road again…We used to sing that to a college friend, who was ALWAYS on the phone. We just switched the words. “On the phone again, she just can’t wait to get on the phone again…”

But seriously, we are now off the road. Again. Just home from Boise State, where we realized we never told anyone except our two young’ins that we were going. Oops. Our brain slots were full.

We enjoyed a whirlwind trip to Boise State where the Utah/Idaho Baptist Convention had a huge gathering called Equip. Twelve missionaries participated in an opening night commissioning service. It was fantastic! Now, if one were to attend the rehearsal, one would not even dare to think the real thing would work. We chased lizards, as our leader told us, to tame them and remove them before the big night. Let me tell you, we had a whole zoo full of lizards (sound problems, equipment problems, equipment everywhere, people setting up, forgotten testibytes, confused wandering m’s…). They say that if rehearsal goes poorly (and we were not in line for any oscar’s, that’s for sure) then the BIG one will go great.

And it did! Not without lots of prayer, perspiration, and focus. The room was set up for at least 650, and I guess there were people lining the back wall. I was too ancy and focused to see them. We did perspire. The more crowded, the hotter it got. The worship music was contemporary and awesome. All of the m’s calmly (on the outside) gave beautiful and varied testibytes, Dr. Rankin gave a great charge, and the invitation had at least 11 responses of individuals and couples feeling the call to serve somehow. Neat-o bandito!

Kevin was really into his sharing, and almost teared up enough to stop him from talking. Now, if you know Kevin, that’s amazing…anything that’s gets him to pause from speaking…hmmmm. Which in turn, caused many of the other m’s to tear up (fortunately for them, we were again, almost LAST, so it was ok). We had a total of 250 words this time. I didn’t quite have time to get into the throw-up story (makes you wonder, doesn’t it?), but I gave some glimpses into it. Afterwards, we were put into our corners by region, and people came by and visited with us. Wow! Lot’s of interest in France and Paris. I was trying to recruit future mission team members. Hint hint.

All in all, it was a great time. Flew over Tuesday, worked all day Wednesday (walked about 4 miles, got lost), had the service Wednesday night, and flew home early Thursday. It was such a blessing to meet so many people and connect with them.

What’s next? Kev-ster and I are going to do something similar in Alaska at the end of September. I think we will actually visit some churches and see some of the beauty of the people and the state.

Sad part? Took my camera. Number of photos? 0. Imagine me looking slimmer and fine in my flouncy polka dot skirt and black tank and sweater-let. Slimmer, I said. Oh, and younger, younger… 🙂 With a nice suntan.

July 5, 2008
by Angie Leave a comment

Oklahoma City

Testibyte Time

We did it! Last Friday, one week ago, Kevin and I were appointed as missionaries in Oklahoma City with 32 of our friends. The service was held at Southern Hills Baptist Church (as Sebastian, my nephew used to say, a Big, Big, huuge, church). The choir was about 75. They had rockin’ worship music and vibe. It was a blessed time for us, one we will always remember.

One portion of the service was when each of the candidates gave his or her, in our case ‘our’ testibyte. We were limited to 155 words, together! Kevin and I both totally messed up during rehearsal…so you can imagine the stress and nerves while waiting to see if it would happen again. Only three units (yes, we are a unit) were after us…so the wait was long. Oh, and after rehearsal, complete with walk-throughs and microphones and seating arrangements, one of the men in charge said, “Oh, and tonight they will have a closeup of your faces on the two big screens that you face (in the rafters). So just don’t look at yourself, and you’ll be fine.” Yikes! Nothing worse than myself magnified by 50% (math people could help with that estimate) and shining off of 3 screens in the auditorium.

We made it! I still blanked out on 2 words, but filled them in with something suitable (I hope). We found that we were able to listen and concentrate more on the entire event AFTER we were done sharing. Fortunately, they video taped (CD’D) the service, and we will receive a copy in about a month. So we can go back and listen and watch it again, without the sound of adrenaline rushing through our ears.

The blessings of our great God, fantabulous friends, adopted family, cool music, good charge to the candidates, chocolate at the reception, … A great time was had by all.

And Tiny Tim said, “God bless us, every one.”