Friends and Partners

By Rhonda E. Carroll Ph.D.

It was 2006 when I moved out of my birth country for the first time. I had thought that once I arrived in my new country and got snuggled into my apartment and got comfortable, I would send a quick e-mail to so many who were interested in my well-being.

How was I to know that, seven years later, I would have lived a life with exhilarating stories accumulated from my exciting life?

In this latest work, you will read of the countless stories that transpired over the years as a result of maintaining a life that has been full of escapades, full of options, full of adventures, and full of possibilities. You will also read the things that my friends and partners have been able to be a part of for years, so enjoy the stories.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524529079

Rhonda E. Carroll Ph.D.

Dr. Rhonda E. Carroll was inspired to write this book after individuals began to respond to her stories that she sent out via e-mail. More and more recipients of the stories begin wanting more. They wanted to read more stories. They wanted indulge in more adventures. They wanted to read about more escapades. The more people read her stories, the more they were captivated by the stories, and the more she received joy out of sharing them. Dr. Carroll is the third of five siblings and has a loving mother affectionately known to many as Mother Carroll. Because of her love for constant learning and her desire for continual educational growth (the evidence is the accumulation of her earned degrees and all of her certificates of completion), she is known as a professional student by those who really know her. Dr. Carroll loves teaching, learning, and living.

Book preview

Copyright © 2016 by Rhonda E. Carroll, Ph.D.

ISBN:     Softcover 978-1-5245-2908-6

eBook 978-1-5245-2907-9

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Rev. date: 08/09/2016

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I dedicate this book to:

All of you who have opened your hearts to receive communiqué regarding events that the Father has allowed to occur in my life. It is my desire that as you read you will find your own place, your own purpose for your own life and then share it with your own…friends and partners.

About the Author

Over the years, Dr. Rhonda E. Carroll has systematized and prearranged in-depth explanations of her unbelievable experiences that transpired during all her explorations and voyages. The accounts of her life are so intriguing that you will be obliged to finish the readings to the ultimate finale. Dr. Carroll’s experiences, accomplishments, and expeditions will be eternally embossed in all of us who read about them.

Dr. Rhonda E. Carroll started very early, experiencing living her life to the fullest, accomplishing much and traveling in and out of countless countries. Many times, Dr. Carroll encountered exhilarating experiences, achieved astounding accomplishments, and vivaciously voyaged extraordinarily through nations by navigating through it all on her own. With her desire to share her amazing life with others, she began sharing her stories with the numerous people whose e-mail contacts she had attained.

Immediately, many of these individuals started to respond to her stories and making references of living vicariously through her. Having taught English at international schools since 2006, she enjoys persistently educating herself to enhance her writing skills in order to share stories of her life that people will be eager to read. Dr. Carroll has learned very quickly that she has true friends and genuine partners.

CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter 1 Two Thousand and Six

Chapter 2 Two Thousand and Seven

Chapter 3 Two Thousand and Eight

Chapter 4 Two Thousand and Nine

Chapter 5 Two Thousand and Ten

Chapter 6 Two Thousand and Eleven

Chapter 7 Two Thousand and Twelve

Chapter 8 Two Thousand and Thirteen

Chapter 9 Two Thousand and Fourteen

Chapter 10 Two Thousand and Fifteen

Friends and Partners

Introduction

It was Tuesday, August 1, 2006 and it was the morning I was leaving America- The T.O.U.C.H. Center (Teaching Others to Understand Christ’s Heart)-and moving to Chengdu, Sichuan – China. This particular morning, I woke up with mixed emotions more so about a new phase in my life than my move out of the country. By this time, I was ready for a change; however, initially, I did not know that a desired change would remove me from my birth country.

(Personal Journal Entry – August 5, 2006, 10:00 a.m. China Time)

"Wow! I started out this journey on Tuesday, August 1, 2006. My flight was originally due to depart from San Francisco International Airport, Air China Airlines, flight #CA986 at 2:20 p.m. However, the flight was delayed until 8:25 p.m., which meant that I was going to miss my connecting flight in Beijing. However, having a delayed flight was great news because at that point I did not have to worry about making my flight by the skim of my teeth, so to speak. The delay also afforded me the opportunity to fellowship once again with two people who are very dear to my heart. We had lunch in San Francisco and we later returned to the airport so that I could check in. Once they assisted me with checking in my luggage and made sure I was settled, they left. That is when I really felt any emotion of sadness. I was taken to the departure gate and I waited. While waiting, I called a family member with the updated information so that they could contact my connections in Chengdu. That all worked out fine. I continued to wait. Finally, at 8:25 Tuesday night we begin to board the plane.

Once my plane arrived in Beijing at 11:35 the following night, assistants immediately took me to the gate where the busses were transporting passengers to designated hotels. There were so many people on this flight that it took quite a while to organize everyone and have us transported. By the time I arrived at the hotel, it was almost 3:00 a.m. and the busses were returning to the hotel at 5:00am to pick us all up and return us to the airport to arrange connecting flights to our various destinations. Although I only had two hours to relax, it still gave me an opportunity to take a hot bubble bath (being unaware that my apartment in Chengdu only had a shower; therefore, unknown to me that I would be taking showers for the next year). Wow! That felt great! After my memorable hot bubble bath, I had time to lie across the bed for about 20 minutes before the busses were to return.

Oh, yes, when we arrived at the hotel, God sent a husband and wife couple to help me with all of my luggage – I had four pieces. They were total angels. Because the bus driver parked on the street and did not drive in the space immediately in front of the hotel door, I was wondering how I was going to get all four pieces of my luggage up to the front door. I had thought about walking up to the hotel’s entrance and retrieving a cart, but then I wasn’t sure if the bus driver would drive off with all of my belongings still in place or if he would leave them unattended on the side walk (and the neighborhood was not the best). I just was not sure what to do. I said a ‘breath prayer’ and about that time, the husband of the couple looked inside of the bus and asked me if he could help me. My Heavenly Father had already started showing me that He was with me and that He would be with me throughout my duration of living in China. It was miraculous! The husband took me near his wife and child, introduced me to her and instructed me to stand by her and wait. He walked up to the hotel door to retrieve a cart but initially he was refused. However, he was persistent and returned to the hotel lobby and of course I was praying, and sure enough, he returned with a cart. The husband placed all of our luggage on the cart, pushed all of our luggage up quite an incline, to the hotel lobby. We were checked in and at that point, our luggage was put on separate carts. Yet, when the husband found out that my room was located a couple of doors down from their room, on the same floor, he pushed both my cart and his family’s cart to the designated rooms. Praise God for angels!

The next morning, at five o’clock in the morning, I still had the luggage cart in my room from the night before, so I was able to roll it out to the bus. However, once I reached the lobby, a bus boy assisted me with the luggage cart and rolled it outside for me. He placed my luggage underneath the bus and made sure I was settled in a seat inside the bus before he left my side. The ride back to the airport was pleasant. The bus was not overcrowded as well as the other riders were quite friendly. I was thanking the Lord all of the way to Beijing International Airport for having made provision for me the night before. During the bus ride, I began to reflect on the fact that, initially, I really had a desire to arrive in Chengdu in the morning, but when I received my original tickets, my flight would have arrived at 11:59 at night. Therefore, I began seeing the delay as an answer to prayer and a fulfilled desire from my Heavenly Father because the delay would definitely have me to arrive in Chengdu in the morning. Praise God again.

On Thursday morning, I arrived at Beijing International Airport and waited in line for quite a while. After all of the waiting in line, by 6:35 a.m., I was booked on a flight that was scheduled to leave Beijing at 7:50 a.m. which would have arrived at 9:15 a.m. There were more delays when it came time to board the plane, but even with the delayed departure, the plane still arrived into Chengdu International Airport at 11:00 a.m. I was glad to have finally reached my destination. When I arrived, Lynda and two of her sons (who I now know) met me at the airport and helped me with all of my luggage. The ride from the airport to Chengdu MeiShi International School Campus was about 45 minutes. It was a pleasant drive. As we were approaching the campus, I was informed that the school was in an area considered the Hi-Tech District and the school is on the main street that leads to downtown. Little did I know that the street would be a main focus point for me to get around Chengdu, Ren Min Nan Lu is the street name. I now know that the word Nan means south and the word Lu means road. The school is on the south road. This became an important fact.

Anyway, when we arrived on campus, I could see that a brick wall surrounded the school. It was an amazing site! When the van stopped, Lynda’s two sons grabbed my luggage and Lynda walked me to my apartment, the place that I would call home for the next year, Building B, apartment #401. Once we reached the building, up the stairs we climbed until we reached the fourth floor. When the door flung opened, I could see that the living room area was extremely spacious for it was a combination of the dining area as well. I could also see that there was a small balcony. This was marvelous, recollecting that I love space and fresh air. I thought to myself, this was going to be an ideal place to call home. After a few minutes of looking around, we walked over to the cafeteria in order that I might meet Martyn, Matt and the three other new foreign teachers who had arrived two days before me. What a delight. As soon as I laid eyes on Martyn and Matt, I expressed to them that they looked like their pictures that are on the website. We had a good laugh. After talking during lunch and getting acquainted, I returned to my apartment to begin unpacking. About 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon, I left my apartment and begin walking across campus, over to the foreign division school building for the first time. The walkway over to the building is peacefully tranquil. I looked to my right and observed that there was a pond. Again, the warm feeling that swept over me reassured me that this would be a comfortable place to call home for the next year. I reached the foreign division building and was greeted by Matt, once again as well as a Chinese helper who preferred to be called by her English name. She was so nice. I joined them on the way home so that I could stop at Carrefour, which is one of the main chain stores here (on the order of Wall-Mart, maybe) where we were to met Robin, who is Matt’s wife. By now, it had started raining pretty hard.

As we entered Carrefour through one entrance, we had to walk to another entrance to connect with Robin. While I was waiting for Matt and Robin to return, for the first time, I saw a parent allow their child to pee on the floor inside of the store (which we were near the food section may I add) and once the child was finished, the store worker came with a mop and cleaned it up. I was quickly reminded of some of the cultural mannerisms of the Chinese people.

I completed my brief shopping, with the help of Robin, and we left Carrefour on our way to Matt and Robin’s home. I had no idea that I would be treated with such warm hospitality. This was my first experience of trying to catch a taxi. It was raining really hard by now and we had to walk a couple of blocks before we could find an available taxi. We reached Matt and Robin’s home and there I met a couple of their children. Little did I know that the next move would be to a ‘western’ restaurant called Peter’s, where we would re-connect with Lynda and Martyn as well as their children for dinner. I had a fantastic time. During dinner, a high-energy Chinese teacher came into the restaurant. She was so nice and she spoke very good English, too. As well, the third principal of the foreign division, came into the restaurant and I was able to meet him and his family. At this point, I could see that this Peter’s Restaurant was a very popular place. Although I was enjoying myself, immensely, I could see that it was starting to get dark outside and I verbalized that it was time for me to get back to the campus. It was then that I was made aware of the time approaching 8:00 p.m. I was informed that I was going to be put into a taxi alone and be taken back to the school. I was a bit apprehensive, with it being my first day in a foreign country, but I quickly thought, ‘Oh, well, I’ll have to do it sometime.’ So, I grabbed a hold to courage on the inside of my soul and enjoyed the ride back to the campus. Martyn did, however, speak to the taxi driver in Chinese and did direct him as to where I was going. I had their numbers in the event that something went wrong. After about a 20-minute ride, I arrived on campus safely and paid the driver 20 Yuan.

At this point I was back on campus yes, but I could not remember how to get back to the apartments. I knew, though, as long as I found the foreign division building, I would be able to find my way back to my apartment. I knew the direction of the foreign division building; I just didn’t know the exact location, so off I went in the direction that I knew. I finally found the foreign division building and I used that location to gauge myself in order to relocate my apartment. I finally arrived. By this time, it was totally dark and I proceeded up the stairs to the fourth floor. I entered my apartment, walked to my room, and lay on the bed. Even though the bed was harder than I was used to, I slept soundly that Thursday night because I was exhausted from all of the traveling and its delays.

The next morning, the group of us that had already arrived in Chengdu was scheduled to meet with Lynda at a particular McDonald’s downtown so that we could do fun girly type things as shopping and possibly indulge in pedicures. Once we arrived at the pedicure place, it was crowded. I also observed that the workers’ goal was to spend more time on the artwork that was painted on each toenail than the cleaning of the feet. That was fine with me. For the first time, I had fancy colored toenails – a deep burgundy with white onset colors. It was cool!

When I returned to my apartment after a fun-filled day, I thought of how incredible it is here. I am actually living out and fulfilling prophecy. Wow!

So, Father, I thank You for a safe trip here and for You taking great care of me. I thank You for allowing me to pick up the language quickly in regards to the words that I began studying before I came. I thank You, Father, for assisting me with the preparation of the subjects that I am scheduled to teach. You called me here to Chengdu, and I am believing You to be with me every step of the way. By Your strength, and grace I am going to make You proud of me, Heavenly Father and I will represent You well. Amen.

1

Two Thousand and Six

From: Dr. RE Carrol

Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 10:49 PM

Subject: I’m Here In China and Settling In

Nimen Hao (Good day all):

How is everyone? I am good. I apologize for such a delay in getting back to all of you regarding my safe arrival here in Chengdu China in the Sichuan province area. Since my arrival, there have been many power outages because it was so hot. The degrees were 113 Fahrenheit one day and the humidity was about the same. So, you can only imagine.

As of today, I have the internet set up in my apartment so it should be easier for me to respond to your e-mails.

I am great! I have been around the city. Chengdu is very metropolitan and extremely busy. It is indeed a bit city! Of course, I have found Xi ba ke (Starbucks) already-smile. I really felt at home while sitting in Starbucks.

My Chinese is getting better. I have a Chinese teacher who gives me homework constantly. It is getting easier to get among the local people by myself or with one other person. I can catch a taxi (like in New York … but worse because there are so many people). Wow! Can you imagine me catching taxis?

Well, today (which is Wednesday night for me-China is 15 to 16 hours ahead of the United States) we started a 3-day orientation with upper school. For the past three weeks, the teachers have been in orientation and preparing lesson plans, so I have been extremely busy almost since I have been here. School officially starts on Monday and I am tired already (smile). It is going to be a great year.

My roommate is from Zimbabwe Africa and three days after she arrived, she had to return due to a family emergency. We were all sad for her, but she is planning to return this weekend to teach. What commitment! We miss her.

It is easy to become close to the other teachers… I guess because we are all away from home… far away from home. Most of us are world travelers, and we have travelled across many countries so being here in China is not too much different from what we have experienced already. The main difference is the timeframe.

It is dusty here due to the smog in the air— so many people and cars. Oh, and can you believe that they drive on the same side as we do in America? I was a bit surprised, especially because I was just in Thailand in March of this year and they drive on the opposite side. The driving habits are interesting, to say the least (smile). Oh, yes, I do have a telephone number in my apartment. It is 86 (China Country Code) 28 (Chengdu City Code). Awesome, huh? Not many people have answering machines or voicemail, but many have cell phones. Although I have been here 3 weeks, there is still so much to attain to adjust to living here.

The city is huge! Statistics say that there are between 10 and 12 million people who call Chengdu home. The campus is beautiful! Students are starting to arrive and move into the dorms; therefore, the noise level has increased, which is fine because it is what students do (smile). I am eager to get started with the actual teaching in the classroom.

Well, I believe I have spoken long enough. I am sure I am forgetting something, but just ask me.

Take care and God bless all of you

Sincerely,

Dr. Rhonda E. Carroll

aka: Simply Rhonda

Responses From Friends & Partners

To: Dr. RE Carroll

Sent: Saturday, August 26, 2006 10:57 PM

Subject: Re: I’m Here In China and Settling In

Nimen Hao:

I am so glad that you arrived safely. We are all doing well. The weather is hot here in the valley, but you know that 77165.png ! Be safe and have fun. I am looking forward to seeing you when you go on break.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To: Dr. RE Carroll

Sent: Saturday, September 2, 2006

Subject: Re: I’m Here In China and Settling In

I am so happy for you regarding your new venture. You are so right about the rivers and streams that the Lord gives us. I pray that it brings you much success and prosperity. God bless and hope to see you next summer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To: Dr. RE Carroll

Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2006

Subject: Re: I’m Here In China and Settling In

HI, Rhonda!!!!

(My version of Confucius) say: Girl who goes to China must have big heart for the Lord! How’s everything going, Rhonda? Thanks for your e-mail. How is the school coming along? Hope everything is going smoothly for you; will be keeping you in my prayers, my friend. Take good care, Rhonda-we love you and you are in our thoughts and prayers!

From: Dr. RE Carroll

Sent: Monday, August 28, 2006 5:41 AM

Subject: 1st Day Of School

Nimen hao ma? (How are all of you doing?)

Hao (I’m fine).

Well, today was my first day of school and the place was buzzing (smile). The students were extremely excited to be back in school because after a while you know how boring it can get towards the end of that 3rd month of summer vacation. They are on traditional school year.

I have so many classes-I have three classes back-to-back: 12th grade British Literature, 6th grade English, 6th and 7th grades Choir, 6th grade Reading, 8-12th grades Choir, and Bible. Whew! Now, one of my choir classes is every day, the other is once a week. My Bible class is two days a week-both classes. I certainly have a full load! Additionally, while other teachers are scheduled to use my classroom, I am scheduled to go up to the 3rd floor (from my 2nd floor classroom) three times a day to teach the choir classes. Therefore, you know I am beat and sore today.

The office was so busy today … mainly because the school is growing (parents brought their children today to enroll them, so all of us were running out of books, and out of hand-outs). God’s faithful in regards to the increase of students, but it was quite hectic in the office today.

You all should see my sixth graders— as of the end of last year, they were included in upper school (with the high-schoolers) and they are funny. They remembered my presentation from Friday, of me calling them leaders and they have been quoting me all day long, today. One of their classes had a room change and once we got it all straightened out I said, Okay leaders, get to class, now. You should have seen them hurrying off to class. It is really going to be a good year.

Well, with the time differences, you all are getting ready to get your days started. My day is coming to a quick end, after I look over a few things for my lessons tomorrow. Well, I did not get into the bed until 2:00 a.m. last night (this morning-LOL), so I am signing off.

Miss you all. Love you all and take care.

Sincerely,

Dr. Rhonda E. Carroll

aka: Simply Rhonda

From: Dr. RE Carroll

Sent: Saturday, September 9, 2006 8:47 AM

Subject: 2nd Week of School

Hey, Friends & Partners:

We just completed our second week of school and it seemed to go a lot better and a lot smoother than the first.

I gave my first test to my sixth graders and they did very well. Many of them read very well and wrote in cursive very well. The funny thing about the 6th graders is this— one minute they are talking as grown-ups and the next minute they are saying something or doing something that reminds me that they are only 6th graders. It is quite hilarious.

My seniors are a rowdy bunch-in a good way! I just had them to take one of the literature pieces (British Literature, that is) and write their own script for videotaping. The students were instructed to put their script in the setting of a town hall meeting debate. One of my students came in a kilt – yes, a Swedish kilt and he had made a sword. It was too funny. Then, I involved the photography class by asking the teacher to send a photography student to my class to take still shots. It was great!

Their first assignment was to write a commercial-leaving this century and taking a trip to a previous century-way back in time. They did great with that one, too. Therefore, as you can see, my Literature class is doing extremely well.

Both of my bible courses are going well! One class is growing. I see a new student every week-that is somewhat funny. In addition, I am teaching out of my book I used for teaching Theology there in Sacramento-Know The Truth. When I used the three circles (spirit, soul, and body) and all of my handouts on the spirit-pneuma and all of that, the students became interested! I was tickled because I really did not know how that was going to go over. Now, the teaching emphasis is prayer, so I have about 3-4 of them pray before we begin each class session and after each class session is completed. I, then close the prayer. I love it! Some of the students do not feel that they know how to pray well, but you should hear their prayers— it is straight from the heart and I love that! So, the Lord is blessing. The students are growing. I hear it in their prayers and in their questions or inquiries.

Lastly, my two choir classes are doing great! I play the keyboard for both middle school and high school choirs. In my high school choir, I have three students who play between guitar and drums. I have taught the choir The Wind Beneath My Wings. They sound good. The altos and tenors are strong, along with the sopranos.

I only meet with my junior high class once a week because choir is their elective class. I am teaching them, Love Lift Us Up Where We Belong. They sound good, too.

I am almost sure that next week will be a better week for them 77167.png .

In regards to me, I am doing well. There is still a lot of work to do, but I am getting into a rhythm. The school expanded by leaps and bounds this year (from an estimated 160 students in the foreign division to an actual 198 students). So, needless to say, we are having to be creative to assure that all students have all necessary resources; therefore, we have been working around the clock. If we did not have the team work dynamic, it would be strenuous.

God has truly given me much favor. One of our Chinese teachers was asked to take me to an area called the Music Mart (it is near the Chengdu Music Conservatory) to find new music equipment. I was instructed to buy what I needed for my choir classes. I bought some music stands-good ones like those that they use in colleges and I picked out a keyboard. The school has one keyboard, but they wanted me to have a good one for possible performances.

This past Thursday, I was put into contact with a person who can get microphones and speakers— mobile of course— and by the end of the day, an engineer was in the main corridor downstairs testing out speakers and sound. It was too funny. All I had to do was request what we needed. In the meantime, the sound system that the school currently has was taken to the choir room. Therefore, I have the room looking more and more like a choir room. They are currently building choir risers for the students. I thought risers would really give the students a feel of what choir is all about.

I brought my Vocal Coach CD’s (breathing and warm-up) and I am so glad I did. Oh, and did I tell you all that my boxes arrived two days before school started and in one of the boxes was my music book that I am now using to teach songs. Whew! That was close. I will know next time, just to send things about 3 months ahead, and this way, it is guaranteed that my necessary materials arrive in time OR I will send things in enough time that I can pay to have it flown instead of sent by sea.

Remember, one of my boxes was returned prior to me coming to China because all of the documents had been removed? Well, one of my boxes that arrived here, the document sticky pocket had been removed, but do not ask me how the paperwork remained with the correct box. You know that was God because I was truly praying.

Well, my morning-Saturday morning (without my cartoons— again -- boo hoo) is starting and I have been using Saturday mornings for extended periods of devotional time, seeing that I really do not have much time during the week. Afterwards, I will walk across campus to the school building today but it should not take me too long to do what I need to do.

Love you all and take care. Keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Dr. Rhonda E. Carroll

aka: Simply Rhonda

Responses From Friends & Partners

To: Dr. RE Carroll

Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2006 12:12 AM

Subject: Re: 2nd Week of School

Dear Rhonda,

I enjoyed reading about your adventurous two weeks. It is indeed a blessing to see how God is working with you to bring about His will for the kingdom. I got so tickled reading about the children. It sure paid off working with the young children at Christ Temple and then the teens at COP. Who would have known what God had on His mind during those years of preparation?

I really wish I could be there with you to be in class with the bible teaching. What an awesome report of how they are hungering and thirsting after the word and spreading the news to others. I tell you, word of mouth is definitely the best advertisement. Structured learning is so much fun to me and it really helps me to remember and get more revelation. I miss it so much, you just do not know!

I hope that it will be possible for your choir to record a video and put it on the web so that we can see and hear them. Well, I guess I have talked enough. I will be waiting to hear from you.

Love,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To: Dr. RE Carroll

Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2006 12:50 PM

Subject: 2nd Week of School

Rhon,

I’m glad to hear all is going well. I know the students are blessed to have such an innovative teacher both in the academics and in music. I love hearing from you so keep the updates coming when you have the chance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To: Dr. RE Carroll

Sent: Monday, September 11, 2006 3:36 AM

Subject: Re: 2nd Week of School

My dear sis,

I wanted to reply to you and just say, hello, and that we love you. We are so very proud of you. We also pray for your safety and for the blessing of the most high to shine down on you. We love you and miss you deeply.

Your friend and brother in the Lord.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To: Dr. RE Carroll

Sent: Monday, September 13, 2006

Subject: Re: 2nd Week of School

WOW! It sounds like you are having an amazing time with your students. Aren’t kids the same way no matter where you are? Can’t wait to see pictures! Thanks for sharing and I look forward to hearing from you again. (smile)

From: Dr. RE Carroll

Sent: Sunday, September 24, 2006 9:58 AM

Subject: Good Day Friends & Partners!

Good day, Friends & Partners:

This is the day the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it! 77169.png

God is certainly moving here-it is phenomenal to watch His hands move and to experience The Whirlwind of the Spirit (some of you remember when I spoke on that?).

I have certainly experienced many types of ministries and so far, I have not found a ministry that compares to overseas and international ministry. It is when we are with other believers of other ethnicities and varying cultures that we truly see the vastness of our Great BIG God! It is incredible to truly realize-many languages, many people, many cultures–but truly ONE Holy Spirit! God is moving all over the world! His Spirit is the same all over the world! I praise Him that He has chosen me to be one of His vessels to be used as an instrument to touch the world and to be touched by those in the world that are part of this great big Body of Christ! Whew! What an incredible experience.

I believe that I have shared before of there being many fellowships (i.e. homes, gatherings) that worship together unlike the organized systematic traditions, but they are just as powerful and at times, seem to be a bit more intense-the atmosphere filled with the presence of Almighty God.

Well, I would like to share a testimony, of a young man, that was so incredible and to share with you the kinds of things that are miracles when you are on this side of the world that may not really seem to be much in an environment that is a bit more comfortable and convenient:

—you know that there are international fellowships, here-home fellowships and there are always new faces. Well, last Sunday one was sharing and was saying how he and his roommate has only been here for a few days and was thanking the Lord that they were both Christians (since they didn’t know in advance who their roommate would be). And he said that they were discussing how they were experiencing a bit of fear of being away from home and in another country, when all of a sudden they heard the music— and knew it was Christian music. They found the fellowship from hearing the music and following it! He said that was a sign to them that God is with them and that they have nothing to fear. It was incredible! I tell you every time I go to Sunday fellowship, the Holy Spirit’s presence is so strong. Actually, since being here and being part of a home fellowship of about 60-75 people, I cannot express to you the intense presence of Almighty God that is excitingly captured.

I hope you enjoyed that testimony!

Also, many of you know that I am definitely a woman of faith and there are times that God will just breathe a spirit of faith upon me to where I am assured WITHOUT a doubt that God has put a mandate upon me. Moving to this country was one of those times. I would like to share a testimony with you:

You know, when I came here, I truly came by faith. You know when the spirit of faith just overtakes you? Well, that is what happened to me. God put everything else in order for me to be here, I just believed that He’d take care of that part with my home as well…. just in the nick of time… before another mortgage payment is due! My house is sold! I believed that He instructed me to sell it and that is what I set out to do. I tell you… I left it in His hands. I was not worried, and again, God had breathed upon that strong spirit of faith which I have experienced before. That is why I knew He would take care of it.

I want to encourage those of you to whom God may be speaking to your hearts to do things that others may tell you that it is not wise because of this market, and this investment… but let me assure you that God is the ONLY investment that will reap a return like no other. Now, I am NOT telling you to go and sell your stuff— BE WISE and LISTEN TO GOD! All of our experiences are different and God moves upon all of us differently. What I am saying is that when you know in your ‘knower’ so to speak-stand on God’s Word and watch Him watch over His own words to perform them! See, many don’t know the testimony and miracle behind me getting my first house, that’s probably why when He spoke to me about selling it, I had no fear— since God blessed me with one house… I know He will bless me with another one when and if He wants. Besides, the way that the market is… don’t we know that God can change the market on the behalf of His children? Many of us have testimonies of God doing miraculous things in this regard! So, let us truly stand on His Word and watch Him… watch over His own Word to perform it!

Next, thanks to those of you who are seeding into me while I am here. It is a blessing and it is appreciated. For others of you who would like to do the same, you can visit my website: www.DrRhondaECarrollMinistries.org and once you enter, click on on-line donations or something like that. Your seed goes directly into a ministry account that was set up prior to my leaving America. I thank you for your gifts of love.

Others of you have inquired of actually talking to me voice-to-voice, I have connected on a website www.call2.com where I can talk to people in America for less than 6 cents a minute. Once you log on, you can put down as little as $10.00. Then, you will want to enter on your computer, your number that you are calling from.

Afterwards, you will want to enter my home number. Remember, I am 15 to 16 hours ahead of you. 77171.png I am still believing God for some cartoons-LOL.

Lastly, please have your congregations continue to pray for us here. We were told that a few weeks ago there was a conference, with guest speakers and everything, and it was brought to an involuntary close. God is still God and He still reigns; however, there are still occurrences from time to time! So, in your prayer times, remember us 77173.png I love you all dearly, I really do.

Until next time…

Sincerely,

Dr. Rhonda E. Carroll

aka: Simply Rhonda

Responses From Friends & Partners

To: Dr. RE Carroll

Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 12:31 AM

Subject: Re: Good Day Friends & Partners!

AWESOME!!!!!….. You are walking in a spiritual realm that we, here, have no concept of….. meeting in homes, conferences cancelled and cannot give details. Peril could be around the corner because of persecution against Christians… We are so comfortable here. You are in situations where you can test and find that Jesus is truly your present help in the time of trouble. God will show you miracles that can blow your imagination. I pray His Spirit of peace hover over you. I pray the hedge around you cause all darkness to flee seven ways from you. I pray that the WORDS uttered by you cause immediate growth in the body of Christ. Sow bountifully and watch God give a harvest that lives on until He returns for his people.

Love sis.

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To: Dr. RE Carroll

Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2006

Subject: Re: Good Day Friends & Partners!

Whew! The wind of God’s spirit…..there has been much Word on this and sooooo many confirmations….Awesome Word and revelation!

Thank You, Jesus!

From: Dr. RE Carroll

Sent: Thursday, November 2, 2006 6:48 PM

Subject: The Things That God Is Doing Here!… Whew!

Good day Friends & Partners 77175.png :

I am confident that this message will reach you at a time when God is just about to do something miraculous in your life or… He already has!

Well, I tell you. God is incredible! I cannot say it enough. During our worship time at the weekly house fellowship, there is always a space left open for someone to give a Word to the Body, or for someone to say a breath prayer or for someone to give a testimony. All of those things occurred on Sunday and the testimonies that were shared were amazing!

The first testimony shared was that of a woman who felt that God was telling her that she needed to go downtown and tell someone about the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was a bit leery because it was about 8:00 p.m. on a Saturday evening. (As a side note: Here in Chengdu, the night… is the life! There really is night life here! Lights! People… even more than you see in the daytime! …everything!). Therefore, anyway, this woman went downtown and dwelled near an ATM machine, thinking that God would send people to the ATM machine and there she would share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Well, she waited about 1 hour and no one, I mean no one came by this particular ATM machine. Well, after about 30 minutes more, she saw a tall man walking towards her and just knew that this was the one she was sent out into the night to share the gospel with. However, just at the time he