This week has been so full of exciting things and I once again am reminded how blessed I am for this opportunity in another country.
Lilah and me went to visit with Mandy Pherson and her kids while her husband is away in one of the villages for 3 weeks. Mandy is so much fun to visit with. One of the cutest things, Mandy's daughter Ella asked her mom before we came when the customers were coming. She is I think 4 years old or younger, she is very cute. Mandy has 2 older boys as well.
On Tuesday I worked at the clinic and then visited with the Wycliffe Associate folks for a potluck and Bible Study. They do this every week. I visited with Marsha, who is the music teacher at the primary school. She is heading up the 4-6th grade musical and asked how I could help. I declined the backdrop/set design and costumes because let's just be honest that is not an area I have been given much talent. Marsha was like well how about choreography? I was like yes. I love it, so now I am going to help out with that. Later in the Bible Study we studied Romans 6. It was a good discussion, I was exhausted by the end of the night.
Wednesday was half day of primary school volunteer. I started my day with 1st grade math. Good times, then headed to help out at the library. I then assisted Lilah, asst principal and art teacher with kindy (kindergarten) art classes. We worked with modeling clay. The kids were very cute and creative. That night I went to David and Anne's house (WA volunteer coordinators) and worked with David on some massage techniques. He showed me some trigger points and the book to go along with it. We worked on Anne on the dining room table. Lots of fun.
Thursday wasn't quite so busy at the clinic. I was very tired so was thankful for a slow day. Since I did not have many patients, I watched and X-ray and also counted meds for the pharmacist. I went home after that and was in bed by 8:45pm (that hasn't happened since I was 6 years old haha!) . I did not sleep the night before, was tired of taking Ambien to sleep and tried it, but tossed and turned all night Wed night, was given some Melatonin (non prescription and easier on the body) , supposed to aid with sleeping. I also added another mattress to my bed to help.
Friday morning I woke up very refreshed. This was the first night I had slept well without my prescription medication and I was so thankful. Glad to have slept for I had a full caseload. I had 6 patients and spent about an hour with each. Sonya and I met together for lunch, we had been trying to catch up with each other all week so it was nice to talk and have real quality conversation. Those of you who know me, know this was something that rejuvenated me for my top love language is quality time. We shared some things God was doing in our lives and asked for accountability and prayer. Very good for me. Friday evening, Lilah and I headed to the Parkers for hamburgers and movie. It was lots of fun to get to know this family. They have 2 boys and a girl. The youngest is Dan, we enjoyed looking at a cake decorating book (he even goes to sleep with this book) and he picked some we could make together soon. :)
Today I slept in a little and just relaxed this morning. I headed to meet the group to go to the drop in center at 130pm, they joked with me because when I arrived it was on time and no one else was around. They laughed and were like you know she has not been here long showing up on time and such. Ha! We headed about 3km out of the center and set up for kids to arrive. I loved loved loved playing with the children all afternoon. The center provided guitar lessons, tambourine lessons, drawing, table tennis, Frisbee, and soccer for the children. I did a little of all of it. It was probably one of the best times I have had since I have been here. The kids just love hanging out with us. Technically this center is for kids 12 and up, but they all want to be involved so when asked some will say they are 12 years old when they may not even be 5 years old, it is quite hysterical to me. We need more volunteers to have enough for all ages, but today worked out nicely and wasn't a problem. Tonight we had some folks over for dinner and a round of Spoons, one of the all time best card games. We had a blast and I just enjoy being around folks and being relaxed.
This has been my week, very full! It has been such a blessing to help the folks in pain with their issues and see them coming back feeling better. It has been great to hear how people are praying for me and my time here. I am so thankful to be sleeping soundly. I am thankful for new friends who love Jesus and who love to serve in His Name! This coming week I will be going out tomorrow morning into a village for church service. On Monday will be visiting a new Bible Study with girls some my age and some older. I also will be working with another couple on massage techniques. Thank you for your continuous prayers. God is doing some amazing things here!!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
more village pics
just a few pics from the village, yes the little kid is carrying a bush knife, the house with opening and cover is the former "Starbucks", my friend Sonya in picture with me!
10 Days in Ukarumpa
Hello!
Wow it's hard to believe I have only been in Ukarumpa for 10 days. I have seen so much and I have done so many new things since I have been here.
Work in the Clinic
Our clinic is staffed with 4 doctors, 2 dentists, 1 pharmacist, 2 lab techs, x-ray tech, clinical manager, housekeeper, building maintenance man, assistants to all these depts, and me the physiotherapist. We are equipped to see patients from the Center and in the villages.
My current caseload has been the missionaries on center which here are called ex-pats. These past 10 days as far as the clinic goes, I have met all the staff, had a meeting with the manager, and managed to work in some physical therapy appointments. I have seen about 7 patients in all. I must admit it is nice being my own "boss" and I have access to and Ultrasound machine, a partly working TENS unit, and some ice packs. I have transformed the overhead cervical traction unit into shoulder pulleys because that is more of a need. It has been a great journey thus far in the clinic.
Ukarumpa Village
I had the opportunity when David Smith, WA volunteer coordinator, returned from conference to tour Ukarumpa Village with some other new folks. I arrived early Friday morning to begin what I thought was tour of the center(thinking for orientation) to my surprise and delight we were going out to the village. I was approached kindly by the coordinator's wife that i should have worn a skirt (Here in the center pants are acceptable) , but we came to the conclusion that my shirt was covering plenty and not to worry. Most times when I'm being a bit of a rebel I realize it, but here I am trying to obey all the rules and sheesh i'm busted. As we started our hike into the village, I was thankful for the pants. We trekked through grass up to our hips. We saw lots of vegetation banana trees, coffee beans drying, and things of the sort. Many of the houses resemble my prayer cards. One room huts with fireplace in the center. We ran across many of the villagers and they were anxious for their pictures to be taken and very friendly. We were instructed to kindly greet them with "morning(soft g)". A few sights were quite interesting a preschooler carrying a bush knife as tall as he was, apparently here they learn young. David pointed out the former Starbucks :) One of the villagers had served coffe and then had customers, but it like some recently in the United States has shut down. I also saw an older man walking around with a bow and arrow. (NICE) He followed us around a bit, but was friendly. I have pictures of the trip and will post next time.
Living in Ukarumpa Center
My living accomadations are better than I anticipated. I am very comfortable and am glad to say I have slept soundly the last couple of nights. Thanks Dr Hodges for the Ambien. I tried first few nights without anything without success. My housemate is very delightful, humorous, helpful, and creative. Lilah has been here for 18 months and will be headed to Bible college sometime after June. In Australia it is a requirement to do long term missions. She has introduced me to life in Ukarumpa including bush dancing, Kath and Kim nights (Aussie thing), the weight room, and other events. There are a few singles on sight and they get together on weekends and play cards and other games. Nice mixture of nationalities.
Cooking
Yes ladies and gentleman, I have been cooking, not your box meals in the microwave oh no, cooking from scratch. There are no fast food restaraunts or any restaraunts of any kind for that matter. I have been encouraged if I want to eat I have to cook. I am happy to say I am quickly becoming a domestic diva. Tonight I made pancakes for supper and banana bread. My greatest accomplishment so far was my flour tortillas, of course, I had Lilah helping me in that arena. It's quite fun and at home never made time for it. When I get home I will be ready to whip you up something special.
Spiritually
There are opportunities to attend Bible Study and Church in the Center. I have participated in one that was at my house this past Tuesday night and tomorrow night I will attend the WA Bible Study. I have heard of some others, but really haven't heard of nights they are offered.
For me personally it has been a good time of studying and anticipating hearing God's voice. I have completed a book by Joy Dawson called Ruined for the Ordinary. This book was very encouraging and teaches different ways we hear God's voice. It encourages to not do so halfheartedly and to be aware of the ways Satan tries to throw us off and believe it's God when it is not. Also how to obey the voice of God. Really great. I have been able to journal daily and am enjoying how God is constantly telling me things one day at a time. That keeps me in His Word and on my toes. I studied a bit before I left on healing and am currently reading a book on healing by Jim Glennon. It has been quite an eye opener. I have wondered about this topic for sometime. Will let ya know how that book goes.
Overall, the last 10 days have been so encouraging to me as a person and a woman attempting to live for Jesus. I have had to rely on Him in ways never before reminding myself He is my Strength, Provider, Comforter, Partner, and Hope and so much more. I look forward to what next 3 months will bring.
Prayer Requests
I have been blessed with giving massages to a few of the folks here and was especially excited to work with Robert and Melody Harmon. They left for POC, which is a training for heading out to villages and village life. Pray for them as they are starting a whole new adventure.
Pray that I will find someone to assist me with language, I have a phrase book, but I know a person would really help the progression of learning for me.
I decided to spend some of my time working in the primary school on Wednesdays. Please pray for me as I work with these students that I will be aware of their needs and be the encourager they need and that the teachers will be less stressed.
Pray that I would spend my extra time wisely and in the way God intended. I can easily see how I could get comfortable with the same folks and I know I am here to encourage many instead of few, but also know when to say no so that the time I do give is quality.
Thank you so much for praying for me and supporting me. I am so blessed to be a part of this furthering of the gospel.
Angie :)
Wow it's hard to believe I have only been in Ukarumpa for 10 days. I have seen so much and I have done so many new things since I have been here.
Work in the Clinic
Our clinic is staffed with 4 doctors, 2 dentists, 1 pharmacist, 2 lab techs, x-ray tech, clinical manager, housekeeper, building maintenance man, assistants to all these depts, and me the physiotherapist. We are equipped to see patients from the Center and in the villages.
My current caseload has been the missionaries on center which here are called ex-pats. These past 10 days as far as the clinic goes, I have met all the staff, had a meeting with the manager, and managed to work in some physical therapy appointments. I have seen about 7 patients in all. I must admit it is nice being my own "boss" and I have access to and Ultrasound machine, a partly working TENS unit, and some ice packs. I have transformed the overhead cervical traction unit into shoulder pulleys because that is more of a need. It has been a great journey thus far in the clinic.
Ukarumpa Village
I had the opportunity when David Smith, WA volunteer coordinator, returned from conference to tour Ukarumpa Village with some other new folks. I arrived early Friday morning to begin what I thought was tour of the center(thinking for orientation) to my surprise and delight we were going out to the village. I was approached kindly by the coordinator's wife that i should have worn a skirt (Here in the center pants are acceptable) , but we came to the conclusion that my shirt was covering plenty and not to worry. Most times when I'm being a bit of a rebel I realize it, but here I am trying to obey all the rules and sheesh i'm busted. As we started our hike into the village, I was thankful for the pants. We trekked through grass up to our hips. We saw lots of vegetation banana trees, coffee beans drying, and things of the sort. Many of the houses resemble my prayer cards. One room huts with fireplace in the center. We ran across many of the villagers and they were anxious for their pictures to be taken and very friendly. We were instructed to kindly greet them with "morning(soft g)". A few sights were quite interesting a preschooler carrying a bush knife as tall as he was, apparently here they learn young. David pointed out the former Starbucks :) One of the villagers had served coffe and then had customers, but it like some recently in the United States has shut down. I also saw an older man walking around with a bow and arrow. (NICE) He followed us around a bit, but was friendly. I have pictures of the trip and will post next time.
Living in Ukarumpa Center
My living accomadations are better than I anticipated. I am very comfortable and am glad to say I have slept soundly the last couple of nights. Thanks Dr Hodges for the Ambien. I tried first few nights without anything without success. My housemate is very delightful, humorous, helpful, and creative. Lilah has been here for 18 months and will be headed to Bible college sometime after June. In Australia it is a requirement to do long term missions. She has introduced me to life in Ukarumpa including bush dancing, Kath and Kim nights (Aussie thing), the weight room, and other events. There are a few singles on sight and they get together on weekends and play cards and other games. Nice mixture of nationalities.
Cooking
Yes ladies and gentleman, I have been cooking, not your box meals in the microwave oh no, cooking from scratch. There are no fast food restaraunts or any restaraunts of any kind for that matter. I have been encouraged if I want to eat I have to cook. I am happy to say I am quickly becoming a domestic diva. Tonight I made pancakes for supper and banana bread. My greatest accomplishment so far was my flour tortillas, of course, I had Lilah helping me in that arena. It's quite fun and at home never made time for it. When I get home I will be ready to whip you up something special.
Spiritually
There are opportunities to attend Bible Study and Church in the Center. I have participated in one that was at my house this past Tuesday night and tomorrow night I will attend the WA Bible Study. I have heard of some others, but really haven't heard of nights they are offered.
For me personally it has been a good time of studying and anticipating hearing God's voice. I have completed a book by Joy Dawson called Ruined for the Ordinary. This book was very encouraging and teaches different ways we hear God's voice. It encourages to not do so halfheartedly and to be aware of the ways Satan tries to throw us off and believe it's God when it is not. Also how to obey the voice of God. Really great. I have been able to journal daily and am enjoying how God is constantly telling me things one day at a time. That keeps me in His Word and on my toes. I studied a bit before I left on healing and am currently reading a book on healing by Jim Glennon. It has been quite an eye opener. I have wondered about this topic for sometime. Will let ya know how that book goes.
Overall, the last 10 days have been so encouraging to me as a person and a woman attempting to live for Jesus. I have had to rely on Him in ways never before reminding myself He is my Strength, Provider, Comforter, Partner, and Hope and so much more. I look forward to what next 3 months will bring.
Prayer Requests
I have been blessed with giving massages to a few of the folks here and was especially excited to work with Robert and Melody Harmon. They left for POC, which is a training for heading out to villages and village life. Pray for them as they are starting a whole new adventure.
Pray that I will find someone to assist me with language, I have a phrase book, but I know a person would really help the progression of learning for me.
I decided to spend some of my time working in the primary school on Wednesdays. Please pray for me as I work with these students that I will be aware of their needs and be the encourager they need and that the teachers will be less stressed.
Pray that I would spend my extra time wisely and in the way God intended. I can easily see how I could get comfortable with the same folks and I know I am here to encourage many instead of few, but also know when to say no so that the time I do give is quality.
Thank you so much for praying for me and supporting me. I am so blessed to be a part of this furthering of the gospel.
Angie :)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
More PNG pics
first pic me in red and black bush dancing and then just left road in Ukarumpa
upper left is Jimmy, the van Lilah drives at the moment no reverse and only goes in 1 and 2 gear, upper right side of my yard, below left kids jumping on trampoline in distance (sorry blurry)
upper left is Jimmy, the van Lilah drives at the moment no reverse and only goes in 1 and 2 gear, upper right side of my yard, below left kids jumping on trampoline in distance (sorry blurry)some photos of PNG, more to come
water tank outside my house, this is my running water
my house
bush dancing, Ella and Paige they are in 2nd grade
my house
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Ukarumpa is beautiful
hello all!!!
It has definitely been way to long since I have blogged and I must apologize, I have only had spurts of time for email and such and wanted to have time to sit and tell you all that has been going on these last 5 days.
We left for Ukarumpa on Friday the 16th, Our flight was delayed 4 hours because the battery of the King Air was dead. So we had to purchase a new battery at large cost, but that was done.
I am grateful for the time in the airport because it allowed me to make new friendships. I met Paul and Kelly Stewart and their 2 children Piper and Will. Will is 2 months old and the Stewarts are returning to Ukarumpa after being away for you guessed it 2 months. I also met Sonia, she is near my age, she is revisiting Ukarumpa after being gone for 21 years. Her parents live there and are translators. Sharon was also with us and she is a single lady in her 50s i presume and we were able to hang out and chat and watch a movie together. I really enjoyed hearing about these people and enjoyed their friendship. When I arrived in Ukarumpa, I knew I would have these friends.
We finally landed at Aiyura airstrip at 610pm via Port Moresby (we picked up 4 other folks coming in from the village from Finland). Lilah (my new housemate) and David and Ann Smith (WA volunteer coordinators) were there to greet me. We quickly headed to drop my luggage off at the house and head out because I was late for supper at Lynn Wood's house. After that I went to a Tie Party (necktie). That was very fun and met a few more folks there. I was extremely tired when I arrived back at the house and would love to say I fell fast asleep, but i had some difficulty getting to sleep that night.
The next day I packed everything in the closet and arranged things. I had lunch with an older couple (teachers) and that involved a lengthy discussion of PNG history so I am now informed. I came back in time to turn around and go to dinner at another family's house. It was enjoyable, they have 2 kids 8 and 14 and I enjoyed time with them. I rode with them to the Bush Dance that evening. Now bush dancing is similar to square dancing and it was loads of fun. You had to have a partner with each dance and got quite funny at times because as in most places girls outnumber the guys. There were probably 100 folks from the town who participated or observed the evenings events. I will download pics when my computer gets to working correctly with internet.
On Sunday we enjoyed Tok Pisin services and English service and then headed to lunch with another family and they have 4 kids with 2 living at home and they are i think 15 and 17 years of age. Their 17 year old daughter wants to become a massage therapist so we talked a lot about that and are trying to come up with times for me to help in her training.
There is another massage therapist in town, she is currently not well enough to perform massages, her name is Nancy, and I ask that you would pray for her healing. The doctors are uncertain as to her diagnosis, but possible Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus. I was able to work with her doing massage and she was feeling significantly better when I finished. We were able to enjoy quality time. She is very much an encourager for me and very much a prayer warrior. I am grateful to have her here.
I have done some work at the clinic and will officially begin on Thursday afternoon after the morning of prayer. I am practicing with Sonia this afternoon and we will be leading in some of the worship time. Pray for me, I will be attempting to play the djembe (hand drums for those who don't know). I am terribly excited about it!
My housemate is the vice principal here at the primary school. She is also the art teacher, she is very creative and and we are becoming good friends. She is teaching me the ropes especially when it comes to cooking. I made my first ever Jam Drops last night which is shortbread with a drop of strawberry jam and covered with icing (all from scratch). They were delicious and I am on my way to becoming a domestic diva.
I am learning a lot about myself while I am here. Some good and well some stuff I need to work on. I recognize my view of the world is so narrow. My closest friends here are probably not going to be American and I like that. I have befriended folks from Australia, Holland, New Zealand, and of course the US. I desire to do all that God wants me to do here and desire to be very intentional. Things are not looking as I thought they would and I love it! I am getting to do things I have always wanted to do back home, but never had the opportunity,will let yall know how all that turns out. I really want to learn the language here and ask that you pray with me in finding those willing to sit down and teach me. Also request that you pray for my sleep, I have been having difficulty falling asleep these last few days and some strange dreams so please pray that my sleep is restful and peacful.
This is fast becoming a novel and I must head to practice with Sonia in a bit. So for now know that I am well and will continue to tell you how blessed I am to be here for such a time as this.
"For you thoughts are not my thought for your ways are not my ways, declares the Lord. As the heaven is higher than the earth so are my thoughts higher than yours and my ways higher than yours." Isaiah 55:8-9
It has definitely been way to long since I have blogged and I must apologize, I have only had spurts of time for email and such and wanted to have time to sit and tell you all that has been going on these last 5 days.
We left for Ukarumpa on Friday the 16th, Our flight was delayed 4 hours because the battery of the King Air was dead. So we had to purchase a new battery at large cost, but that was done.
I am grateful for the time in the airport because it allowed me to make new friendships. I met Paul and Kelly Stewart and their 2 children Piper and Will. Will is 2 months old and the Stewarts are returning to Ukarumpa after being away for you guessed it 2 months. I also met Sonia, she is near my age, she is revisiting Ukarumpa after being gone for 21 years. Her parents live there and are translators. Sharon was also with us and she is a single lady in her 50s i presume and we were able to hang out and chat and watch a movie together. I really enjoyed hearing about these people and enjoyed their friendship. When I arrived in Ukarumpa, I knew I would have these friends.
We finally landed at Aiyura airstrip at 610pm via Port Moresby (we picked up 4 other folks coming in from the village from Finland). Lilah (my new housemate) and David and Ann Smith (WA volunteer coordinators) were there to greet me. We quickly headed to drop my luggage off at the house and head out because I was late for supper at Lynn Wood's house. After that I went to a Tie Party (necktie). That was very fun and met a few more folks there. I was extremely tired when I arrived back at the house and would love to say I fell fast asleep, but i had some difficulty getting to sleep that night.
The next day I packed everything in the closet and arranged things. I had lunch with an older couple (teachers) and that involved a lengthy discussion of PNG history so I am now informed. I came back in time to turn around and go to dinner at another family's house. It was enjoyable, they have 2 kids 8 and 14 and I enjoyed time with them. I rode with them to the Bush Dance that evening. Now bush dancing is similar to square dancing and it was loads of fun. You had to have a partner with each dance and got quite funny at times because as in most places girls outnumber the guys. There were probably 100 folks from the town who participated or observed the evenings events. I will download pics when my computer gets to working correctly with internet.
On Sunday we enjoyed Tok Pisin services and English service and then headed to lunch with another family and they have 4 kids with 2 living at home and they are i think 15 and 17 years of age. Their 17 year old daughter wants to become a massage therapist so we talked a lot about that and are trying to come up with times for me to help in her training.
There is another massage therapist in town, she is currently not well enough to perform massages, her name is Nancy, and I ask that you would pray for her healing. The doctors are uncertain as to her diagnosis, but possible Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus. I was able to work with her doing massage and she was feeling significantly better when I finished. We were able to enjoy quality time. She is very much an encourager for me and very much a prayer warrior. I am grateful to have her here.
I have done some work at the clinic and will officially begin on Thursday afternoon after the morning of prayer. I am practicing with Sonia this afternoon and we will be leading in some of the worship time. Pray for me, I will be attempting to play the djembe (hand drums for those who don't know). I am terribly excited about it!
My housemate is the vice principal here at the primary school. She is also the art teacher, she is very creative and and we are becoming good friends. She is teaching me the ropes especially when it comes to cooking. I made my first ever Jam Drops last night which is shortbread with a drop of strawberry jam and covered with icing (all from scratch). They were delicious and I am on my way to becoming a domestic diva.
I am learning a lot about myself while I am here. Some good and well some stuff I need to work on. I recognize my view of the world is so narrow. My closest friends here are probably not going to be American and I like that. I have befriended folks from Australia, Holland, New Zealand, and of course the US. I desire to do all that God wants me to do here and desire to be very intentional. Things are not looking as I thought they would and I love it! I am getting to do things I have always wanted to do back home, but never had the opportunity,will let yall know how all that turns out. I really want to learn the language here and ask that you pray with me in finding those willing to sit down and teach me. Also request that you pray for my sleep, I have been having difficulty falling asleep these last few days and some strange dreams so please pray that my sleep is restful and peacful.
This is fast becoming a novel and I must head to practice with Sonia in a bit. So for now know that I am well and will continue to tell you how blessed I am to be here for such a time as this.
"For you thoughts are not my thought for your ways are not my ways, declares the Lord. As the heaven is higher than the earth so are my thoughts higher than yours and my ways higher than yours." Isaiah 55:8-9
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
I am in Cairns
So I arrived in Cairns yesterday which was Jan 12 at around 5:00pm my time. I found out in Sydney that my luggage did not arrive with me, no big surprise since the delayed flight out of Denver almost caused me to miss the LA flight so I made the flight but my luggage did not.
So I took a taxi to Treetops resort. It is a huge room with a full size bed and 4 bunk beds. The bathroom is good sized and it even has a mini fridge. Good times
I watched a little TV and then went to sleep. I am about to go tour the town well really the Shopping Center for it is really hot and I my clothes are to heavy, silly me to think my luggage would have arrived with me.
All is well though, I am adjusting to the time! I am safe and really looking forward to arriving in Ukarumpa. I am so ready to meet and be with other people, Big surprise there!
My next blog will hopefully be from Ukarumpa!! Talk to yall soon!
So I took a taxi to Treetops resort. It is a huge room with a full size bed and 4 bunk beds. The bathroom is good sized and it even has a mini fridge. Good times
I watched a little TV and then went to sleep. I am about to go tour the town well really the Shopping Center for it is really hot and I my clothes are to heavy, silly me to think my luggage would have arrived with me.
All is well though, I am adjusting to the time! I am safe and really looking forward to arriving in Ukarumpa. I am so ready to meet and be with other people, Big surprise there!
My next blog will hopefully be from Ukarumpa!! Talk to yall soon!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
THANKS
THis is going to be short blog, but wanted to say thanks for all your support and prayers so far!!Keep the prayers coming. I left Little Rock earlier today and have made it to my first stop Denver. In about an hour will head to LAX and then board my 15 hour flight to Sydney!! Then layover then Cairns, AS for a few days to recover from jet lag and wilol be headed to PNG on Jan 16th
Looking forward to what God has in store!!
Stay tuned...
Looking forward to what God has in store!!
Stay tuned...
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
BLESSED
How can one girl be so blessed?
My friends hosted a surprise party for me last night. I was impressed with the cleverness of getting me to the party. Great Job, Christine! As I arrived there were so many beautiful faces. Community was the word that came to mind. Many of these people I see on a weekly basis, many I haven't see in a few months, and some I see on a daily basis. Friends, who for the last 5 years have been my encouragement, my teachers, my prayer warriors, and listening ears.
I must tell you this group loves to have fun. We poorly reenacted old dance routines that were performed for friends birthday parties , listened to music of the good old days which we always seem to listen to on all trips. We laughed more than any people ever. We truly enjoy each others presence!
One thing I love about this group is that we never let one of us go away before praying for the individual. This is one of my favorite things about my community of friends!
My time was now. As I sat in the chair in the middle of the room, as many of us have done in the past, one word kept coming to mind, BLESSED!!!!
One of the neatest things that happened during this time was as each person prayed for me, a picture came to mind of sweet times with that person. Many were Starbucks conversations, SF Bread Co talks in Conway, times sitting in the living room floor begging for Jesus to answer us, conversations in lobby and theater at church, and times driving to different destinations. All of these memories are so special to me and have shaped me into the person I have become.
Also as I was hearing all of the amazing things my dear friends were praying over me, I was thinking who in the world are these people talking about? How in the world can these people possibly say these things about me? I don't deserve this. But Jesus in His gentle way reminded me that with Him all things are possible. They are able to pray these things because they see Jesus. All good things come from Jesus. I take no credit of my own, it is Jesus.
My prayer is that Jesus would continue to light my life, that I would not be quick to take the credit for the accomplishments in my life. As Jesus continues to shape my life that others would be encouraged. That I would continue to daily be humbled and never give myself a pat on the back for any life changed, any prayer said, or words spoken. I want to always give Jesus the glory.
So to answer the question I began, How can one girl be so blessed! JESUS!!!!
My friends hosted a surprise party for me last night. I was impressed with the cleverness of getting me to the party. Great Job, Christine! As I arrived there were so many beautiful faces. Community was the word that came to mind. Many of these people I see on a weekly basis, many I haven't see in a few months, and some I see on a daily basis. Friends, who for the last 5 years have been my encouragement, my teachers, my prayer warriors, and listening ears.
I must tell you this group loves to have fun. We poorly reenacted old dance routines that were performed for friends birthday parties , listened to music of the good old days which we always seem to listen to on all trips. We laughed more than any people ever. We truly enjoy each others presence!
One thing I love about this group is that we never let one of us go away before praying for the individual. This is one of my favorite things about my community of friends!
My time was now. As I sat in the chair in the middle of the room, as many of us have done in the past, one word kept coming to mind, BLESSED!!!!
One of the neatest things that happened during this time was as each person prayed for me, a picture came to mind of sweet times with that person. Many were Starbucks conversations, SF Bread Co talks in Conway, times sitting in the living room floor begging for Jesus to answer us, conversations in lobby and theater at church, and times driving to different destinations. All of these memories are so special to me and have shaped me into the person I have become.
Also as I was hearing all of the amazing things my dear friends were praying over me, I was thinking who in the world are these people talking about? How in the world can these people possibly say these things about me? I don't deserve this. But Jesus in His gentle way reminded me that with Him all things are possible. They are able to pray these things because they see Jesus. All good things come from Jesus. I take no credit of my own, it is Jesus.
My prayer is that Jesus would continue to light my life, that I would not be quick to take the credit for the accomplishments in my life. As Jesus continues to shape my life that others would be encouraged. That I would continue to daily be humbled and never give myself a pat on the back for any life changed, any prayer said, or words spoken. I want to always give Jesus the glory.
So to answer the question I began, How can one girl be so blessed! JESUS!!!!
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