OBEDIENCE

I have attempted to write another blog for the last week and a half. What is it I want to share? I have been asking myself what am I learning here. I want to share more than just the weather and day by day activities. That obviously takes a little more thought and I have to make time to do this.

So I have now been here for 6 weeks. I feel like a different person and yet for the life of me I haven't yet been able to put my finger on how I am different. One of my friends was asking what I felt like the theme was that God is teaching me and the one word I guess that comes to mind is OBEDIENCE.

I came over here with the idea of helping missionaries through physical therapy and massages. Many of the mission trips I have been on before I had a plan of jobs to do and ended up doing something totally different. Be flexible. What I have found here though is God gave me His plan and this time I am to stick to that plan. I have many opportunities to work with the kids in primary school, musical, and even help with kids on weekends. I have opportunities to play sports throughout the week. I have done these things. But in the last couple of weeks I have noticed some of these things on top of the therapy I have been doing seem to drain me. There has been a steady rise in physical therapy patients. After much prayer I have added another half day to my schedule at the clinic and backed off on the other places for the need in the clinic is GREAT! I truly do enjoy working with my patients and just know being obedient to God's voice brings the greatest reward.

That brings me to the next thing. Our pastor here, Tim Schlatter, has been truly encouraging. One of the things he speaks of is taking care of ourselves as missionaries. If we do not take care of ourselves how can we begin to encourage and take care of those we are ministering? That has also been something I see as an act of obedience for me. The therapy during the day requires a lot of physical activity. I would say 90% of my patients need and receive deep tissue massages which is a full body work out. I have to be rested and in shape to be strong enough to administer continuous treatments. Unlike back in the States, I go to bed at a reasonable hour. I have time to workout in our weight room, and weekends are off limits for any type of therapy so I am rested when needed. That is a huge thing for me in learning to be obedient to God's voice. What I have found is that I once again have way more energy, the pain I have had in my back and such is practically non-existent, and I enjoy being able to give of myself for encouragement through therapy.

I have also been pre-occupied some about what I will be doing when I return home in 8weeks. I have tried not to think about it, but must admit while I love doing things last minute, I am quite a planner or well visionary is a better word. I have contemplated so many possibilities. I could move to Michigan, I could go back to school for something totally different, I could plan another mission trip, I could...
In another act of obedience I finally quit guessing and tried to be quiet. Instead of trying to do all these amazing things and this and that, I believe God has shown me that at this particular all those would only cause added stress and chaos. After much practiced quietness, my decision is to stay in Little Rock for the next few months and spend time enjoying my friends and family. There will be many special events taking place through the summer and fall. I am so thankful I will be celebrating with them.

How can you pray?

I ask that you pray for wisdom for me on how to treat my patients and that I remember I am here not only for therapy but to also encourage them in their daily lives and walk with Christ.

I will be on a panel next week for high schoolers for career day, I ask that I answer honestly and can be encouraging for some of those who want to practice therapy.

I mentioned some men in my church I attended growing up who were struggling with illnesses. Jerry Jordan passed away on Feb 19th. I ask you pray for his family and friends, he was loved!! He has a wife, 2 daughters, 2 son-in-laws, and 2 grandchildren. I am pretty sure his mother is still living as well.
I have not heard much about Tom Dedman, but I ask that you continue to pray for his healing. I know we do not get to see much healing these days, but I am hopeful and know we have a God who wants us to ask Him still for such miracles.
Please pray for both of these families that they are able to see and know God and His power.
I do not have any updated information on my aunt's sister-in-law, but please keep them in your prayers as well.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blogs. I hope in some way you are encouraged as I am knowing others are reading this blog and praying for me.

Until next time,

Angie :)