I'll be leaving on May 9th to spend about 7 months in Togo, West Africa!!! What a privilege it is that God has chosen me to go!!! I will have an opportunity to work with some Cedarville University nursing students, some Togolese nursing students, nursing work in the hospital, and community health programs.
The month of April is going to be crazy and full of preparations and lots of goodbyes.
I will need lots of people praying for me!!!
Many people have been asking if I will get paid, but due to the nature of the ministry I will be doing, I need to raise my own support!
Let me know if you want a prayer letter!!!!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
Am I just like a 2 year old????
Today I got to spend precious time with my nieces. Each moment with them is cherished even more with the prospect that I could be gone for about 7 months this year.
My niece is going through a little bit of a fearful stage right now. There are times when every noise becomes scary to her. Today she fixated on the noise of the large machinery doing some sort of work on the golf course across from their house. Every time she heard the trucks she would be afraid of it, run to the window to see what it was doing, worry that it would hurt her, or comment on how the noise was just too loud, over and over and over again. All of course unrealistic fears.
We decided to go to the library. I needed some coffee, and the girls needed a little snack. So, we were sitting at a little table and chairs, Josey eating her snack and Nora in my lap munching on goldfish. Josey decides to get up and move the stroller around, but the only way for her to push the stroller is to bend down and push it from the bar that runs between the wheels, so just a couple inches from the ground. Yes, she can push it, but not very well and not for very long without getting frustrated. She can't see where she is going and it is quite awkward to actually push it around. Regardless, like she does quite frequently, she decides she wants to push it. And she does, right into the table and chairs next to us. Realizing she is pushing but not actually moving she stands up, looks around, and then goes right back to try and push it and actually move the stroller, and this is repeated a couple times. She is really only caught on one of the chair legs and about a foot away from freedom go across the main entrance of the library.
Meanwhile, I'm watching all of this just smiling. I was reminded of how God sees the big picture, and me, well, I really can't see anything except exactly what is in front of me. And at the same time, how easily God can open and close doors, but only in His time and according to His plan. Maybe I'm only "stuck on a chair leg", but God knows what is best and maybe that is just where He wants me to be. Trusting Him with everything!!!
Oh, and unrealistic fears . . . ya, I have a few that God ends up hearing about over and over and over again.
Then we arrived back at her house and I was trying to unpack the diaper bag and take the appropriate items to the kitchen . . . bottle, sippy cup, snack bag, water bottle, snack cup, and maybe a couple more items. I had gathered them all up in my hands and Josey says, "No, don't take my cup home". So, I give her the cup, then she says, "No, don't take the bottle home". So I give her the bottle. We went through this with all of the items in my hands and so I just kept handing her all of the items until somehow they were all in her hands. She turns around to take the things to the kitchen, happy that she just rescued them from going to Aunt Amie's house (although I was really just taking them to her kitchen), and one of the items spill, then another, and then she realizes she needs help.
Oh wait, I do that with God! Decide that I can handle things better than He can so I try to do it all on my own, only to be overwhelmed and frustrated and start messing up everything!!!
I memorized these verses probably at least 20 years ago and still remember a little tune to sing them to:
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take".
And yet it seems like sometimes I still act like a 2 year old and try to do things on my own instead of depending on the only One who is worthy of trusting!!!!
My niece is going through a little bit of a fearful stage right now. There are times when every noise becomes scary to her. Today she fixated on the noise of the large machinery doing some sort of work on the golf course across from their house. Every time she heard the trucks she would be afraid of it, run to the window to see what it was doing, worry that it would hurt her, or comment on how the noise was just too loud, over and over and over again. All of course unrealistic fears.
We decided to go to the library. I needed some coffee, and the girls needed a little snack. So, we were sitting at a little table and chairs, Josey eating her snack and Nora in my lap munching on goldfish. Josey decides to get up and move the stroller around, but the only way for her to push the stroller is to bend down and push it from the bar that runs between the wheels, so just a couple inches from the ground. Yes, she can push it, but not very well and not for very long without getting frustrated. She can't see where she is going and it is quite awkward to actually push it around. Regardless, like she does quite frequently, she decides she wants to push it. And she does, right into the table and chairs next to us. Realizing she is pushing but not actually moving she stands up, looks around, and then goes right back to try and push it and actually move the stroller, and this is repeated a couple times. She is really only caught on one of the chair legs and about a foot away from freedom go across the main entrance of the library.
Meanwhile, I'm watching all of this just smiling. I was reminded of how God sees the big picture, and me, well, I really can't see anything except exactly what is in front of me. And at the same time, how easily God can open and close doors, but only in His time and according to His plan. Maybe I'm only "stuck on a chair leg", but God knows what is best and maybe that is just where He wants me to be. Trusting Him with everything!!!
Oh, and unrealistic fears . . . ya, I have a few that God ends up hearing about over and over and over again.
Then we arrived back at her house and I was trying to unpack the diaper bag and take the appropriate items to the kitchen . . . bottle, sippy cup, snack bag, water bottle, snack cup, and maybe a couple more items. I had gathered them all up in my hands and Josey says, "No, don't take my cup home". So, I give her the cup, then she says, "No, don't take the bottle home". So I give her the bottle. We went through this with all of the items in my hands and so I just kept handing her all of the items until somehow they were all in her hands. She turns around to take the things to the kitchen, happy that she just rescued them from going to Aunt Amie's house (although I was really just taking them to her kitchen), and one of the items spill, then another, and then she realizes she needs help.
Oh wait, I do that with God! Decide that I can handle things better than He can so I try to do it all on my own, only to be overwhelmed and frustrated and start messing up everything!!!
I memorized these verses probably at least 20 years ago and still remember a little tune to sing them to:
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take".
And yet it seems like sometimes I still act like a 2 year old and try to do things on my own instead of depending on the only One who is worthy of trusting!!!!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
A weekend in Chicago . . . 13 years of memories
13 years ago I decided to spend my spring break working with the Pacific Garden Mission Homeless Shelter in Chicago. I had no idea at that time how much that trip would impact my life! This past weekend I planned a visit with a lady I met on that first trip to PGM, and then spent lots of time with her over subsequent spring break trips and my time in Chicago. And although we've talked on the phone many times since I've moved to Indianapolis, I haven't actually seen her in person for years. I was overwhelmed with thanksgiving to sit and talk with her and the lady that was her counselor and recounting how she has broken the chains of addiction and sin and has been clean for 13 years now . . . and celebrating her 11th wedding anniversary!!! I am always encouraged by her constant dependance and contagious love for our Lord and her overflowing joy in the midst of all circumstances!
I was also able to spend some time in the PGM clinic, which also brings back about 12 years of memories. It's a place where health care is really just a way to reach the soul. I have the deepest of respect for the staff that work there and their servant hearts.
The purpose of my trip was to go to a 3 year old B-Day party for the son of a former 5 West Children's Memorial Hospital co-worker who is now just a good friend. While at the party I got to see 3 other former 5 West nurses and meet their children, so fun!!! And the next day, unexpected dinner with 2 other friends who I also worked with at CMH! And the chance to see them overshadowing the opening of the new hospital and tearing down of our old hospital.
Sunday morning was special as I was able to go to Armitage en Espanol - the Spanish church I went to for a couple years. The people there have been very instrumental in encouraging me through the process of learning Spanish from the beginning when I started going and only knew how to say "hola".
This trip also allowed me to spend time with 3 previous housemates and 3 of their precious children, my first time meeting the twins. How crazy is it that 3 of us that lived at the Nottingham House were natural red heads. Now one of the redhead housemates has twins redheads and one of the non-redhead housemates had a little girl with the cutest curly red hair. We really need an updated Nottingham House photo with these adorable little ones!!!!
I feel like my visits to Chicago are so few and far between that I never know how much to do and how many people to try and see all in the few days I have when I do get to visit. It's so hard to pick and choose who I end up seeing, and what parts of the city to see. While this weekend was quite busy and every night was spend in a different place, I felt quite satisfied with the time that I had with everybody! There of course were still a lot of people and places that I didn't get to visit that I really really wanted to, but that just means that I have to return again!!!
Monday night ended with driving to my grandparents farm and seeing the beautiful sunset over the fields, and then after dark seeing the brilliance of stars without all the city lights.
As I head back to Indianapolis I feel like my heart is full to overflowing from a couple days of really having the chance to recount what the Lord has done and marvel at the things that He is currently doing!!! Yes, my heart is torn in leaving Chicago, and probably always will be . . . but for now God has me in Indianapolis for a reason. And so, I am reminded again that living God's will is not about location but about the condition of my heart. I Thes. 5:16-18: "Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
I was also able to spend some time in the PGM clinic, which also brings back about 12 years of memories. It's a place where health care is really just a way to reach the soul. I have the deepest of respect for the staff that work there and their servant hearts.
The purpose of my trip was to go to a 3 year old B-Day party for the son of a former 5 West Children's Memorial Hospital co-worker who is now just a good friend. While at the party I got to see 3 other former 5 West nurses and meet their children, so fun!!! And the next day, unexpected dinner with 2 other friends who I also worked with at CMH! And the chance to see them overshadowing the opening of the new hospital and tearing down of our old hospital.
Sunday morning was special as I was able to go to Armitage en Espanol - the Spanish church I went to for a couple years. The people there have been very instrumental in encouraging me through the process of learning Spanish from the beginning when I started going and only knew how to say "hola".
This trip also allowed me to spend time with 3 previous housemates and 3 of their precious children, my first time meeting the twins. How crazy is it that 3 of us that lived at the Nottingham House were natural red heads. Now one of the redhead housemates has twins redheads and one of the non-redhead housemates had a little girl with the cutest curly red hair. We really need an updated Nottingham House photo with these adorable little ones!!!!
I feel like my visits to Chicago are so few and far between that I never know how much to do and how many people to try and see all in the few days I have when I do get to visit. It's so hard to pick and choose who I end up seeing, and what parts of the city to see. While this weekend was quite busy and every night was spend in a different place, I felt quite satisfied with the time that I had with everybody! There of course were still a lot of people and places that I didn't get to visit that I really really wanted to, but that just means that I have to return again!!!
Monday night ended with driving to my grandparents farm and seeing the beautiful sunset over the fields, and then after dark seeing the brilliance of stars without all the city lights.
As I head back to Indianapolis I feel like my heart is full to overflowing from a couple days of really having the chance to recount what the Lord has done and marvel at the things that He is currently doing!!! Yes, my heart is torn in leaving Chicago, and probably always will be . . . but for now God has me in Indianapolis for a reason. And so, I am reminded again that living God's will is not about location but about the condition of my heart. I Thes. 5:16-18: "Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Nieces . . .
My nieces are such a blessing to me. Josey is the oldest and I love spending time with her!!!
Of course, I was excitedly awaiting the birth of my second niece, and even wondering if she would come on my birthday =)
She didn't but was born 2 days later!!!
I had the privilege of holding sweet little Nora when she was only 3 hours old.
being a part of my nieces lives right now!!!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
a banana and a man on the sidewalk
life has been moving at a very fast pace the past couple years. recently God has shown me through a couple different circumstances how important it is to be looking for opportunities to reach out to those around me
the first was in kenya:
While at one of the stands at the market we were given free bananas. Well, I think, I didn't pay so maybe they weren't free??? But, we all ended up with a banana. I was excited to eat it and would have as we were walking home, but my hands were full. I was walking slightly behind the other girls when a young girl - best guess 9 yo, was walking the other direction. I smiled and said hi and she shyly smiled back. Then she stopped and turned around and I could tell that she was starting to follow me. I turned back to smile at her and she softly asked me for 5 pence. I told her no and kept walking hating every minute of that feeling of being helpless to do anything for this child. Then I remember that banana. It wasn't much - but she could eat it, and needed it more than me. I offered it to her and she gladly accepted. She followed me just a short distance longer until we crossed the street and then she stopped and watched us walk away. I know because when we got to the other side I turned around and she stood there watching us - so I waved and she returned the wave.
the second was in indianapolis:
I am frequently running late for work and rushing in at the last minute. I'm trying to do better with getting to work early. One day I actually left earlier than normal meaning that I should get to work early as well. I was excited as I drove through green stop lights instead of having to stop at all 15-ish red lights during my 10 min. commute =( However, as I was driving I noticed an elderly man laying on the sidewalk and a young girl standing next to him. My thoughts - "what is going on, should i stop, if i stop i will be late for work, oh i have to stop". So, I got turned around and went back to the scene. A college-age granddaughter was out for a walk with her grandfather. He slipped on the curb and fell. The granddaughter said that she didn't know what had happened because she was listening to her Ipod and was walking ahead of her grandpa (is that quality time or what!). As I was talking to them another stranger stopped by to help and I asked him to stay so that the two of us could help up this man. With the help of the other stranger, we had him up and standing in a couple seconds. After a few nursing type questions I felt comfortable that the man was ok and I could continue on my way. I ended up at work the same time as always, but still not late that day.
Neither of these circumstances required any real sacrifice or really any real inconvenience. They just required me being willing to see a need and realize that God had given me the resources to meet those needs.
Made me think, what other opportunities have I missed???
A dear friend once challenged me not to live with regret, so then I need to live with open eyes to see the needs around me and open hands to whatever God wants to have pass through them.
Some days I have no idea why God has placed me where He has and giving me the things and the opportunities that He has given me? But what I do know is that with great blessing there is great responsibility.
And since I have been greatly blessed, maybe the most important question is,
What am I doing with that great responsibility God has given me????
the first was in kenya:
While at one of the stands at the market we were given free bananas. Well, I think, I didn't pay so maybe they weren't free??? But, we all ended up with a banana. I was excited to eat it and would have as we were walking home, but my hands were full. I was walking slightly behind the other girls when a young girl - best guess 9 yo, was walking the other direction. I smiled and said hi and she shyly smiled back. Then she stopped and turned around and I could tell that she was starting to follow me. I turned back to smile at her and she softly asked me for 5 pence. I told her no and kept walking hating every minute of that feeling of being helpless to do anything for this child. Then I remember that banana. It wasn't much - but she could eat it, and needed it more than me. I offered it to her and she gladly accepted. She followed me just a short distance longer until we crossed the street and then she stopped and watched us walk away. I know because when we got to the other side I turned around and she stood there watching us - so I waved and she returned the wave.
the second was in indianapolis:
I am frequently running late for work and rushing in at the last minute. I'm trying to do better with getting to work early. One day I actually left earlier than normal meaning that I should get to work early as well. I was excited as I drove through green stop lights instead of having to stop at all 15-ish red lights during my 10 min. commute =( However, as I was driving I noticed an elderly man laying on the sidewalk and a young girl standing next to him. My thoughts - "what is going on, should i stop, if i stop i will be late for work, oh i have to stop". So, I got turned around and went back to the scene. A college-age granddaughter was out for a walk with her grandfather. He slipped on the curb and fell. The granddaughter said that she didn't know what had happened because she was listening to her Ipod and was walking ahead of her grandpa (is that quality time or what!). As I was talking to them another stranger stopped by to help and I asked him to stay so that the two of us could help up this man. With the help of the other stranger, we had him up and standing in a couple seconds. After a few nursing type questions I felt comfortable that the man was ok and I could continue on my way. I ended up at work the same time as always, but still not late that day.
Neither of these circumstances required any real sacrifice or really any real inconvenience. They just required me being willing to see a need and realize that God had given me the resources to meet those needs.
Made me think, what other opportunities have I missed???
A dear friend once challenged me not to live with regret, so then I need to live with open eyes to see the needs around me and open hands to whatever God wants to have pass through them.
Some days I have no idea why God has placed me where He has and giving me the things and the opportunities that He has given me? But what I do know is that with great blessing there is great responsibility.
And since I have been greatly blessed, maybe the most important question is,
What am I doing with that great responsibility God has given me????
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Eldoret, Kenyas
the past few days in kenya have been amazing! we have been all around the city and have been trying to process everything that we are experiencing! the kenyans that we have met have been so friendly and welcoming! rose is an amazing host and it's exciting to see her life here! we were able to see the hospital here and it is overwhelming to see how many things could be improved and all the changes that need to be made! i've read about people having to share hospital beds but have never seen that in person until this week. we have also had the opportunity to interact with some street children here. they have such a hard life and it is neat to meet people who care about them and are investing time in trying to change their hopeless future! we have also been to the market, church, the great rift valley, ate roasted goat, and have eaten lots of wonderful food! we leave tomorrow for safari which will be a whole new great experience!
i find myself constantly comparing this place to guatemala. there are a lot of similarities and yet a lot of differences. i did not bring my computer so it will take me longer to get photos and details uploaded but i will as soon as possible. for now if you want to read more about our trip you can go to a fellow travelers blog: overcomingandbecoming@blogspot.com or for some insight into eldoret and the hospital you can read rose's blog: rosehouseinafrica@blogspot.com.
Monday, March 7, 2011
On my way to Africa!!!
I have wanted to go to Africa for a long time! I remember choosing Cedarville because they had a cross-cultural nursing minor and I could go with a nursing team to Togo, West Africa. However, the year that I was able to go there were a lot of people and I was an alternate. I then tried to make other plans which also fell through. That summer though was a summer that changed my life! I ended up going to an orphanage in Albania for 4 weeks, but since it wasn't nursing related I had to find another cross-cultural nursing internship. I requested to do my internship at the Pacific Garden Mission Homeless Shelter Clinic in Chicago where I had been volunteering on my spring breaks with the women and children for the previous 2 years. I was granted my request and loved my summer in Chicago and working at the clinic so much that I sensed God was leading me there after graduation. I volunteered at the homeless shelter for the first couple years after moving there, but eventually was part of the full time nursing staff for about 2 years. It was an amazing place to work and I still miss the people that I worked with there and love to go back to visit!!!
Anyway, so that being said, I've never gone to Africa!!! I've been to China, Europe, Central and South America, and some of those places multiple times . . . but never Africa!
God has given me the chance to go for 2 weeks in March to Kenya!!!
I hesitated a lot on deciding to go on this trip. What was God's will in all this??? Let's just say I felt like God opened every door imaginable and then let me feel a peace about walking through the door to go to Africa! I pray that my heart stay open and teachable to all that God has for me on this trip!!!
I originally was joining 3 other girls but one had to cancel due to an injury to her ankle =(
So, now I will travel to Kenya with 2 friends and we will get to spend our time there with a friend who is working in the IU/Kenya partnership hospital for 6 months. I heard about and studied this Kenya project during my masters studies, so I'm excited to get the chance to see it in person! We will also travel some and go on a couple safaris as well as to a coast city which is on the Indian Ocean! I am so excited for all that is in store for us during this trip!!! I can't wait to come back with a million photos and stories to share!!!!
My mom has been to both Ghana and Uganda and I still pray that one day I have the opportunity to travel with her and meet the people that she has grown to love!!! I believe God will give me that opportunity one day!!!
Anyway, so that being said, I've never gone to Africa!!! I've been to China, Europe, Central and South America, and some of those places multiple times . . . but never Africa!
God has given me the chance to go for 2 weeks in March to Kenya!!!
I hesitated a lot on deciding to go on this trip. What was God's will in all this??? Let's just say I felt like God opened every door imaginable and then let me feel a peace about walking through the door to go to Africa! I pray that my heart stay open and teachable to all that God has for me on this trip!!!
I originally was joining 3 other girls but one had to cancel due to an injury to her ankle =(
So, now I will travel to Kenya with 2 friends and we will get to spend our time there with a friend who is working in the IU/Kenya partnership hospital for 6 months. I heard about and studied this Kenya project during my masters studies, so I'm excited to get the chance to see it in person! We will also travel some and go on a couple safaris as well as to a coast city which is on the Indian Ocean! I am so excited for all that is in store for us during this trip!!! I can't wait to come back with a million photos and stories to share!!!!
My mom has been to both Ghana and Uganda and I still pray that one day I have the opportunity to travel with her and meet the people that she has grown to love!!! I believe God will give me that opportunity one day!!!
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