I have spent the last couple weeks tossing around some thoughts for another blog post about Ethiopia. To say I am struggling with putting thoughts into words would be a gross understatement. So, I am going to list a few things that I keep coming back to, and then give you a link to the blog of my friend Amy. She is the one that invited me on the trip in the first place, and as a bonus, she is an amazing writer. And, I don't say that lightly...
Thoughts:
1. Our money goes SO far. We paid rent for year for 4 of the boys that live at the dump so they can move to a house, bought a fridge, replaced a roof, paid schooling fees for several children, clothed and fed 14 boys, paid office rent for a year for Yemamu and Sisay, and a few other things I am not currently remembering...all for around $1500.
2. We now have friends in Ethiopia that are doing amazing things, and it's so easy to support them, both financially and through prayers and encouragement. They are so hungry and eager for knowledge and desperate for prayer support.
3. So many of these people truly have nothing. No food. No home. No money. No hope. Nothing. Yemamu and Sisay are actively working at bringing hope into the lives of these people. It was truly humbling to watch them. And, it was easily the biggest thing that I took from this trip.
4. I want to do more. Feeding people for a week, caring for wounds for a week wasn't enough. I find myself thinking about future educational pursuits in the context of clinics overseas. What would be the most practical? I don't know what path I will be walking down for a grad degree, but my perspective is changing. It feels good to be dynamic.
5. Check out my friend's blog. She is eloquent, thoughtful, and provoking. Not to mention completely awesome. Amy's Blog
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Ethiopia
I have been back from Ethiopia for a week. I have been waiting for the right words to come to mind and travel down my fingers and type themselves out into a coherent, meaningful blog post. Evidently, that is not going to happen, or at least not yet.
In a lot of ways, my brain is still processing. Thank goodness for being able to have this experience with a friend Amy, who has become an ever-so-much-dearer friend in the last few weeks. It also helps immensely having a boyfriend that grew up in a third-world country. I've been told the processing takes a while and has different stages....and I am a believer.
So, my plan is to blog in pieces.
Here's the piece for today. Yemamu and Sisay.
These two men blew my mind. I have never in my life seen two people completely embody the heart and spirit of Jesus as these two have. Yemamu and Sisay spend their waking hours talking with people the people of Korah, going to their homes, meeting with them, hearing their stories, shedding tears with them, walking beside them, learning what their needs are (both physical and spiritual), and then spend every effort and energy and dollar they have to meet the needs they see. (They have been working for the last year to start an NGO, a feeding program, for 60 kids. They will feed them twice a day, every day. Their vision for the future of this program needs it's own blog post).
These two men have grown up in Korah. They both lived in the trash dump for several years of their adolescent lives. And now, by choice, they are staying in Korah. They spend their lives walking beside the least of these and loving them as Jesus does. It blew my mind to see how well they "get it." And they don't just get it, they are doing it...everyday. And I am jealous. They are loving their neighbor everyday, all day. They live in a community in the truest sense of the word. They are making a difference - a marked, huge, life-changing difference in those around them as they love like Jesus loves. Many of these people have nothing. They scavenge at the trash dump on a daily basis to eat, find things to sell, etc. But, Yemamu and Sisay are giving them something they never thought possible - hope.
I don't know how to do what they are doing. But, I am in awe. I am challenged.
In a lot of ways, my brain is still processing. Thank goodness for being able to have this experience with a friend Amy, who has become an ever-so-much-dearer friend in the last few weeks. It also helps immensely having a boyfriend that grew up in a third-world country. I've been told the processing takes a while and has different stages....and I am a believer.
So, my plan is to blog in pieces.
Here's the piece for today. Yemamu and Sisay.
These two men blew my mind. I have never in my life seen two people completely embody the heart and spirit of Jesus as these two have. Yemamu and Sisay spend their waking hours talking with people the people of Korah, going to their homes, meeting with them, hearing their stories, shedding tears with them, walking beside them, learning what their needs are (both physical and spiritual), and then spend every effort and energy and dollar they have to meet the needs they see. (They have been working for the last year to start an NGO, a feeding program, for 60 kids. They will feed them twice a day, every day. Their vision for the future of this program needs it's own blog post).
These two men have grown up in Korah. They both lived in the trash dump for several years of their adolescent lives. And now, by choice, they are staying in Korah. They spend their lives walking beside the least of these and loving them as Jesus does. It blew my mind to see how well they "get it." And they don't just get it, they are doing it...everyday. And I am jealous. They are loving their neighbor everyday, all day. They live in a community in the truest sense of the word. They are making a difference - a marked, huge, life-changing difference in those around them as they love like Jesus loves. Many of these people have nothing. They scavenge at the trash dump on a daily basis to eat, find things to sell, etc. But, Yemamu and Sisay are giving them something they never thought possible - hope.
I don't know how to do what they are doing. But, I am in awe. I am challenged.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Awake and Alive Give Away!
Check out my friends' blog page Awake and Alive, a non-profit ministry dedicated to "move individuals and communities from complacency to vibrancy, replacing a routine existence for a passionate and meaningful one in which people look beyond themselves to assist the poor, distressed, and underprivileged in the world around them."
They are starting to do amazing things and I can't wait to see what God has in store for them. I can only imagine what God will bring into the lives of those that desperately want to serve Him and be the hands and heart of Christ! Blessings to you, Danielle and Jolene!
They are starting to do amazing things and I can't wait to see what God has in store for them. I can only imagine what God will bring into the lives of those that desperately want to serve Him and be the hands and heart of Christ! Blessings to you, Danielle and Jolene!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
another fabulous thing about Colorado
If you leave marshmallows out, they get stale way faster. Who doesn't love that?
Friday, August 5, 2011
mouse to mice
So, some of you know that I have had a little bit of a mouse problem in the apartment. It has not been one of my favorite things. I chronicled the first mouse situation mostly on Facebook, but felt this second run-in deserved an entire post.
The first mouse was warned with a couple traps that he managed to cleverly evade. He taunted me a few times running in and out of his hiding place while I watched from my couch. But, on the third trap attempt, he did succumb to death-by-trap (I might be willing to die for a little feta myself).
However, tonight I was sitting on the couch and I see ANOTHER dare-devil mouse running around the kitchen. Only this mouse acted like he owned the kitchen...not skittish at all, just running around eating crumbs like he was at a mouse buffet. I watch him...I actually got up and moved into the kitchen and he just kept going about his business. He didn't hide until I turned the light on. And at this point I am a little panicky because...how many mice are there and where are they coming from. But, I got out the rest of my traps and and set them with some very nice little Havarti cheese (much too good for a mouse, but that's what I had). I turned around to update my Facebook status with the latest mouse episode ....and SNAP. I jumped completely out of my skin and practically hit my head on the ceiling and my heart stopped for at least 5 beats. And when I turned around I was in time to see the mouse twitch and convulse for about 30 seconds before he was completely dead. So, naturally, I had a mild melt down for a minute, and called Yemi and left a slightly crazy voice mail. I had done pretty well at being mouse-killer extraordinaire, but that kind of pushed me over the edge just a little.
Obviously, the next rational step was to head to Walmart at 1am because I wasn't going to be able to sleep anyways. I got some more traps, some D-Con, a staple gun, staples, wire mesh, a swiffer, dry clothes for the swiffer, and wet clothes for the swiffer. I came home, and there was a SECOND dead mouse in another trap. And now I am on the verge of a serious break down and trying not to freak out because I am a capable adult and have to deal with my own mice situation now, evidently. I strapped on some gloves (thank goodness I am a nurse and have a small supply of medical gloves at the ready) and disposed of the two dead mice. Then I dry dusted my kitchen floor, wet mopped my kitchen floor, set some more traps (almost lost my finger a couple of times), and pulled out everything under my sink to manage the open little area where all the pipes come in. And, of course, I got the wrong staples for the staple gun, so I had to make another 2am trip to Walmart to remedy that problem. But then, I managed to cut the wire mesh screening and staple gun it (in about 50 places...I'm sure my neighbor downstairs wants to kill me) to the bottom of the cabinet and zip tie (thank you Dad for instilling in me the importance of having zip ties at the ready, because they work in almost as many situations as duct tape) the top of the screen together around the pipes and then place D-Con in the corner, just to make sure I covered all my bases. And it's now 245am and I feel a little too wired and a little too creepy crawly to actually go to bed, and my nerves are a little frazzled at the moment.
And my window air conditioner that I am sitting next to just sounded like it exploded and shot little chunks of ice at me. So, my heart has stopped at least 3 times tonight, and I kind of feel like I could throw up a little.
Anyone have an extra cat lying around?
The first mouse was warned with a couple traps that he managed to cleverly evade. He taunted me a few times running in and out of his hiding place while I watched from my couch. But, on the third trap attempt, he did succumb to death-by-trap (I might be willing to die for a little feta myself).
However, tonight I was sitting on the couch and I see ANOTHER dare-devil mouse running around the kitchen. Only this mouse acted like he owned the kitchen...not skittish at all, just running around eating crumbs like he was at a mouse buffet. I watch him...I actually got up and moved into the kitchen and he just kept going about his business. He didn't hide until I turned the light on. And at this point I am a little panicky because...how many mice are there and where are they coming from. But, I got out the rest of my traps and and set them with some very nice little Havarti cheese (much too good for a mouse, but that's what I had). I turned around to update my Facebook status with the latest mouse episode ....and SNAP. I jumped completely out of my skin and practically hit my head on the ceiling and my heart stopped for at least 5 beats. And when I turned around I was in time to see the mouse twitch and convulse for about 30 seconds before he was completely dead. So, naturally, I had a mild melt down for a minute, and called Yemi and left a slightly crazy voice mail. I had done pretty well at being mouse-killer extraordinaire, but that kind of pushed me over the edge just a little.
Obviously, the next rational step was to head to Walmart at 1am because I wasn't going to be able to sleep anyways. I got some more traps, some D-Con, a staple gun, staples, wire mesh, a swiffer, dry clothes for the swiffer, and wet clothes for the swiffer. I came home, and there was a SECOND dead mouse in another trap. And now I am on the verge of a serious break down and trying not to freak out because I am a capable adult and have to deal with my own mice situation now, evidently. I strapped on some gloves (thank goodness I am a nurse and have a small supply of medical gloves at the ready) and disposed of the two dead mice. Then I dry dusted my kitchen floor, wet mopped my kitchen floor, set some more traps (almost lost my finger a couple of times), and pulled out everything under my sink to manage the open little area where all the pipes come in. And, of course, I got the wrong staples for the staple gun, so I had to make another 2am trip to Walmart to remedy that problem. But then, I managed to cut the wire mesh screening and staple gun it (in about 50 places...I'm sure my neighbor downstairs wants to kill me) to the bottom of the cabinet and zip tie (thank you Dad for instilling in me the importance of having zip ties at the ready, because they work in almost as many situations as duct tape) the top of the screen together around the pipes and then place D-Con in the corner, just to make sure I covered all my bases. And it's now 245am and I feel a little too wired and a little too creepy crawly to actually go to bed, and my nerves are a little frazzled at the moment.
And my window air conditioner that I am sitting next to just sounded like it exploded and shot little chunks of ice at me. So, my heart has stopped at least 3 times tonight, and I kind of feel like I could throw up a little.
Anyone have an extra cat lying around?
Monday, August 1, 2011
my ducks are crooked
I like to have all my little ducks in a row. All the time. When I have things on my to-do list or or loose ends just hanging out there, it drives me crazy. At the moment, I have several duckies that are out of line, and I am working to convince myself to just let it go and trust that it will work itself out.
One duck is my Ethiopia trip. I am waiting, less than patiently, for news and updates and decisions. It's all pretty much out of my hands at this point, and I just have to sit and wait and pray. I'm not especially good at any of those three things.
Another duck is work stuff. They need SO many documents and tons of information and you can't do this until they get that and this and the other thing. So, it's kind of a juggling act, and right now I am waiting for either A)my CO driver's license to come in the mail or B)my renewed passport to come in the mail before I can be officially hired and actually start orientation.
My third out-of-line duck is budget and finances. I am trying to get everything switched from one bank account to another bank account, pay off my car, waiting for a check to appear in my mailbox, waiting for funds to get transferred over, worrying about bills, groceries, scrubs for work, and everything else all at the same time.
My last duck is scheduling work and trips and fun and orientation and everything else that pops up in the meantime. I like to have things planned out and marked down. I like to know what I am doing for the next month and get things all settled. I am trying to work out a couple important trips at the same time as starting a new job. Not usually the best plan, but they are kind life-altering little ventures, so ya know....
My ducks are not cooperating at all. I am discovering that I might have touches of OCD...my boyfriend emphatically agrees with me (as I am constantly fixing his watch if it's not COMPLETELY secured in every way the manufacturer intended or turning off the radio if there's a slight buzz that no one else can even hear).
And as I was driving home this afternoon and trying to calm myself and not worry about all the rampant ducks flying all over the place when they should be sitting calmly in a dignified row, I couldn't help but think that God was just looking at me and chuckling and telling me, "Child, chill out. Have I left you hanging yet? Have you wanted for anything? Do you think I am confused or worried about everything that you need and where I want you to be in the coming weeks? Just chill. I've got this. For you are mine and see you and know you. I've got it, so you can let go. Trust me." So, I am trying to just let it go. Trying.
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
One duck is my Ethiopia trip. I am waiting, less than patiently, for news and updates and decisions. It's all pretty much out of my hands at this point, and I just have to sit and wait and pray. I'm not especially good at any of those three things.
Another duck is work stuff. They need SO many documents and tons of information and you can't do this until they get that and this and the other thing. So, it's kind of a juggling act, and right now I am waiting for either A)my CO driver's license to come in the mail or B)my renewed passport to come in the mail before I can be officially hired and actually start orientation.
My third out-of-line duck is budget and finances. I am trying to get everything switched from one bank account to another bank account, pay off my car, waiting for a check to appear in my mailbox, waiting for funds to get transferred over, worrying about bills, groceries, scrubs for work, and everything else all at the same time.
My last duck is scheduling work and trips and fun and orientation and everything else that pops up in the meantime. I like to have things planned out and marked down. I like to know what I am doing for the next month and get things all settled. I am trying to work out a couple important trips at the same time as starting a new job. Not usually the best plan, but they are kind life-altering little ventures, so ya know....
My ducks are not cooperating at all. I am discovering that I might have touches of OCD...my boyfriend emphatically agrees with me (as I am constantly fixing his watch if it's not COMPLETELY secured in every way the manufacturer intended or turning off the radio if there's a slight buzz that no one else can even hear).
And as I was driving home this afternoon and trying to calm myself and not worry about all the rampant ducks flying all over the place when they should be sitting calmly in a dignified row, I couldn't help but think that God was just looking at me and chuckling and telling me, "Child, chill out. Have I left you hanging yet? Have you wanted for anything? Do you think I am confused or worried about everything that you need and where I want you to be in the coming weeks? Just chill. I've got this. For you are mine and see you and know you. I've got it, so you can let go. Trust me." So, I am trying to just let it go. Trying.
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
A Few Things I Have Learned About Colorado Springs
So I have been in Colorado Springs for about two weeks now. And there are a few things I have learned very quickly...
1. The weather is just as fickle as it is in northern Indiana. It can be 95 and sunny one minute and then full out storm two minutes later and then sunny again two minutes after that. And the cycle can repeat several times throughout the day.
2. The storms here are AWESOME.
3. Baking is just not the same. For as mountainous as the area is...the cookies are just as flat. It's depressing.
4. I might be out of breath at any given time for any length of time. I might be working out or I might just be driving or sitting on my couch, but I have to concentrate on deep breathing for a while.
5. There's no humidity...and I love it!
6. The raindrops here are freakin HUGE. It's like a small pond in every drop. One drop can drench your whole head. (that might be an ever so slight exaggeration, but you get the idea)
7. The sun is way closer. So, we are at about 6,500 feet of elevation, sometimes closer to 7,000, and it makes a serious difference with relation to the sun. My lily-white skin is tan. I have not laid out; I have not gone tanning. I have simply walked in and out of buildings, stores, to and from my car, and my skin is noticeably more tan. Crazy.
8. Everyone wants to visit you when you live in fun place. Bring it on!
9. The people are super nice. Mostly because everyone else recently moved here, too! (I think 90% of the people I have met so far have moved to the area within the last two years...everyone wants to make new friends!)
10. It doesn't feel quite like home yet, but it has definite possibilities!
1. The weather is just as fickle as it is in northern Indiana. It can be 95 and sunny one minute and then full out storm two minutes later and then sunny again two minutes after that. And the cycle can repeat several times throughout the day.
2. The storms here are AWESOME.
3. Baking is just not the same. For as mountainous as the area is...the cookies are just as flat. It's depressing.
4. I might be out of breath at any given time for any length of time. I might be working out or I might just be driving or sitting on my couch, but I have to concentrate on deep breathing for a while.
5. There's no humidity...and I love it!
6. The raindrops here are freakin HUGE. It's like a small pond in every drop. One drop can drench your whole head. (that might be an ever so slight exaggeration, but you get the idea)
7. The sun is way closer. So, we are at about 6,500 feet of elevation, sometimes closer to 7,000, and it makes a serious difference with relation to the sun. My lily-white skin is tan. I have not laid out; I have not gone tanning. I have simply walked in and out of buildings, stores, to and from my car, and my skin is noticeably more tan. Crazy.
8. Everyone wants to visit you when you live in fun place. Bring it on!
9. The people are super nice. Mostly because everyone else recently moved here, too! (I think 90% of the people I have met so far have moved to the area within the last two years...everyone wants to make new friends!)
10. It doesn't feel quite like home yet, but it has definite possibilities!
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