Right now, I am sitting in my bed... thinking. First I thought, this is the last time I will be in my soft bed for a week. For a week, I will be without luxuries that I take for granted on a day to day basis. I can send an email to Mark. I can make a phone call to Greg. I can send a text to Elaine (you read right, TEXT!). I can take a drive to see Micah. Life here is so easy, and I am happy. Now, I am embarking on an adventure... for a week.
My second thought is of where I am going. The inhabitants of my destination are there now and will be there long after I am gone. I am only there a week. The may have a bed (or they may not). Their connectivity is a far cry from anything I have ever experienced. Text? Facebook? Their drives are on unpaved roads. And lets not begin to consider how gas prices affect them. All the luxuries I take for granted... this is their daily life.
So as I sit here on my last night, I open my heart and I pray...
"Dear Lord- my Father who loves me so. I ask you to allow me to be a blessing. Through an outpouring of love, it is more than obvious that it is in your will for me to have this experience. I am humbled that you see that I am fit to move forward and share your love with others. Thank you Lord for all that you have blessed me with. Thank you for loved ones. Thank you for my home, work, food and friends.
Please be with all missionaries around the world. They work daily to let their light shine amongst men. I pray that they are strengthened and encouraged by your presence in their works. I also ask that you be with the specific groups that are traveling for this next wave of activity. Please continue to build us up so that we too can be a positive presence in the lives of those we visit. I also ask that you grant us safe travel, safe stay and safe return.
Lord, this experience is new for many of us. I pray that we are all changed. Please open our eyes to the world while we are abroad and allow us to see through the eyes of a child. Give us the willingness to learn and to share will all whom we come in contact. Release us from the bonds of fear that may hold us from sharing the glory of your love with others.
I ask these things in your Son's name.
Amen"
One more post state-side and then it will all be from Honduras. Goodnight.
"Hitherto, have ye asked nothing in my name: Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."- John 16:24
23.6.11
20.6.11
Gracias por su ayudo y apoyo
I would be remiss if I didn't offer thanks to those that have supported me financially, physically and emotionally. Mildred Wallace used to sing to me, "Count your blessings, name them one by one..." She showed me that blessings are not only things, but people as well:
Those that continue to build me up...
Zairreus Patterson
Gregory Franklin and Dr. Danielle Jones (soon to be Franklin)
Kofi and Taniquia Barkoh
Those with a giving heart...
Cletus Pippin & Family
Sidney Miller
Michael Steiner
Mary Hart
Jada Roseman
Jason Mellard
Ken Robinson & Donavan Wheatfall (CIS)
Elizabeth Jackson
Dawn Chisholm
Strider & Kassie Steel (and Breckyn & Xander)
Jason Alexander
Kammie Anderson
Those in a class of their own...
Elaine Brown (The 3rd World travel veteran)
Lauren Kuluva (I still got room in the suitcase, cousin)
Al & Stephan Wallace (Two GREAT Uncles and Better Men)
Joel Sanchez and Kristen Smith (Your idea= The most exciting thing I have done in a long time)
Josue Villareal (For taking this risk with me)
Debbie Villareal (For allowing Josue out of the house and the ride you are giving me that you don't know about)
Erin Wiggins (Just do it right?)
Jacelyn, Meshallyn and Kayshellyn
Skillman Church of Christ
May God bless you in many ways, continually adding to his Kingdom.
"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth"
- 2 Thessalonians 1:3
Those that continue to build me up...
Zairreus Patterson
Gregory Franklin and Dr. Danielle Jones (soon to be Franklin)
Kofi and Taniquia Barkoh
Those with a giving heart...
Cletus Pippin & Family
Sidney Miller
Michael Steiner
Mary Hart
Jada Roseman
Jason Mellard
Ken Robinson & Donavan Wheatfall (CIS)
Elizabeth Jackson
Dawn Chisholm
Strider & Kassie Steel (and Breckyn & Xander)
Jason Alexander
Kammie Anderson
Those in a class of their own...
Elaine Brown (The 3rd World travel veteran)
Lauren Kuluva (I still got room in the suitcase, cousin)
Al & Stephan Wallace (Two GREAT Uncles and Better Men)
Joel Sanchez and Kristen Smith (Your idea= The most exciting thing I have done in a long time)
Josue Villareal (For taking this risk with me)
Debbie Villareal (For allowing Josue out of the house and the ride you are giving me that you don't know about)
Erin Wiggins (Just do it right?)
Jacelyn, Meshallyn and Kayshellyn
Skillman Church of Christ
May God bless you in many ways, continually adding to his Kingdom.
"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth"
- 2 Thessalonians 1:3
18.6.11
Calendario de actividades
There are seven days until departure. I have been excited about this for more than 8 months. When I got the list of activities for the trip, excitement only heightened. Now that I am seven days away, I am having trouble concentrating on anything.
We were recently given daily options to schedule our activities. I felt like an 8 year old at the Cici's Pizza buffet. The activities are so exciting that I had trouble choosing my personal schedule. I am going to be really busy.
Saturday- Arrival, Sorting donated items for distribution
Sunday- Devotion with Casa de Eperanza
Monday- Build Hospital Escuela Playground
Tuesday- Build Hospital Escuela Playground
Wednesday- Nurses training session; VBS at Hospital Escuela
Thursday- Clinic at Onjojo; Late Night Hospital Blanket Ministry
Friday- Work at the City Dump (Food and Medical Ministry)
Saturday- Build a house
Sunday- Travel day
Though I am very sure of what I want to do, we have been told that everything is always up in the air. Each day, we pick the activity we want to be immersed in for the day. All I know is that I am going to have the time of my life. God willing, this is only the beginning for me.
"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."- Philippians 2:4
We were recently given daily options to schedule our activities. I felt like an 8 year old at the Cici's Pizza buffet. The activities are so exciting that I had trouble choosing my personal schedule. I am going to be really busy.
Saturday- Arrival, Sorting donated items for distribution
Sunday- Devotion with Casa de Eperanza
Monday- Build Hospital Escuela Playground
Tuesday- Build Hospital Escuela Playground
Wednesday- Nurses training session; VBS at Hospital Escuela
Thursday- Clinic at Onjojo; Late Night Hospital Blanket Ministry
Friday- Work at the City Dump (Food and Medical Ministry)
Saturday- Build a house
Sunday- Travel day
Though I am very sure of what I want to do, we have been told that everything is always up in the air. Each day, we pick the activity we want to be immersed in for the day. All I know is that I am going to have the time of my life. God willing, this is only the beginning for me.
"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."- Philippians 2:4
15.6.11
Hope for Honduras: Cuenta atrás
Welcome Hep Blog new comers. Welcome back regular Hep Blog followers. It has been awhile since I last posted and things have changed quite a bit. The way I will blog for my Honduras trip has also changed, so I thought I would use this first post to fill everyone in on what to expect.
I intend to post every other day. After the 20th, I will increase frequency as I can. I intend to post daily by departure time (25th). New items will be post by midnight.
Connectivity is not great in Honduras. Uploading images can take up a great deal of bandwidth. As a result, my blog will not have images initially. However, I plan to add them upon return to the States. I will try to make my descriptions as vivid as possible to keep your interest.
I am excited about this opportunity and I would love for everyone to be able to share in my experience. Fell free to comment on my posts. I don't know that I can respond, but I encourage you to say anything that is on your heart as you read.
Thank you to everyone for your love and support. God Bless.
"Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee."
-Mark 5:19
I intend to post every other day. After the 20th, I will increase frequency as I can. I intend to post daily by departure time (25th). New items will be post by midnight.
Connectivity is not great in Honduras. Uploading images can take up a great deal of bandwidth. As a result, my blog will not have images initially. However, I plan to add them upon return to the States. I will try to make my descriptions as vivid as possible to keep your interest.
I am excited about this opportunity and I would love for everyone to be able to share in my experience. Fell free to comment on my posts. I don't know that I can respond, but I encourage you to say anything that is on your heart as you read.
Thank you to everyone for your love and support. God Bless.
"Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee."
-Mark 5:19
1.3.09
S.A.D. not this year, try S.A.W.
The weekend started on Wednesday for me. I took a trip to CS for recruiting. David Z. and I rode separately, so I got to rent a sweet ride. I got a Cobalt, but it was red. No big deal because it is a Cobalt... or so I thought. I never new the roller coaster weekend I had in store.
Talk about being the ultimate idiot. I was on the phone with K Kid at about 2am, Thursday. As we were talking she said something about being us being in a relationship. To which I said, "We're in a relationship?" How dumb a statement was that?
Since I could not track Sandy down in CS, I went for sushi with Georgina and Arin. Afterwards, we saw ___ and then Arin and I turned in for the night. But not before enjoying concretes from Shakes. When we got back to her place, we stayed up for about an hour talking about texting and relationships. My opinion is that texting is too impersonal for relationships. It allows too many opportunities for 'outs. At this point, she said I should see He's Not That Into You. I said I would, but I would have to read the book first.I never felt so empty on a S.A.D as I did this year. This was not only do to the fact that I was single. Other events have added to this years depression.
First, I was pulled over by the police on my way from CS. I was talking on my phone (ear piece in use) with Greg when a trooper pulled behind me. He claimed I was speeding and I KNOW I wasn't, but I had not energy to argue and took it. I called Greg back and proceeded with the remainder of my journey home.Later that day, I could not get in touch with K. Her phone was out of commission. Instead I talked to her mom because I thought she may be feeling down during this weekend as well. Apparently, she has been unable to get in touch with K as well. Ain't that something. Well, we wished each other a good day and moved on.
I never really finished writing this story and I don't remember all of the events at this time. I can summarize:
A week later, my car lost it transmission while coming home from a movie with Micah. A tow truck took me home. If repairs were more than $2000, I was going to get a new car. This was the ultimate result. I now drive a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt named Flux!
A few weeks after that, I found that K did had 'issues' with monogamy. To save my heart, I had to let that relationship go. I think if her from time to time because she was kind. But I don't think it was completely safe for me. I have been rather guarded since.
Talk about being the ultimate idiot. I was on the phone with K Kid at about 2am, Thursday. As we were talking she said something about being us being in a relationship. To which I said, "We're in a relationship?" How dumb a statement was that?
Since I could not track Sandy down in CS, I went for sushi with Georgina and Arin. Afterwards, we saw ___ and then Arin and I turned in for the night. But not before enjoying concretes from Shakes. When we got back to her place, we stayed up for about an hour talking about texting and relationships. My opinion is that texting is too impersonal for relationships. It allows too many opportunities for 'outs. At this point, she said I should see He's Not That Into You. I said I would, but I would have to read the book first.I never felt so empty on a S.A.D as I did this year. This was not only do to the fact that I was single. Other events have added to this years depression.
First, I was pulled over by the police on my way from CS. I was talking on my phone (ear piece in use) with Greg when a trooper pulled behind me. He claimed I was speeding and I KNOW I wasn't, but I had not energy to argue and took it. I called Greg back and proceeded with the remainder of my journey home.Later that day, I could not get in touch with K. Her phone was out of commission. Instead I talked to her mom because I thought she may be feeling down during this weekend as well. Apparently, she has been unable to get in touch with K as well. Ain't that something. Well, we wished each other a good day and moved on.
I never really finished writing this story and I don't remember all of the events at this time. I can summarize:
A week later, my car lost it transmission while coming home from a movie with Micah. A tow truck took me home. If repairs were more than $2000, I was going to get a new car. This was the ultimate result. I now drive a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt named Flux!
A few weeks after that, I found that K did had 'issues' with monogamy. To save my heart, I had to let that relationship go. I think if her from time to time because she was kind. But I don't think it was completely safe for me. I have been rather guarded since.
1.2.09
Sympathy... Empathy?
I don't think I am the best person to go to in a stressful situation. When called upon, I often question the judgment of those that have requested. I am not the one that gives a hug at the right time. I am not the one that says all of the words to make the pain go away. I often find myself thinking, "What can I do?" That is not saying that I am not helpful in a stressful situation. I am just not the absolute best person that will do everything that is dreamed of.
However, I do know what NOT to do in a stressful situation. My experiences in life have told me that this is not something that I learned form the people responsible for giving me life. I have always thought that some things come as instinct, but I have learned that sympathy and empathy may not come standard on God's human models.
There are many things that can happen when someone is in a stressful situation. These things can be psychological, physical and physiological. All in all, the wills are tested and breakdowns may be eminent. With this knowledge, I would think that it is an elementary fact that you do not want to meet a stressful situation with more stress. I now know that this assumption is sadly off base.
With that said... If you are dealing with someone that is stressed, the fact that you are right or wrong does not matter. Ultimately, the person just wants the situation resolved and will not praise you for your victory. They could care less. Furthermore, the person does NOT want to relive how you came upon your 'correct' conclusion. Especially. with a play-by-play in the heat of the moment. Arguments do not make the person feel better, nor does it take away from their already troubled mood.
"What's comin' will come, an' we'll meet it when it does."- Hagrid (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire)
However, I do know what NOT to do in a stressful situation. My experiences in life have told me that this is not something that I learned form the people responsible for giving me life. I have always thought that some things come as instinct, but I have learned that sympathy and empathy may not come standard on God's human models.
There are many things that can happen when someone is in a stressful situation. These things can be psychological, physical and physiological. All in all, the wills are tested and breakdowns may be eminent. With this knowledge, I would think that it is an elementary fact that you do not want to meet a stressful situation with more stress. I now know that this assumption is sadly off base.
With that said... If you are dealing with someone that is stressed, the fact that you are right or wrong does not matter. Ultimately, the person just wants the situation resolved and will not praise you for your victory. They could care less. Furthermore, the person does NOT want to relive how you came upon your 'correct' conclusion. Especially. with a play-by-play in the heat of the moment. Arguments do not make the person feel better, nor does it take away from their already troubled mood.
"What's comin' will come, an' we'll meet it when it does."- Hagrid (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire)
16.1.09
Die Another Day
We spend a good part of our lives in preparation. Maybe we are saving money. Maybe its a New Year's resolution. Maybe we study for life changing tests. We spend a great deal of time trying to shape the outcome of our lives. Thus, if the plans we make don't come true, we die inside.
When plans fail, we hurt... we die. The setback is one that we feel we will never recover from. Yet, when we finally do, we start preparing for the next thing. The vicious cycle continues. Not only do we live these lives, but we pass this behaviour to our youth. Now we have 14 year old boys with addictions to Starbucks to do well on a test. We have 16 year old girls that fight tooth and nail to be on top. Then, when they meet their road block...
I am no saint I am guilty of the same. But I have come to a realization. No matter what distance I run, what test I take, what book I read... No matter whether I live or die. Life will still go on. There are going to be cloudy days, but there are going to be sunny ones as well. There will be warmth and there will be bitter cold. No matter what, I will endure through them all. Until death, I have no choice but to live on.
"We just might be okay, afterall. Sun gon' shine on this day."- Lupe Fiasco
When plans fail, we hurt... we die. The setback is one that we feel we will never recover from. Yet, when we finally do, we start preparing for the next thing. The vicious cycle continues. Not only do we live these lives, but we pass this behaviour to our youth. Now we have 14 year old boys with addictions to Starbucks to do well on a test. We have 16 year old girls that fight tooth and nail to be on top. Then, when they meet their road block...
I am no saint I am guilty of the same. But I have come to a realization. No matter what distance I run, what test I take, what book I read... No matter whether I live or die. Life will still go on. There are going to be cloudy days, but there are going to be sunny ones as well. There will be warmth and there will be bitter cold. No matter what, I will endure through them all. Until death, I have no choice but to live on.
"We just might be okay, afterall. Sun gon' shine on this day."- Lupe Fiasco
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