Let me clarify something from my last post since I seem to have offended someone I don't even know. The baby wipe warmer may be useful but it cannot be seen as a necessity regardless of what condition your baby may suffer from. Warm water works just as well. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with you if you use one, heck if given one, I might use it too.
My point (that seemed to have been missed) is that we as Westerners waste so much of our resources be that time or money. The baby wipe warmer was just an example. You could insert daily Starbucks visits, spending countless hours watching TV or multiple trips out to eat in a week and get the same point. I am as guilty of this as the next person. I was bothered by it because it convicted me of behaviors in my own life.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Random Thoughts
I just got back from our staff retreat and David challenged us to be Radical in our lives. Radical in many ways: how we act for Christ, how we live our lives, how we worship, how we serve, etc. He also challenged us to think about what of our possessions we could give up. Do we need all the stuff we have? Considering that millions of people live on less than $2 a day, probably not. That's really got me thinking about what I could give up. Can't really get a much smaller place than I have now, I need a car but do I need all my clothes, shoes, stuff? Can I cut stuff out of my life, can I cut back on stuff and not cut things out completely (ie cheaper cable package, fewer cellphone minutes, less eating out)? It really has convicted me about the wastefulness in my own life and in life in the United States.
Then today I went to a baby shower for my best friend. Now Wendy is probably the most low maintenance person on the planet and she only registered for stuff because that's the "thing" to do. But one of the gifts she got was a baby wipe warmer? Seriously, a warmer for baby wipes?! I can't get the image of that out of my head. Why do you need a baby wipe warmer? Does poop come off easier if the wipe is warm, or smell less? I understand clothes and other needed items but that one really got to me. Wendy didn't really see the need for it either. I just think about the women in developing countries who don't have wipes at all much less a warmer and it breaks my heart that we in the Western Church are so caught up in our own selves we waste our resources on stuff like that. What would Jesus say to us if He was walking among us today? Am I the only one this stuff bothers?
Another random (and much lighter thought): why is Ping Pong an Olympic Sport? And why do they try and classy it up by calling it Table Tennis. It's a skilled activity, not a sport. Someone said trampoline is also an Olympic sport. Really?! We dropped softball and added trampoline? Go back to what the Greeks had and dump everything else. Oh wait, then NBC couldn't make millions of dollars showing all-Olympics, all the time.
Okay, enough randomness, I'm going to bed. :-)
Then today I went to a baby shower for my best friend. Now Wendy is probably the most low maintenance person on the planet and she only registered for stuff because that's the "thing" to do. But one of the gifts she got was a baby wipe warmer? Seriously, a warmer for baby wipes?! I can't get the image of that out of my head. Why do you need a baby wipe warmer? Does poop come off easier if the wipe is warm, or smell less? I understand clothes and other needed items but that one really got to me. Wendy didn't really see the need for it either. I just think about the women in developing countries who don't have wipes at all much less a warmer and it breaks my heart that we in the Western Church are so caught up in our own selves we waste our resources on stuff like that. What would Jesus say to us if He was walking among us today? Am I the only one this stuff bothers?
Another random (and much lighter thought): why is Ping Pong an Olympic Sport? And why do they try and classy it up by calling it Table Tennis. It's a skilled activity, not a sport. Someone said trampoline is also an Olympic sport. Really?! We dropped softball and added trampoline? Go back to what the Greeks had and dump everything else. Oh wait, then NBC couldn't make millions of dollars showing all-Olympics, all the time.
Okay, enough randomness, I'm going to bed. :-)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Wow, 2 Days in a Row!!
I've had a much more productive day today. Got more accomplished at work and then went to a fan preview night at Samford. Nice job by the athletic department to put more fans in the seats. I really like the new ad campaign using slogans like "Thou shalt not steal but a well-placed interception is always welcome." and "Thou shalt not covet but it's okay to want the championship really, really bad." Look for billboards coming to the side of the road near you soon. :-)
I have about decided that there are people in the so-called Christian community that cause much more harm than good. First there is some idiot in McCain's camp that is relating Obama to the Anti-Christ. Really?! While Obama is not and ideal candidate (not that McCain is either), calling him the Anti-Christ is a bit over the top. Later I heard he was just kidding and relating it more to how the media has annointed him as the "chosen one." But, the whole thing still bothered me. This one comment, flippant or not, really doesn't help the campaign and makes it look like Obama is being picked on. Stick with the issues and leave Biblical comments to those who are smarter about those kinds of things.
Another batch of weirdos are those who are quite insistent that worshipping on Sunday is false teaching and worshipping on Sunday affects salvation. Excuse me? I don't remember there being anything in Jesus' teachings about going to church having an impact on salvation. Belief in Jesus as the only way to salvation is the ONLY way to salvation. How much simpler can that be? This has all come about because a friend of a friend has been getting serious pressure from her family because she has joined TCABH. Man I wish they were as concerned about feeding the hungry, nuturing the young and ministering to the sick as they were about what day people decided to grace the inside of a freakin' building. For the love people, it's about a relationship, not a day of the week.
Okay off my soapbox. It just bugs the ever-loving stew out of me when supposed Christians begin attacking other Christians over trivial matters. What a waste.
I have about decided that there are people in the so-called Christian community that cause much more harm than good. First there is some idiot in McCain's camp that is relating Obama to the Anti-Christ. Really?! While Obama is not and ideal candidate (not that McCain is either), calling him the Anti-Christ is a bit over the top. Later I heard he was just kidding and relating it more to how the media has annointed him as the "chosen one." But, the whole thing still bothered me. This one comment, flippant or not, really doesn't help the campaign and makes it look like Obama is being picked on. Stick with the issues and leave Biblical comments to those who are smarter about those kinds of things.
Another batch of weirdos are those who are quite insistent that worshipping on Sunday is false teaching and worshipping on Sunday affects salvation. Excuse me? I don't remember there being anything in Jesus' teachings about going to church having an impact on salvation. Belief in Jesus as the only way to salvation is the ONLY way to salvation. How much simpler can that be? This has all come about because a friend of a friend has been getting serious pressure from her family because she has joined TCABH. Man I wish they were as concerned about feeding the hungry, nuturing the young and ministering to the sick as they were about what day people decided to grace the inside of a freakin' building. For the love people, it's about a relationship, not a day of the week.
Okay off my soapbox. It just bugs the ever-loving stew out of me when supposed Christians begin attacking other Christians over trivial matters. What a waste.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Ever Have One of Those Days?
Not really a bad day, just one where at the end of it you wonder where the day went? I guess I got stuff accomplished at work today but it sure doesn't seem like it. Everytime I turned around something else had popped up that needed my attention. I have a report that I am trying to finish so I can get back to membership data clean-up but the gremlins seem to be conspiring against me. :-)
I finally joined the party and got Netflix tonight. I'm trying the one movie at a time, unlimited rentals thing. Seems like a good deal and once I get two movies a month, it's cheaper than Blockbuster. I loaded my list with drama, comedy, drama, comedy. That way there's nothing too heavy over and over and I can see movies I've wanted to see but were too cheap to see in the theater (that's most movies produced since 1995).
For those two or three people who actually read this thing, I am trying to be better about posting. I go in spurts where I'm inspired but since God is stirring something new in me in terms of what's next career-wise, I thought having an online outlet for my thoughts and emotions would probably be a good thing.
Until next time...
I finally joined the party and got Netflix tonight. I'm trying the one movie at a time, unlimited rentals thing. Seems like a good deal and once I get two movies a month, it's cheaper than Blockbuster. I loaded my list with drama, comedy, drama, comedy. That way there's nothing too heavy over and over and I can see movies I've wanted to see but were too cheap to see in the theater (that's most movies produced since 1995).
For those two or three people who actually read this thing, I am trying to be better about posting. I go in spurts where I'm inspired but since God is stirring something new in me in terms of what's next career-wise, I thought having an online outlet for my thoughts and emotions would probably be a good thing.
Until next time...
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
WOW!!
Got a really neat e-mail yesterday from 1Way telling me that they had received a donation to completely cover my airfare to AZ!! $400 was donated by someone anonymously for me. What?! I can't imagine who would do that for me. Our God is so awesome. He'd already provided the money for my airfare and rental car and now He's allowing for it to be given back to me. How can I possibly thank Him or the donor enough? Words don't even adequately express my gratitude. Now I'm just trying to get my head around it being okay that I don't know who the benefactor is. My OCD self likes knowing the details. :-)
I won't be able to update while I'm in AZ but I'll have detailed reports when I get back. I'm excited about going, can't wait, wish I didn't have to fly, but really looking forward to what God will do.
Specific prayer requests:
- Peace for me while flying (flights leave at 5:30pm the 24th and 8:30am the 31st)
- Comraderie for the team. There are 60+ people on this trip. Pray that God knits us together and we are able to focus on why we're there as opposed to what we are there to do
- Safety - we're in the desert and it will be hot. Pray that we all remember to drink lots of water, stay away from animals and avoid any nasty bugs
- Openess of the people - the TO reservation is ripe for harvest. They crave the Gospel if only people will share it. Please pray for my discernment and boldness to share the Gospel. This is SERIOUSLY outside my comfort zone but so vitally important.
- Endurance - we'll be keeping up with kids in the afternoons and evenings. Pray that we can endure the heat and focus on loving on kids and sharing God's love with them
- First Baptist Papago - this is a wonderful faith family led by Jay Juan. Pray that they continue to be the light in the darkness and a place of refuge for the hurting. Give Jay boldness to continue preaching the Word and reaching the lost
I won't be able to update while I'm in AZ but I'll have detailed reports when I get back. I'm excited about going, can't wait, wish I didn't have to fly, but really looking forward to what God will do.
Specific prayer requests:
- Peace for me while flying (flights leave at 5:30pm the 24th and 8:30am the 31st)
- Comraderie for the team. There are 60+ people on this trip. Pray that God knits us together and we are able to focus on why we're there as opposed to what we are there to do
- Safety - we're in the desert and it will be hot. Pray that we all remember to drink lots of water, stay away from animals and avoid any nasty bugs
- Openess of the people - the TO reservation is ripe for harvest. They crave the Gospel if only people will share it. Please pray for my discernment and boldness to share the Gospel. This is SERIOUSLY outside my comfort zone but so vitally important.
- Endurance - we'll be keeping up with kids in the afternoons and evenings. Pray that we can endure the heat and focus on loving on kids and sharing God's love with them
- First Baptist Papago - this is a wonderful faith family led by Jay Juan. Pray that they continue to be the light in the darkness and a place of refuge for the hurting. Give Jay boldness to continue preaching the Word and reaching the lost
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Laminin
If you haven't already seen the Laminin video on YouTube, you MUST go see it. It is the most amazing video this science geek has seen since Indescribable. Being the geek that I am, I actually Googled laminin to make sure this wasn't some manipulation. Not that I don't trust Louie Giglio but I wanted to see for myself. Sure enough, I found enough "scientific" pictures that match what Louie shows that it is the real deal.
If this doesn't blow your mind, you need to have your head examined. :-)
I hope this link works. If not, go to YouTube (or if you're mom, have a student show you how) and put in Laminin. You want the second video posted by some guy named tsunkatsemaster. It's about 9 minutes long and well worth the time.
If this doesn't blow your mind, you need to have your head examined. :-)
I hope this link works. If not, go to YouTube (or if you're mom, have a student show you how) and put in Laminin. You want the second video posted by some guy named tsunkatsemaster. It's about 9 minutes long and well worth the time.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Our God is an Awesome God!!!
Just had to post and share this. Aside from owing the state of Alabama $114, I had an amazing day! While driving home, I saw my e-mail light was flashing on my phone. When I stopped to use the bathroom and get something to drink, I checked it. (No, not while driving, as addicted as I may be to my crackberry, I draw the line at checking e-mails while driving.) I found an e-mail from Debby Bowers, Brook Hills' Assimilation Minister. It generated a few questions in my mind so I called her to ask my questions. While talking to her she mentioned that her ministry assistant was quitting and would I be willing to be the temporary ministry assistant. Would I?! How was Debby to know that her question was a HUGE answer to prayer? She was even willing to work around my schedule issues when they arise. This is so amazing because I spent much of the weekend focused on monetary issues and was coming back to try and find a part-time job to help pay some bills. Here a job was basically dropped in my lap. How awesome is it that God gives us what we need before we even have a chance to share the request with people asking for prayer?? Needless to say, I will be very busy in the next few weeks trying to balance dissertation data collection and working basically full-time but God has provided and it's my responsibility to follow this through. Praising the Lord tonight for sure!!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Life Update and Concert
I did hear back from IHS that they have my application. Of course, nothing beyond that. Dadgum government beurocrats. I guess it's just another way God is teaching me patience. Or maybe insight into His sense of humor. As most of you know (unless you've been hiding under a rock) Atlanta was hit pretty hard by a tornado Friday night. One of the venues damaged was the Georgia World Congress Center, the scheduled home of the CDC job fair I was planning to attend. Continuing along my patience/God's sense of humor journey, the job fair was cancelled. UGH! Oh well, I got to spend the day working on a paper I'm writing with my advisor and catching up on some Bible reading.
One nice thing from this weekend was I got to attend the Steven Curtis Chapman concert in Macon last night. It was the final night of his "Live in This Moment" tour and they came ready to play. The concert lasted 3 hours! Really unheard of in this day and age. It's kind of neat to see how his music has progressed since I last saw him in concert (15 years ago). His music and the message have matured. He has some beautiful songs that have such a wonderful message behind them. He's also got two of his sons in the band with him now. Both are very talented young men. One of them, Caleb is working on branching out on his own I think.
An interesting side note to the concert...I'm always amazed at how God gives you what you need to hear when you need to hear it regardless of the venue. Last night, SCC played a good bit of his old stuff and the format was done through listener requests on his website. Some of the songs played were "Great Expectations" and "God is God (and I am not)." These are not songs he usually sings in concerts so I know it was a divine appointment and God wanted me to hear that message. It just came through a different setting.
I guess that's enough of an update; I'm off to do my Alabama taxes. Done with the feds and getting a refund. :-) Let's see how much I owe Alabama...
One nice thing from this weekend was I got to attend the Steven Curtis Chapman concert in Macon last night. It was the final night of his "Live in This Moment" tour and they came ready to play. The concert lasted 3 hours! Really unheard of in this day and age. It's kind of neat to see how his music has progressed since I last saw him in concert (15 years ago). His music and the message have matured. He has some beautiful songs that have such a wonderful message behind them. He's also got two of his sons in the band with him now. Both are very talented young men. One of them, Caleb is working on branching out on his own I think.
An interesting side note to the concert...I'm always amazed at how God gives you what you need to hear when you need to hear it regardless of the venue. Last night, SCC played a good bit of his old stuff and the format was done through listener requests on his website. Some of the songs played were "Great Expectations" and "God is God (and I am not)." These are not songs he usually sings in concerts so I know it was a divine appointment and God wanted me to hear that message. It just came through a different setting.
I guess that's enough of an update; I'm off to do my Alabama taxes. Done with the feds and getting a refund. :-) Let's see how much I owe Alabama...
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Don'tcha Love DVR?
I love watching TV on my DVR. I feel so much more productive. I can skip commercials, boring AI performances and annoying Ryan Secreast babble. How sad is this? But, I can watch shows I enjoy and still have time for other things. God gives us technology for a reason. :-)
On another note: still no word from the IHS. I even e-mailed the contact person to check and though she usually e-mails rather quickly (within 2 hours), this time I haven't heard from her since I sent the e-mail at 8:15 Monday morning. I'm trying to tell myself that she might be on vacation or out sick, I just want to hear something. I feel so strongly that this is where God wants me. Am I projecting what I want? Sometimes I just wish God still spoke through burning bushes. :-)
On yet another note: have you checked out airfare lately? Good Grief! The cheapest ticket to AZ right now is $316 and that one is on tiny planes and leaves at 6:00 on Continental. The Delta flight I took last October is over $450! The big prayer tonight is that flight prices will moderate or God will open the floodgates of financial support for me. I don't really care which. :-)
On another note: still no word from the IHS. I even e-mailed the contact person to check and though she usually e-mails rather quickly (within 2 hours), this time I haven't heard from her since I sent the e-mail at 8:15 Monday morning. I'm trying to tell myself that she might be on vacation or out sick, I just want to hear something. I feel so strongly that this is where God wants me. Am I projecting what I want? Sometimes I just wish God still spoke through burning bushes. :-)
On yet another note: have you checked out airfare lately? Good Grief! The cheapest ticket to AZ right now is $316 and that one is on tiny planes and leaves at 6:00 on Continental. The Delta flight I took last October is over $450! The big prayer tonight is that flight prices will moderate or God will open the floodgates of financial support for me. I don't really care which. :-)
Thursday, March 6, 2008
How Great is Our God?!
So, I heard from OneWay that the May trip I wanted was getting close to full so I e-mailed practically begging for one spot. I also asked how much I owed. I knew I had a credit I just wasn't sure how much. So, Sheryl e-mailed me back that yes there was a spot and I had a $300 credit. That completely pays for my trip!! Minus airfare of course. Where the awesome God part comes in is that I didn't think I had nearly that large of a credit in my account. It's obvious God wants me in Arizona in May. Now we just have to pray down airline ticket prices. :-)
And pray that the federal government (namely IHS) gets in gear and lets me know something. Even proof they have my application would be nice. I know, I know patience is a virtue.
And pray that the federal government (namely IHS) gets in gear and lets me know something. Even proof they have my application would be nice. I know, I know patience is a virtue.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Irony Anyone?
This is a headline from my hometown newspaper:
Crematorium building burns at Gray funeral home
You just can't make this stuff up. :-)
Crematorium building burns at Gray funeral home
You just can't make this stuff up. :-)
Changing the World
I added the Margaret Mead quote this evening mainly because I can't get it out of my head. I've been thinking about it for a while in the context of how Christians have changed the world. If you really think about it, Christians have never changed the world using a mass group effort. In fact, mass group efforts usually fail and make Christians look silly (Disney boycott anyone). Getting to the root of the matter, Jesus used small groups (12 and then 3) and then unleashed those 12 to change the world forever. The first church had only 120 people. They rocked the world like never before. Small groups are still making mass change all over the world: feeding the hungry, healing the sick, loving the unloved. That's how the world will be won for Christ, by showing His love and sharing the Gospel. Think about it. Whose life can you change?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
What's Next...
Since coming back from Arizona in October, I've felt a pull to figure out some way to work with Native American populations full time. I was blessed to be introduced to Dr. Judy Thierry, the national Maternal and Child Health director for the Indian Health Service (IHS). While she was a wonderful person to contact and meet in person, she told me there are very few non-clinical jobs available at IHS. So, I came away from that encounter encouraged but discouraged at the same time.
Well, fast-foward a few months and lo and behold, I get an announcement about an Emerging Leaders Program at IHS. They are looking for people interested in public health (hey, that's me), possessing a bachelor's or masters' degree (hey, me again!) to apply for a two-year program in Rockville, MD. Could this possibly be God opening the door for me? Well, I read through the application and it looks doable. So, over the objections of my advisor (he really doesn't understand callings), I have applied. The application went off yesterday (2/27) and I hope to hear something positive back from them. While it won't be Sells, it will get me into the system and who knows what else God might have planned.
Well, fast-foward a few months and lo and behold, I get an announcement about an Emerging Leaders Program at IHS. They are looking for people interested in public health (hey, that's me), possessing a bachelor's or masters' degree (hey, me again!) to apply for a two-year program in Rockville, MD. Could this possibly be God opening the door for me? Well, I read through the application and it looks doable. So, over the objections of my advisor (he really doesn't understand callings), I have applied. The application went off yesterday (2/27) and I hope to hear something positive back from them. While it won't be Sells, it will get me into the system and who knows what else God might have planned.
Pictures from Arizona
Update Part 5
This should pretty much catch things up from the old blog. Well, except for pictures...
Post from 10/27:
Okay, it's been a few days. Sorry about that. By Wednesday of the trip, we had all gotten into the swing of things and the way life in Arizona works. It was such a God thing to watch how well our team blended together and accomplished what God wanted us to accomplish. There was no "Brook Hills" or "FBC Alpharetta" or "Owensboro", we were all part of God's team there to minister to the lost. So neat to watch God at work.
I think I've mentioned most of the people or events that really impressed me. What I'm left remembering most of all other than the people is the stark beauty of that part of the country. I had such a "Hollywood" view of what Arizona looked like. Part of that was changed when my mom and I drove through AZ in 2003 but Southern Arizona is so different than Northern Arizona so the impressions were changed all over again. The contrast between flatness of desert and mountains rising up out of the desert is amazing to see. Looking down on the valleys from 7,000 feet at the Kitt Peak Observatory was awesome! It was like you could see for miles. Actually, the air is so clear, you could see for miles. Probably the coolest thing was getting to see the Milky Way with my own eyes, no telescope needed! The night we saw that, I felt God's presence in a way I've never felt before. How anyone can look at that and not believe in a divine creator blows my mind.
Since getting back, there have been ups and downs (as expected). But, the ups have far outweighed the downs. I still get so excited about sharing and that just fuels the ups. I did hear from the IHS official and she was very positive about my getting more experience and working to see if life in Indian Health Service is for me. Unfortunately, most of the jobs are clinical in nature (as opposed to public health in nature) so it'll be a God thing if a job develops in Sells. But, I'm continuing my faith journey to see what God has in store for me. I'm working with a discipler to work through what God is teaching me and to help me process the journey. It's always good to have accountability from a sister in Christ.
One huge blessing since returning...one of the women from FBC Alpharetta has sent several e-mails detailing her experiences as well as useful teaching she's run across since returning. Those stories have been such an encouragement for me and always seem to say exactly what I need to hear/read at that moment. Ain't it great how God has this whole thing rigged? :-)
Post from 10/27:
Okay, it's been a few days. Sorry about that. By Wednesday of the trip, we had all gotten into the swing of things and the way life in Arizona works. It was such a God thing to watch how well our team blended together and accomplished what God wanted us to accomplish. There was no "Brook Hills" or "FBC Alpharetta" or "Owensboro", we were all part of God's team there to minister to the lost. So neat to watch God at work.
I think I've mentioned most of the people or events that really impressed me. What I'm left remembering most of all other than the people is the stark beauty of that part of the country. I had such a "Hollywood" view of what Arizona looked like. Part of that was changed when my mom and I drove through AZ in 2003 but Southern Arizona is so different than Northern Arizona so the impressions were changed all over again. The contrast between flatness of desert and mountains rising up out of the desert is amazing to see. Looking down on the valleys from 7,000 feet at the Kitt Peak Observatory was awesome! It was like you could see for miles. Actually, the air is so clear, you could see for miles. Probably the coolest thing was getting to see the Milky Way with my own eyes, no telescope needed! The night we saw that, I felt God's presence in a way I've never felt before. How anyone can look at that and not believe in a divine creator blows my mind.
Since getting back, there have been ups and downs (as expected). But, the ups have far outweighed the downs. I still get so excited about sharing and that just fuels the ups. I did hear from the IHS official and she was very positive about my getting more experience and working to see if life in Indian Health Service is for me. Unfortunately, most of the jobs are clinical in nature (as opposed to public health in nature) so it'll be a God thing if a job develops in Sells. But, I'm continuing my faith journey to see what God has in store for me. I'm working with a discipler to work through what God is teaching me and to help me process the journey. It's always good to have accountability from a sister in Christ.
One huge blessing since returning...one of the women from FBC Alpharetta has sent several e-mails detailing her experiences as well as useful teaching she's run across since returning. Those stories have been such an encouragement for me and always seem to say exactly what I need to hear/read at that moment. Ain't it great how God has this whole thing rigged? :-)
Update Part 4
Post from 10/17:
I think one of the biggest blessings on this trip (aside from the people I met) was the amount of sleep JT allowed us to get. His summer trips are notorious for the lack of sleep workers get. We were fortunate to be finished most nights by 10 and able to sleep until 6 or so. For me, that made a huge difference. Thanks JT!!
The mornings of our first three days we went to the local nursing home on the reservation. This was a beautiful facility that had wonderful staff who truly cared for the residents. We as "white people" could take a serious lesson from the way Native Americans treat their elders. Our nicest nursing home facilities don't look like this one. Our elders have given us so much, we should do the same for them in the final years. The residents were wonderful people who loved to visit. Of coure, some only spoke O'Odham, the native language, so communication was left to smiles and miming gestures. One lady I sat with the first day, Rosita, was hard of hearing but was determined to teach me (and those around me) O'Odham. We were playing a version on bingo with English and O'Odham words and she would make me repeat the O'Odham words each time she said one. It was really a cool experience for a few reasons: first of all, I was told Rosita didn't talk to white people because a white person stole something from her shop years ago and she distrusted all of them. Secondly, most elders don't teach the language to white people and she had no reservations about it. We also spent time painting, playing "real" Bingo and wheelchair basketball. These were such sweet people who wanted nothing more than to visit with anyone who was willing to sit and listen.
Most of my afternoons were spent working with the children on their homework and then playing on the playground while the men worked on fence and construction. One sweet child, Ashley, came by everyday and I think she created homework so she could get some specific attention from us. Since they are so far behind academically, any extra work was a blessing for her. The kids are at least 2 years behind other kids off the reservation. They get even further behind because education is not always valued by their parents. If they don't want to go to school, they don't. Plus, their school year is only 145 days compared to 180+ in most areas. Teachers with a love of children are desperately needed at all levels on the reservation.
One afternoon, the girls were given the task of doing some serious demo. There was a ceiling that had to be "de-constructed" so the team this week could rebuild that room. So, we donned masks and begin pulling sheetrock down. Talk about fun! Who knew demo could be so much fun. I now know why the Extreme Home Makeover people enjoy demo day so much. :-) We also carted off old pews, demolished an old, non-functioning organ and anything else we could find. I'd love to see pictures of the "after" process.
I think one of the biggest blessings on this trip (aside from the people I met) was the amount of sleep JT allowed us to get. His summer trips are notorious for the lack of sleep workers get. We were fortunate to be finished most nights by 10 and able to sleep until 6 or so. For me, that made a huge difference. Thanks JT!!
The mornings of our first three days we went to the local nursing home on the reservation. This was a beautiful facility that had wonderful staff who truly cared for the residents. We as "white people" could take a serious lesson from the way Native Americans treat their elders. Our nicest nursing home facilities don't look like this one. Our elders have given us so much, we should do the same for them in the final years. The residents were wonderful people who loved to visit. Of coure, some only spoke O'Odham, the native language, so communication was left to smiles and miming gestures. One lady I sat with the first day, Rosita, was hard of hearing but was determined to teach me (and those around me) O'Odham. We were playing a version on bingo with English and O'Odham words and she would make me repeat the O'Odham words each time she said one. It was really a cool experience for a few reasons: first of all, I was told Rosita didn't talk to white people because a white person stole something from her shop years ago and she distrusted all of them. Secondly, most elders don't teach the language to white people and she had no reservations about it. We also spent time painting, playing "real" Bingo and wheelchair basketball. These were such sweet people who wanted nothing more than to visit with anyone who was willing to sit and listen.
Most of my afternoons were spent working with the children on their homework and then playing on the playground while the men worked on fence and construction. One sweet child, Ashley, came by everyday and I think she created homework so she could get some specific attention from us. Since they are so far behind academically, any extra work was a blessing for her. The kids are at least 2 years behind other kids off the reservation. They get even further behind because education is not always valued by their parents. If they don't want to go to school, they don't. Plus, their school year is only 145 days compared to 180+ in most areas. Teachers with a love of children are desperately needed at all levels on the reservation.
One afternoon, the girls were given the task of doing some serious demo. There was a ceiling that had to be "de-constructed" so the team this week could rebuild that room. So, we donned masks and begin pulling sheetrock down. Talk about fun! Who knew demo could be so much fun. I now know why the Extreme Home Makeover people enjoy demo day so much. :-) We also carted off old pews, demolished an old, non-functioning organ and anything else we could find. I'd love to see pictures of the "after" process.
Update Part 3
Post from 10/16:
There are way too many highlights to share in one post so I'll probably do two or three to give the full picture of what really went down last week. The first thing I noticed was that I had absolutely no fear flying. Sure the valium helped and I wasn't the best flyer in the world but I know without a shadow of a doubt that I was COVERED in prayer and it made a huge difference.
Coming into the Tuscon airport, the first thing I noticed was how flat everything was. That and we came into Gate 4. Not Gate B4 or A4 or T4, Gate 4. Talk about a small airport. :-) There were also cacti in the parking lot. The drive to Sells was starkly beautiful. I'd been to Northern Arizona before but the landscape here was so different. (As an aside, isn't it neat how God designed His earth; He knew we would bore easily so He gave us lots to appreciate.) There were cactus everywhere. And no, there was no tumbleweed; that's Northern AZ. As we got closer to Sells, you could see very few signs that we were approaching civilization. Sells is a town established by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1909 and it doesn't seem like it's changed too much since then. It is very small and we saw the town in about 10 minutes.
It was amazing how quickly the children appeared once they discovered we were there. The needs were evident the minute they opened their mouths to giggle or ask us to help them across the monkey bars. The black spots on their teeth were evidence of poor dental care and a lack of attention from mom and/or dad. But, the sounds of their giggles melted my heart immediately. These kids couldn't get enough closeness. They didn't want to just sit next to us, they wanted to sit on us. They craved the attention and we craved giving it to them.
I think the first couple of days taught me flexibility. The TO have their own timetable. Church started at 11:00ish. The schedule for us was constantly changing and the answer to "what's next" was usually "I don't know." For control freaks like me, it was a lesson in letting God work and backing off my agenda. I also had to get used to the wild dogs that appeared any time the kids did or it was meal time. I'm used to nice, clean Barney. These dogs were nasty to say the least.
We did see some awesome displays of God's glory. At Brook Hills, we've been praying for things to happen in such a way that only God could get the glory. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get a handle on what that looks like. Well, God showed me almost immediately. Saturday night, JT had us pray for the men of the nation and for God to send men to church on Sunday even if they didn't know why they were coming. Usually, First Papago Baptist has 2-3 men in attendance. This past Sunday, there were 7! One of whom Jay (the TO pastor) didn't even know. Jay knows EVERYONE so for him not to know this guy just proved God was moving in an awesome way. I was privileged to be a part of that. I guess that should be all for this post since it's already so long.
There are way too many highlights to share in one post so I'll probably do two or three to give the full picture of what really went down last week. The first thing I noticed was that I had absolutely no fear flying. Sure the valium helped and I wasn't the best flyer in the world but I know without a shadow of a doubt that I was COVERED in prayer and it made a huge difference.
Coming into the Tuscon airport, the first thing I noticed was how flat everything was. That and we came into Gate 4. Not Gate B4 or A4 or T4, Gate 4. Talk about a small airport. :-) There were also cacti in the parking lot. The drive to Sells was starkly beautiful. I'd been to Northern Arizona before but the landscape here was so different. (As an aside, isn't it neat how God designed His earth; He knew we would bore easily so He gave us lots to appreciate.) There were cactus everywhere. And no, there was no tumbleweed; that's Northern AZ. As we got closer to Sells, you could see very few signs that we were approaching civilization. Sells is a town established by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1909 and it doesn't seem like it's changed too much since then. It is very small and we saw the town in about 10 minutes.
It was amazing how quickly the children appeared once they discovered we were there. The needs were evident the minute they opened their mouths to giggle or ask us to help them across the monkey bars. The black spots on their teeth were evidence of poor dental care and a lack of attention from mom and/or dad. But, the sounds of their giggles melted my heart immediately. These kids couldn't get enough closeness. They didn't want to just sit next to us, they wanted to sit on us. They craved the attention and we craved giving it to them.
I think the first couple of days taught me flexibility. The TO have their own timetable. Church started at 11:00ish. The schedule for us was constantly changing and the answer to "what's next" was usually "I don't know." For control freaks like me, it was a lesson in letting God work and backing off my agenda. I also had to get used to the wild dogs that appeared any time the kids did or it was meal time. I'm used to nice, clean Barney. These dogs were nasty to say the least.
We did see some awesome displays of God's glory. At Brook Hills, we've been praying for things to happen in such a way that only God could get the glory. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get a handle on what that looks like. Well, God showed me almost immediately. Saturday night, JT had us pray for the men of the nation and for God to send men to church on Sunday even if they didn't know why they were coming. Usually, First Papago Baptist has 2-3 men in attendance. This past Sunday, there were 7! One of whom Jay (the TO pastor) didn't even know. Jay knows EVERYONE so for him not to know this guy just proved God was moving in an awesome way. I was privileged to be a part of that. I guess that should be all for this post since it's already so long.
Update Part 2
Post from 10/15
Man the enemy is swift. We all knew coming back from the trip that the enemy would attack and he didn't wait long. I found out last night that the church isn't hiring a singles' minister any time soon and the explanation isn't really clear. It's an area that I've had to work on for 2.5 years and I thought the church administration knew that this is an important area but I guess not. It's frustrating that we as a group of singles are tithing, serving, missions-minded members and our needs for leadership are continually ignored. Oh well, I'll keep working on what God calls me to do and tell the enemy to stuff it. :-)
The additional frustration came today. None of my research assistants were able to collect data last week and one of them has had to back out to work on her own project. A second one is dealing with some health issues and can't collect data this week either. This dissertation is getting more frustrating by the day, especially since I want to be finished so badly so I can move on to an area where I can actually help people instead of writing over and over. Can I go back to Arizona? Life's much simpler there. :-)
Man the enemy is swift. We all knew coming back from the trip that the enemy would attack and he didn't wait long. I found out last night that the church isn't hiring a singles' minister any time soon and the explanation isn't really clear. It's an area that I've had to work on for 2.5 years and I thought the church administration knew that this is an important area but I guess not. It's frustrating that we as a group of singles are tithing, serving, missions-minded members and our needs for leadership are continually ignored. Oh well, I'll keep working on what God calls me to do and tell the enemy to stuff it. :-)
The additional frustration came today. None of my research assistants were able to collect data last week and one of them has had to back out to work on her own project. A second one is dealing with some health issues and can't collect data this week either. This dissertation is getting more frustrating by the day, especially since I want to be finished so badly so I can move on to an area where I can actually help people instead of writing over and over. Can I go back to Arizona? Life's much simpler there. :-)
Where the Journey Started
Since I had an old blog, I decided to transfer those posts into this blog so new people could see where I've come from and how this journey all got started...
Post from 10/14:
Wow, how can one week (2% of a year) make SO much difference in my life? I just got back from Southern Arizona and I cannot begin to adequately express all that God did in my life. I feel such a pull to that part of the world and the TO people that my heart actually hurts and longs for them. It's amazing how quickly the sweet women and children can wrap themselves around your heart in a way that probably won't ever come unwrapped.
I saw so many instances this week of things that happened in ways that only God can get the glory. From men coming to church (doesn't happen there often) to women coming in droves for a woman's conference, to seeing the Milky Way with my own eyes, the list could go on for days!
I will be spending the next few weeks processing all that I learned and developing ways that needs can be met. The needs are so many and the workers are so few. I'm obviously praying that God will show me a way to help meet those needs utilizing people here and people on the ground there. I am asking for prayers as I seek to do what God desires for me to do in the timing He desires. Please join me in praying for the TO Nation and for Pastor Jay Juan. The enemy is at work on the reservation and our prayers can help support Jay and his ministry and defeat the enemy!
Post from 10/14:
Wow, how can one week (2% of a year) make SO much difference in my life? I just got back from Southern Arizona and I cannot begin to adequately express all that God did in my life. I feel such a pull to that part of the world and the TO people that my heart actually hurts and longs for them. It's amazing how quickly the sweet women and children can wrap themselves around your heart in a way that probably won't ever come unwrapped.
I saw so many instances this week of things that happened in ways that only God can get the glory. From men coming to church (doesn't happen there often) to women coming in droves for a woman's conference, to seeing the Milky Way with my own eyes, the list could go on for days!
I will be spending the next few weeks processing all that I learned and developing ways that needs can be met. The needs are so many and the workers are so few. I'm obviously praying that God will show me a way to help meet those needs utilizing people here and people on the ground there. I am asking for prayers as I seek to do what God desires for me to do in the timing He desires. Please join me in praying for the TO Nation and for Pastor Jay Juan. The enemy is at work on the reservation and our prayers can help support Jay and his ministry and defeat the enemy!
New Blog Location
I didn't really like the livejournal format so I decided to go with one that many of my friends had used successfully. Hopefully with an easier format, I'll post more often. :-) I really want to keep posting so everyone can follow along with me on this journey God seems to have me on. Keep checking in for posts.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)