20 Questions in A Can

Last night a younger boy came up to me asking for "vI-aynuh 'tages". I didn't have a clue what he was saying so I asked him to repeat "vIII-aynuh 'tages" As someone who prides herself in working with strong accents, this one threw me. I asked him to describe it figuring I could probably figure it out.

"They're in a can"

Great, yeah that helps. Animal, mineral, vegetable? He also said their edible, but wouldn't give me any more description

After a long awkward pause his mom popped out into the asile. "He's asking for vIIII-aynah sausages"

It took me a minute then I realized....ohhh Vienna Sausages. Gotta love the West Texan use of vowels.

Quick Flashback: Formerly: For My Students & Coworkers....

Heather was unable to download her footage from Christmas '05, but I still keep hope alive that one day I'll get to put that together. That stuff is too priceless! Maybe I'll just have to go down to her house myself and pry it out of her hands. =0)) So in lieu of that I put a little slideshow together with a clip of music I picked up at the mall before I left to come back to the US. (hmmm...why does it make me think of drag queens????)

Christmas In Review

My Christmas ended very full and warm. I had two dinners and ended the night with Amber and her friend driving around the quiet streets here in West TX. (Well...actually I ended it on the phone...but I'm getting off my point. ;0))

My time in Asia really helped me understand the Christmas story and picture it in my mind. As I sing those famous carols I recall seeing women who deliver babies in dirty dark hole-in-the-wall places with little fanfare (the stable in which Jesus was born was not as sanitary as our little nativity scenes portray)I've visited tribes were women give birth completely alone. I've seen very young girls face harsh realities. I sat with the poor who had nothing and yet so much to give.

I enjoyed my Christmas this year. I haven't shopped one bit and just taken in the time with friends and simple things of life. Tomorrow I'll shop in preparation for visiting my folks....but there isn't the same pressures as before the holidays =0))

Here is part of an email I sent out last year on Christmas day.

The stocking opening at my house with Rox, Georgia, and Crystal was
quite fun. Our clinic celebration was peaceful and everyone was
together for most of it. [the students].... and their crew did an
amazing job.

I just returned from..[the slums]. There was a fresh outpouring of
open sewer across my path to get to a friend's house. Like the old
kid's song goes...can't go over it...can't go under it...can't go
around it...gotta go through it.

My friend's husband was drunk, one kid just diagnosed with TB, and the
rest of the kids have colds. As I passed everyone saying "Maarrrry
Creeezmas" I was just reminded of God's love. Jesus came to dwell
among men and lead us to the Father. That same God cares just as much
now. It's just so stinking hard at times.

Crazy Christmas Begins

Right after church I started my shift at work and just barely got out in time to make it to the evening Christmas Eve service. On my way out of the store I picked up the mini tree we had at the dollar area now 50% (plus my employee discount). I threw on a few lights and....well...its' pretty pathetic. At least its a step above Leahs tree last year in Asia (or was that a twig?)

Plan A and B failed for Chirstmas so it looks like I may go to a random person from church's house. I was blessed with a few images of the day.

- everyone at church huddled on one side of the sanctuary to celebrate the day
- a little blond haired tyke with the biggest eyes lighting up as she held a snow globe
- a single dad with a huge grin after picking out a modest bag of goodies for his boys
- a smile on the store managers face as we walked out (NEVER seen that before)

Random Advantages to Being Small

When your power locks are currently not working you are able to freely climb in your car via the trunk with little effort.

Foreign Film Night

Amber and I have adopted a random practice of watching a foreign film each week. They have been full of beautiful cinematography and meaning. Tonight we got Motorcycle Diaries - a film I had heard much about. Not until afterward did I realized it was about Che Guevara (only after living in Asia and seeing all the Che Guevara memorabilia did I learn about him)

There is a scene where they are climbing a mountain in a rural area and the one guy plops down and says "this is not humanly possible". AT that moment a little indigenous man flies up the mountain with a burden on his back. I laughed out loud and said "SOOOO true" I remember being near the tribes and seeing the old people fly past me with huge loads. =))

The language was a bit unnecessary, but I loved watching how each of them was changed in some way on their journey. I could so relate when they were parting as Fuser is going home he says he needs to think about things for a while "so much injustice..."

On my desk sits sepia pictures of people from my years overseas that impacted me. In the movie he reflects on the people he meets in sepia.

What will be my response to these questions and injustices? I think about Che and then say someone like Mother Theresa. Both dealt with social injustices and impacted society, but in very different manners. Both were revolutionaries, were they not? Lots to think about.

What Holiday is This?

I feel like I'm in a crazy time warp or something. Last week I stayed over to work half of the overnight shifts, so I got home most nights at 4am. This week that may be 8am. Each day I brace for the craziness of holiday shoppers and the high stress level expressed by the managers. This feels so weird that I almost don't know how to describe it. It doesn't really seem like Christmas to me and sometimes in my apartment I almost forget that its that time of year. But Christmas is a week away!!!!

I still haven't decided how to celebrate Christmas day or found anyone else to invite over (most other young singletons have left). I will miss Christmas Eve service thanks to the retail industry. =0)) I'm thinking about getting a turkey breast...but then I remember I don't have pans...perhaps I can borrow one from the neighbor. O well, it will be a nice day to rest whatever happens.

A Sudden Change of Events...

My Kate is getting married in less than a week and having a baby! Stuff happens fast...boy am I running behind. ;0))

The Modest Christmas Decor

Today when I was cleaning my apartment I figured I should have some holiday decorations. So this is my "tree". I'm thinking about putting lights on the cup. =0))

Working overnights as well as my regular shift has been a bit crazy, but I can foresee an end, so I just take it a day at a time. Tonight I enjoyed a day off and sat on the floor with Amber talking honestly about life and what God desires from us. Quite refreshing.

Semester End

I DID IT!!!!!!!!! I am now officially done with my semester. General Chemistry was my looming hurdle and I'm done. YEEEEHAAAA. Besides my great chemistry teacher who inspired me (and nearly inspired me to go onto medical school but wasn't THAT good) I have to give props to my mom for her encouragement (and Dad on Sunday) and David H who helped me with those looming chemistry questions that always seemed to come at midnight.

Last year at this time it seemed that things were falling apart as it was clear I needed to leave my other ministry. However, God's been so faithful on this new leg of the journey.

I'd love to celebrate, but I am working a double shift most nights this week so I have to go!

If I had a dollar for everytime...

West Texan: "So, you going home for Christmas break?"

Me: "No, my parents are out east"

West Texan: "You mean like Tyler?" [referring to Tyler, TX]

RUF Christmas Party

Here are some photos from the campus fellowship Christmas party. Who knew people in the PCA had so much fun. =0))

There were almost 40 people packed into the living room.









The good looking side of the room. =0)) The girl on my left is a year ahead of me in nursing school and on my right is Della my almost-roommate.















Getting ready for the white elephant gift exchange.














Later in the night someone brings Guitar Hero....basically DDR with a guitar. I have been wondering what all the fuss is about, but when I saw how your average joe can look like a pro on the electric guitar it made sense. I gave it whirl and bombed. (Perhaps when they come out with the symphony version I'll be on board)










Then even later...DDR comes out. By then it was almost midnight and I was tired. I don't know how long things kept going.

Missing the Messiah

Today I read an update from an acquaintance in which she casually mentioned having gone to a performance of Handel's Messiah. I miss that annual event! And by far the best place in which to experience has to be in the little church in Downtown Detroit. From the middle of the upper balcony you can see the orchestra and feel the sounds swell. I know no sweeter sound than that of Worthy is the Lamb resounding on the rafters. ahhhh.

However, the karaoke version Mindy and I belted out driving home in a near blizzard one year was pretty spectacular too. Christmas in Texas is proving to be grounds for new tradition...

Does God Care About Christmas Parties?

Today was a bad day...a royally yucky want to never remember bad day. The chem exam went so badly and afterward I found out if I'd gone with a few gut instincts I would have been right. Once again the washing machine at my building ruined more of my clothes. Then I went to work where irate customers fussed with me for being out of items.

While I was in a moment alone I was having a chat with the Lord. I was telling him how I was having trouble working opposite schedules from my friends and having been secluded for this whole week between trying to stay afloat in work and school. It was probably selfish, but I was laying it out.

There was going to be an RUF Christmas party on Wednesday and I really wanted to go. However, with so many people quitting at work and inflow of new people I couldn't figure out a way to trade shifts. I resigned myself to another missed opportunity.

Then, a coworker asked me to switch a day with her. She's probably the only one in the whole store who could do this. So I get Wednesday off.

Does God care about parties? I don't know. I probably don't deserve it, but it sure is a nice change of events. =0)) Back to my study for finals hermit hole till then....

A New Understanding

It's about 1:30am when I start to head home from work and suddenly I feel a new appreciation for the people at the store around the holidays who aren't as cheerful as I might expect. It will only get worse, I know. I feel like an outsider watching my culture in its frenzy. I don't have much reason to participate in the shopping this year, but I am surrounded by it everyday at work.

When I got home I finished a psych paper to unwind and fretted about Mondays chem exam. Part of my paper was on my experience living with a family in the slums. Suddenly it really hit me just what an amazing adventure God gave me in the Philippines. I hope there are many more to come!

Miss Halfway

Papers are scattered across my apartment - the result of recent hasty searches for keys, financial paperwork for my fraud report, and reciepts for school. My bike sits next to the door adding to the clutter because the complex is trying to figure out which bikes to cut off the rack. My hair is ratty after blowing in the freezing wind as I biked home from school.

I need to write a paper, I need to study for my chem lab exam, and I need to fill out more financial aid papers. I need to get more file folders for my accumuating paperwork. I need to get a coffee with Amber.

Today was orientation for nursing school. My neighbor and I let out sighs when we got home and mused about all the checks we wrote in a 30 minute period. I'm tempted to say "Lord how in the world will all this work out?...Was I crazy for coming here?" But I really do no better.

Now...to prioritize.....

O, and the upside today....I was reminded that scrubs here in the US are sized to AMERICAN sizes. There's always a little boost to realize once again you wear size small scrubs. =0)) Instead of Asian X-Large.

Outside My Apartment This Morning

Random Thoughts Running Through My Mind

Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness. - Mother Teresa

This quote really hit me. I've been quite aware of the power of words in my own life. My current chemistry teacher has motivated me to push past the hard sections and suceed. My last chem teacher told me if I didn't shape up my math I'd kill someone. Both are probably true, but one helped me move forward.

I guess I classify some words/conversations as somewhat noneffective. But then again in most of our daily interactions we only have moments with people. Will what I say be graceful or will it just be part of the rustling sounds of the day that really don't bring any light. Will it resound with kindness, peace, love...?

Mother Teresa talked a lot about poverty of feeling unloved and lonely.
We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty. - MT

Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love. -MT

Tonight I caught a thief in the store. (I wasn't supposed to work tonight, but they are so short right now my boss was willing to approve overtime and asked me to cover a few hours) He was probably about 10 and very persistent. About 30 minutes earlier I heard the call go out for security to watch him because someone else caught him stealing. What saddened me was his obvious boldness, "smarts" and lack of remorse. He completed the deed quickly and left little evidence (but unbeknown to him I had a clear vantage point behind a shelf) Just a few weeks ago I had been a the front desk when a dad brought his young son back in tears because the tike had taken a pencil. The boy quivered as he got out the words "I'm sorry". Two very different scenarios. I wondered what this boy's future might be...All I could do was pray for him that someone would step into his life or that he would get an early wake up call. So young to already be hardened.

Many people mistake our work for our vocation. Our vocation is the love of Jesus. - MT

Adventures in Retail: Holiday #1

This week/weekend has been intense. By about 8pm tonight the store started to quiet down and we got ahead of our work. Normally I close the store with a variety of people. However, I've closed with this same crew Wed-Sun. By tonight I think we just had a sigh of relief and were a little giddy.

Tonight after asking the HR person yet again I got a name tag with my name instead of one that announced I was a new hire (its been 60 days!) For the first time people started calling me by name rather than by my department "hey stationary" "hey H&B". However, after some thought I'm not sure I like the fact random irate strangers can call me by name, so perhaps I'll change it to "Mo" or "Roberta" or something.

My buddy in the guest department paged me on the walkie and asked "do you know this light up penguin...what about the head?" I could hear her laughing which did not help the transmission of info over the fuzzy walkie. I told her I'd go up there and see for myself"

By her posture I could see she was relaxed and a young couple stood at the counter. On the counter was the holiday tinsel and lights light-up yard penguin. The girl explained the one she bought did not have a head and the one she just got from the back had no head either.

She opened the box to show me there was really no room for the head. "So its like a headless penguin" she exclaimed.

Sensing they saw the humor in the situation I looked at her and with a straight face said, "and this is a problem? you can't just use it like that?"

The smiled and I studied the box a bit more. I suddenly realized that the head piece was inverted upside down in the body, but with all the wires and tinsel you couldn't tell. The day was saved and the girl bemoaned they had driven all the way to the store just to have me pull the head out of the belly. O well we had a good laugh.

I went back to the holiday food section only to be asked, "excuse me, what is a cheese chub?"

it was downhill from there.

Black Friday

The downside to living in a warmer climate is that people were wrapped around Best Buy as the sun set on Thursday night. By 1am there was no point in joining the crowd. But, my parents chipped in and along with my little stash I bought a new MP3. (let the long distance running begin again)

Yesterday I ventured out to join a group of relative strangers for Thanksgiving. Most of them I just pass in church, so it was nice to get to know them a bit better.

I talked to Crystal last night and they were having a roaring good time in NC. When she asked what I was doing I said, "sitting on my bamboo mat singing All By Myself". There was sudden silence on the other end....until I said "no! I'm just kidding" (It was Table for Two - Caedmons call ;0))

In my annual tradition, I watched Muppet Christmas Carol and crashed until 1am when my body seemed to be very confused (the normal time I get home for work). Spent some time with the Lord then went back to sleep.

Heat Wave

Its the day before Thanksgiving and I'm in shorts and flip flops. Back to the good ole days! I'm currently pondering if I want to get up and sit outside Best Buy at the crack of dawn Friday (since I'll be working later that day for at least 10 hours) or if I just want to get the cool new shuffle today thats on sale and would be even a sweeter deal with my employee discount.

And the Evening is Redeemed...

A few hours later and....

- the neighbors came home
- we had glorious pumpkin pie and coffee
- I have plans for Thanksgiving

A moment of peace

Last night at work my fellow workers and I were informed the store is now staying open every day until 11pm. I started to panic as I calculated the time I'd get home since I had a big test in chemistry today. I got up early and had about 4 cups of coffee as I went over my notes. I've been doing exercises for dyscalculia (they make me feel like a dork, but if they help...) so I was excited to see what would happen on this test.

I pulled out my MP3 player to get some tunes and tripped. I watched in horror as my MP3 player plunged into my coffee. It worked for about 2 minutes then died. I was wondering if this was an omen.

Luckily it wasn't and I got an A!!!! (hopefully Andrea is too busy in Africa to read that) I almost hugged my professor. Afterward I went to the car wash and then came home to clean my place. I found a pie at the store and brought it home with the intent of inviting my neighbors over. This was a good day.

But then the neighbors weren't home...my friends weren't answering their phones....and others have gone home... So what to do? Rent what is probably the worst Christmas movie EVER, yet the one that holds so many good memories from last year....Surviving Christmas. It's about a guy who is alone for the holidays and tries to rent a family. Its sooooo bad, yet so funny. Last year (you can see pics from Dec on this blog) we watched it Christmas Eve. I think American movies are funnier when you're out of the country.

So, yeah alone for the holidays with my pie (which I'll wait to break open till someone comes over) and a night of respite before the retail storm....

Adventures in Sunday School

Last week at the church picnic one of the moms asked me to sub for her in the 3rd&4th grade Sunday School class. Somewhat cornered with a general desire to help I agreed. I questioned whether or not I was allowed to step in. She asked why I thought I was unqualified and I mumbed "um...I'm kinda new here??..." (I could have elaborated with... I haven't read the Westminster Confession...I don't know the 5 points of Calvanism) But apparently there was little chance of me and the 10 year olds getting into a Calvinist/Armenian or baptism debate, so I was good to go.

When I opened the material in the week I was impressed by the depth to which it studied the commandment that we should not murder. The book continued to emphasize that I needed to drive home the point that killing in war and self defense was not murder. I was a litte worried about this new class since I didn't know the kids. I've had years of experience teaching Sunday school. There were the naughty little boys who lead me to spice up the lessons by lighting things on fire, creating explosions, or breaking things on the ground to keep them interested. (and forget writing and crafts!). Then there were the years of 7th and 8th grade girls who were kind of silent at times....

I forgot how chatty little girls are and I had two that kept going. The one came in the room and upon my announcement of the particular commandment she stated emphatically that this was her most favorite commandment "because its like against killing which is like against war and like I don't think we should be killing in war..." I was thinking, great we're starting out in the dangerous territory.

Things did end up going well and I encouraged them to talk to their parents about some things. =0)) We stuck to the Scriptures and the girls little stores...(wait, now HOW did that apply?)

Could Texans Just Be Nice?

Tonight when I went on break I checked my phone and there was a message from the head state office for my insurance company. The woman with a pleasant voice just said she was representing my agent and thanking me for my business.

But come on....what major insurance group calls you when they think you'll be home at night just to say howdy? I started wracking my brain...I haven't been in an accident...no tickets...WHY would they call. When I got home I checked my account and the check cleared for payment 6 days before it was due.

Hmmm...could this just be a sign of Texan hospitality...

YEAH RIGHT...I'm too pessimistic to believe that. (We'll have to see what a call in the morning turns up)

What Was That?

Have you ever had the experience one day of suddenly realizing that you've heard a song for years, yet never realized what they were singing? The past two days have been full of revelations for me. When D told me she was flying home for a week I said, "O, that's nice...near your birthday too...its great your taking some time off." Little did I remember that next week is Thanksgiving! HELLO! Major US holiday. I guess since I've heard those annoying chimpmunks and flashing musical lights at work for the past two weeks my holiday timing is just off.

So back to the song...I always thought Jimmy Soul sang "get a lovely girl to marry you", but alas his lyrics are so much more funny and true. Too bad this original version is not on Itunes.

If you wanna be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you

(skipping a verse...)

An ug-a-ly woman cooks meals on time
And she'll always give you peace of mind
If you wanna be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you

Don't let your friends say you have no taste
Go ahead and marry anyway
Though her face is ugly, her eyes don't match
Take it from me, she's a better catch

If you wanna be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you

[Spoken:]Say man!Hey baby!I saw your wife the other day!Yeah?Yeah, an' she's ug-leeee!Yeah, she's ugly, but she sure can cook, baby!Yeah, alright!

My Hosptial and Life...

Today I went to the hospital to do my health screenings and lab tests for school. It was weird as I realized this was going to be "my hospital" for the next few years. I hadn't been in it since April when I came to visit and check out the school. All went well and the nice lady at the lab used a butterfly needle.

Afterwards I went to work. I tend to hang out with some of the PC: african american ladies at night after the store closes and were finishing up everything (they are tough and they have my back when we leave late). I told one of them that she should help me find a dress since I'm looking towards some weddings in '07 (its about time for another wave and I know she has taste). She's quite intent that I need a boyfriend and fast. =0)) I'm just not sure I'm on board for her methods (having a sugar daddy pay for implants LOL)

So, pray for me as I try to encourage the ladies here that they are so much more valuable to God than just being “booty call”. They know I’m a Christian and I’m trying to represent Christ and his love. Sometimes I just feel inadequate and like the least likely person God could use. I'm not dynamic and I'm a bit shy. I'm trying...trying to reach out...trying to make connections.

Meeting the Statistics

This morning I got an email from Nic about one of their babies dying in the center in Mozambique. After hours of praying they felt lead to go and leave Lori in the arms of Jesus.

G returned this fall to her tribal area to find that Hope who struggled all of her short life had died the week before.


Yesterday I talked to Crys about her realization of newborn mortaility here in the US...in her hospital.

Children under five are at such high risk...the numbers becomes a bit more real when they have faces. It helps me put life and hard times in perspective. As one medical student told me this week when I was feeling like my brain was about to explode in chemistry "just jump through the hoop, jump through the hoop"

Driving Driving Driving

I'm sorry I couldn't fully capture on film the images I saw today. I spent about 6 hours in the car driving on the plains of Texas. I grew up going through Indiana farm country which is nice, but there is something captivated to me about this area. The wide open horizon is breathtaking at sunset. Most people groan when I mention driving to Abilene or Fort Worth, but in reality I really like the drive.

Granted, you need to take your own tunes since in most spots there will be shady cell coverage and only one country station. However, there are valleys, hills, small ranch houses, and windmills seasoning the path. At sunset the air is crisp and the scruffy vegetation glows in hues of orange, purple, blue, and red. My favorite tunes on my MP3 player coming through the stereo just top off the experience.

As I drove back "home" I realized just how blessed I have been in this place. Sure, no place really feels like what I imagine "home" to feel like since by brain is used to the moving every 3-6 months. However, these wide open spaces are feeling comfortable and I thank the Lord for all he's doing in this out of the way town.

On The Side of the Fence With the Green Grass

Tonight walking out of work one of my coworkers complained to another girl that she had been there "for freak'n 9 months and never got a gift bag". Her comments were in reguards to the bag I carried out. For some reason (I'm not quite sure why) I got a gift card and goody bag to take home from the people in the clerical office. Perhaps someone who really loves this place would deserve it more than me.

When I got in the car I checked out the goods...a Coke...bag of chips...and rubber wrist bracelets advirtising our company - all things I'll probably never use myself. I had to laugh because its so true that we can want something thats really not that great, but it looks so good in someone elses hands.

Don't Forget

To Vote Today! (this message for the few remaining people in my life who are currently NOT in Mozambique or who have managed to establish residency) =0))

Will it be Rick Perry? The grandma who wants to "Shake Austin Up"? or Legalize Pot Kinky Freedman?

On Thursday night NBC will be releasing a producers cut of the episode of the Office on NBC.com (hopefully they keep it up long enough so I can watch at 1am when I'm home from work!)

What to Do for the Weekend

In an wild computer-generated turn of events I'm off 4 days in a row next weekend! (Granted that's less pay, but also less strain on the calves and calcaneus) So I've been thinking that I should do SOMETHING!!! I'll be driving about 2 1/2 hours east to renew my BLS certificate on Friday...but from there the doors are wide open. However, there are some dents in my plan

a. Friends with whom I would hang out are going to be out of town
b. The idea of running a road race in Dallas was shot down by our lack of training and the fact Sarah is in East TX for the weekend.
c. I have no other great ideas

Della's List

I went over to Dellas to do some homework and captured this video

Coming Soon...

Never one to enjoy cheezy Christmas letters, I'm preparing a little digital newsletter of sorts. Order your copy early...Coming December 2006...

My Corporate Retail Career

My work experience seems to be improving as I get to know people and how things work. Inevitably retail around the fall and holidays is going to be crazy. Even the one manager I though hated my guts posted a good note about me on the board. Tonight I was on the closing shift (my usual) and the HR person said to the closing manager that maybe I'd be good for their corporate intern program since I'm doing well.

I think Jim Halpert has the perfect quote to sum up my thoughts:

"...right now, this is a job. If I advance any higher, this would be my career. And if this were my career, I'd have to throw myself in front of a train."

My Very Average Day

Today was pretty normal, but considering many of my friends are negating their blogs, I decided to post. This van is for sale on the side of the highway leading to school and has caught my eye. Had it been a VW I might have been sore tempted to buy it (it's only $700).

Today was also a big chem exam (followed by a big chem lab exam on Monday). Our teacher lets us bring an index card with formulas, so I have mine packed full with color codes.

Beginnings and Endings

Today my Michigan EMT license expires. Because I was licensed before Michigan had the National Program, I have decided to let it go. The idea was that I'd use the money to get a TX midwife license, but I'm still working on that paperwork.

To mark the event I paid my deposit for nursing school.

Using X-ray Vision on the Fridge

Does anyone else look in their fridge expecting that maybe this time something new will appear? I realize that I will open mine around meal time to check even though I know full well there is only water jugs, beans, rice, half pieces of fruit and left over asian noodles. But somehow I have an urge to check. Why? Do I really think a dozen eggs will have been laid in there overnight?

At times like this I miss the little corner store on the street...The kind you find overseas whereby you can walk a few yards and by anything individually. Instead, the only solution is to make the treck to the super-mega food institution and battle the horrible west Texas drivers for a parking space (the drivers who are more deranged on the weekends)...I'll just heat up some noodles.

Breaking News

I got a letter today confirming my tentative acceptance to the nursing program starting in January! Now I just need to pass chemistry.

Pardon me while Corinne Bailey Rae and I put on a record to celebrate!

God's Alarm Clock

This morning I was nudged awake with the thought that I really needed to read Psalm 71. I took this to be the Lord since me being wide awake at 5am must be a divine intervention. ;0)) The crisp morning was quiet as I huddled in my sleeping bag. I remembered I had a few dollars left on a starbucks card someone gave me, so I hopped in the car in my sweats (another out of the ordinary action) and drove down the street to grab a coffee. I came back home, read some more and did some chemistry homework.

Last week I was really struggling and wondering if moving really had been a hair brained idea. However, God has continued to remind me of His faithfulness and how He's brought me to this place for healing. On Sunday our pastor was talking about Luke 1 and the difference in circumstances between the 2 families. He meantioned that this town might be like Nazareth in that someone could ask, "does anything good come from..."

The sermon hit me hard as he talked about how we often seek prestige or how our pride is revealed in that we are ashamed at our circumstances. (Neither John or Jesus' family was wrong, but God was just chosing to come to the lowliest place...he was going on to talk about if we're concerned about our pride or what God is doing...whatever situation) Just minutes before I had talked to a doctor and got the usual "ooooo" when we somehow came around to the fact I had been a midwife. (Plus the usual look away and mention that they used an OB) And then their is the whole job situation in which I often feel ashamed to admit where I work.

I can't put it into words well, but it was hitting me at a raw place and for the first time in my life I wept through a sermon. In a good Baptist church they'd be prepared with klenex on the pews in anticipation of a wonderful altercall, but I guess those in the reformed bent don't use such things. =0)) So, by time it was over and time for communion I was one puffy mess. My instinct was to walk out...but um...isn't that pride that I don't want my fellow church people to see that I cried? It was a good sermon in that it had many assurances of forgiveness and hope.

Maybe something good CAN come from this town in the dusty plains...I sure have been blessed!

A Fabulous Friday

The times when I really should have my camera, I never do. Tonight after work Amber picked me up for a night downtown. We went to this fabulous cafe where she works and enjoyed a fruit/chesse bowl and some good acoustic music from a live band. The deeply colored brick/loft motif was so inviting. We chatted about God, life, guys, and training for the triathalon. Wow, I really needed that.

The Aforementioned Pictures

My favorite running track around the reservoir













(there is a sprint triathalon just 1 week before my birthday, so I'm thinking I might take the challenge. We have so many good bike trails here too. )

My studio is starting to look more like home - The study side of the room with my books and computer. (and exercise ball to keep my 6-pack in shape)














The kitchen (now with some things from around the world above the cabinets. See that group of sepia photos on the right? I hope to get some wall length fabric and hang all my black and whites there too. The light behind the sink area is from the bathroom which is right behind.

And lastly the hammock chair I have borrowed from Andrea while she's in Afraica (I've been looking into getting a black hammock, but that will have to wait.

Stay Tuned!

The last 10 days have been full, so I decided to make today my day of rest. I had anticipated going to some sites around town, but after reviewing the sites online I realized maybe this town is a bit dull. =0)) I made it as far as my favorite running track and the movie theater with Della. I took pictures of my places around town and my apartment (now looking more like home). Stay tuned for pictures....um...soon

Another Good End

It's in my work agreement that I was not supposed to be schedualed this morning, but alas I ended up working 9 hours. Looks like its been fixed on following weeks. The day seemed to drag so slow, even with a few distractions of hunting for items in the back. The computer flashes a big ugly sign at you if it thinks you aren't being efficient enough in helping people (lovely, huh?). As I was preparing to leave I could hear the rolls of thunder and the rain beating on the building. People were lined up at the door waiting for their friends to drive up so they would not get wet.

But me...I just let myself get drenched. The clothes needed to be washed anyway and you can always dry hair. I bent my head back a bit to get the full effect and just took in the cool air. I was sorely tempted to splash in some puddles. Do you remember being a kid and wanting to play in the rain? I highly recommend standing in the rain everynow and then. Sure, let the wrinkle-free pants get wet and the mascara runs like mad, but its quite freeing! And unlike many other places your house doesn't flood....there is no raw sewage floating in the flooding street..and in just a few minutes you can change into something warm.

Good End to the Day

After work I got a text inviting me to a large game of team charades hosted by a friend and some of the kids from Wednesday night Bible study. There is nothing better than to end a day in roars...literally roars of laughter. I came home and typed rough drafts of my psych papers. There may not be a lot in this dusty side of the state, yet each day it seems there are little blessings along the way.

World Series

On my break I watched Oakland take an early lead...however, when I got home I had congratulatory emails letting me know....

DETROIT TIGERS are in the WORLD SERIES

I Missed The Office: Take 2

Well...once again I missed The Office. This evening was the appointed night for gathering to pray over and commission Andrea and Danae as they head off to Africa. You really can't say "sorry, gotta watch the office - can't go pray over you as you embark on this AMAZING experience - anoint your ownself with oil"

Once again I was disappointed in the lousy thrift stores in this town when I found they charge more than $20 for a used VCR (a new one is $40 at the store). Besides, I don't even know if a VCR works with my 5". In what...11 months it will come out on DVD! (And Della and Amber can help me laugh through all the ones I missed)

A Dream and An Email

I had a dream last night that I just decided to fly a southern island where I first lived in Asia because I was missing it so much. Susan (my supervisor in my first clinic) met me and asked why I hadn't brought taco seasoning from the US. =0)) It appeared I had just boarded the plane - no luggage or anything.

Then this morning Northwest emailed me to let me know I could use my airmiles to buy a roundtrip ticket for $670 if I go before the end of November...sorely tempting.

Broken and Healing...

Sometimes I drag my feet on Wednesday night to attend the campus Bible study even though it has had a huge impact on my life in the last 2 months. Tonight was one of those nights. However, I pushed myself to go and as we all sang the new version of "On Jordan's Stormy Banks" and together proclaimed "I am bound! I bound! I am bound for the Promised land!" I realized this was the best place to be!

The teaching tonight was on the Godly woman and I realize as I continue to grow that I am so broken and in need of God's tranformation. After my last blog musings I remembered Bro. Lawrence who was stuck in the kitchen of the monestary and learned to "practice being in the presence of the Lord" even in the mundane task.

Afterward I sipped coffee with some freshman girls. I wondered what advice I had to offer as they shared their boy issues. (they are all amazingly beautiful and constantly approached by guys) Maybe the one thing I can assure them of is that I've found God faithful through all the ups and downs and He cares for us more than we could ever imagine. He wants the very best for us.

Of Life and Vintage Stores...

This weekend I drove about 2 1/2 hours north to crash my friends family reunion (well...not exactly I was invited) On Saturday we slipped out with her brother to browse some vintage shops. Unfortuately the downtown area was mostly closed for the day, so we could only look through a few antique shops. We found some marvelous ladies hats from about the 40's. I had just been reading Emily Posts 1940 ed section on clothing and mused that it might be fun to wear gloves and hats (though in cowboy country I'm sure I'd stick out)

Tomorrow is Big-Comprehensive-Terror-Of-All-Terrors Chemistry Exam II. My spare time is consumed in my books hoping something will sink in. (And on the phone Andrea reminds me I promised to take something less than a 4.0 on one class this semester...um...we have that covered for SURE.) Slowly I've identified the smart kids in class and boldly approach them multiple times per week for help. (besides my email tutors) They just weren't the ones I was expected....like the kid behind and slightly to the side of me that always comes in his hunting camo, yet knows so much more about chem than me. Or the guy with the spiked hair and earings?

My hours of stocking shelves have continued to motivate me to finish school. My trainer at work is a 17 year old kid who talks so incredibly fast and legally has to be out by 10pm. He was rattling off codes like mad and I made a mental not to bring a notepad next time cuz I can't keep up with everything. I'm slowly getting to hear peoples stories. A lot of these folks have families and work 2-3 jobs. I know Jesus is here, but sometimes as I'm in asiles by myself for hours I wonder where he's working. And me...I'm just the new chick who doesn't know anything. "Can I help you find something?"

What You Miss on Thursday Night

Well, orientation was short and I will go back in the morning. Many girls were musing missing Greys Anatomy. (why? I mean I can predict someone slept with someone, someone wanted to sleep with someone, and someone overreacted to a medical situation) As we watched a "team building" video on enthusism using the example of a fish market (complete with cheezy animated titles) I watched the clock move to 7:30...THE OFFICE TIME. But then I realized, this could all be a scene of the Office. This is the exactly the type video Micheal would use in orientation.

Hi Ho Hi Ho its off to work i go

I'm getting ready for my first night of work. I can't believe I'm nervous. I'd like Patricia to know (and my other former coworkers) that in their honor I am wearing floating pearls under my uniform. Just a few hours ago the FD called to see if I had found out whether I was accepted to the nursing program. If not, they wanted me to come in. God sure does work in mysterious ways.

Midnight Confessions About the Book I’m Reading

There are some books that I tend to hide under my journal when I’m out reading. After some thought, I've decided to come out and talk about a book I’m currently reading on reevaluating what we have been taught/believed in the Church about the “gift of singleness”

Getting Serious About Getting Married by Debbie Maken is a book that reviews the progression in Christianity in the last 30 years to prolong singleness and hold it as a better/higher calling for which singles should aspire. I can’t say that I’m ready to agree with everything she says, but it is really hitting me between the eyes and I have to set it down regularly to ponder what she’s said. As she goes over the classic passages where Jesus talks about eunuchs or Paul talks about singleness, I can’t help but think we should reevaluate the interpretation many have taken in this generation.

I have been especially struck by what she says about how we dump so much on singles in ministry or missionary work. (since you know its how we will be fulfilled and “bear spiritual children”)

I recommend you check it out (if only to have a nice debate with me)!

Amazing Benefits of Technology and Globalization

...talking to your friend in Mozambique on a crystal clear connection. So clear you can hear the joy in her voice when she says shes exicted she'll be there for her birthday.

September Drawing to a Close

I can hardly believe this month is almost over (but the bills gently remind me). As I sat in the interview room for my job I could smile thinking Miss NC had to explain to Blockbuster why she was a midwife in dental assisting school who wanted to work there. I was having to explain why I, a crazy traveling midwife, was wanting to work a job in retail in this out-of-the-way town. In just days Miss BC leaves fro the tribes...

Get this video and more at href="http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1221693803&n=2">MySpace.com

The Drug Test

This morning I went for another interview and this time I made it far enough to be sent for a drug screening. Upon finishing the interviews they handed me a paper with all the necessary info for the lab. One one page there was a list of rights.
I had the right to
a private place to go
a door on the stall
and water allowing me up to 3 hours to obtain the specimen

The last time I took a drug test I actually took 2 of them over in Asia. Words just cannot express what its like to go to a shaddy "lab" in a tin-shack building across from the DMV. Of course there are no other women, because women don't usually drive in that country. So, I'm with the taxi drivers and jeep drivers while guys keep coming over for bribes to make it quick and easy to get my license.

The last time I went I couldn't go...I just couldn't. I was in a wet bath with a bucket and my exam cup with a curtain that barely covered the opening. The large man outside kept yelling at me to go. Finally, if I remember right they accepted the little offering I could provide. Wow...rights don't really mean much to you until they aren't there and then you realize a door on a bathroom stall is a beautiful thing. ;0)) Its the little things that start to make your day.

My First Dinner Party

Yesterday seemed to end a little pathetically. I got on my bike to go to the tailgating party and before I made it out of the parking lot it fell apart. Yep...I watched in horror as nuts, bolts, gears and a chain each fell off. It's so far gone I can't fix it myself. After an hour of futal attmpts to fix it I went upstairs and worked on another essay.

As Sunday drew near I asked the Lord to direct me on who to invite over for a dinner. Yes, today I hosted my first dinner party after church. I had make-your-own-nothing-raw sushi makings and some yummy ginger chicken and brocolli. I prayed God would make it a good day and hoped no one would mind sitting on a mat on the floor if I had too many people.

I must say the Lord arranges great dinner parties. I ended up with three people I didn't know - only one of whom I'd met before. We had an amazing lunch and awesome fellowship. The other two girls have also done missions work overseas and never imagined moving to West Texas. The sermon today hit me between the eyes, so along with this meal it was overall an amazing day so far.

Psych

It's a lovely Saturday and I had expected to help someone move. However, they moved the date and I'm stuck with my psych papers. AHHHHHHH I'm banging my head on the desk and so glad I CLEPed out of intro to psych. Two psych classes in one year would have put me over the edge. The combo of life span psych and chem has worn out one side of my brain so I've been sawing, hammering, painting, and creating a little bit each day... I put my exercise ball at my desk (it lets me bounce to music when I get bored typing). However, I just saw the Office episode where dwight gets an exercise ball at his desk...that COMPLETELY ruined my fun. O well. The beautiful part of blogging is that you, dear reader, get a glimpse into my pain.

My New Title

While talking to a "5-year senior" I came up with a title for myself. People keep asking me if I'm in graduate school and of course I say no and smile at their confused look. While I do have an associates, in my program I'm technically a freshman and then didn't go to school right out high school... Anyway to simply things I now introduce myself as

"an 8th year freshman"

Yesterday I was talking to the Lord in the car (seems to be a profound place right now) and kind of shocked that I'm getting comfy in my little place here. Why am I not more disappointed my job might limit the overseas trips I want to take in summers? I was telling Him how I wanted to see more opportunities in my life here in this town. A few minutes later I got a call on my cell asking if I'd help at the nursing home. But...but...Lord...its the PREMIERE of the OFFICE!!! AHHHH I've only had a tv a short time after years without and I'm fussing about a stupid show?!? I did go to the nursing home and was glad I did. And the extra blessing at the end...the premiere stunk.

Seen In Chemistry Class Today

A cowboy wearing a t-shirt that read:

"Save a cow, eat a vegetarian"

Jim...

I've been enjoying my new church here and have actually come at a unique time. The new permanent pastor has just arrived and they are in the process of going from being a church plant/mission church to being a "permanent" church. Perhaps I have been watching a few too many Office episodes (as I catch up for the new season) because when I try to remember my new pastors name I can only think "Halpert". That's not it. Well at least the Office is my little motivator right now. I let myself watch an episode if I finish my chemistry homework or write my weekly Psych paper.

Just Planning the Perfect Set-Up

Do any of you singles catch that look from married people when you've just casually meantioned that you'd like to get married and have a family....that look like they are mentally tabulating who they can set you up with...

...he's probably a spitting image of Dwight (from the Office) who's "really nice" and "missions-minded"

Ok, maybe I should be more optimistic.

I Don't Like Them Sam-I-Am

...I don't like eggs in a pan!

Step one: Made lovely egg white omlet with homemade salsa (take THAT Martha)
Step two: Told myself I like eggs
Step three: Took bite
Step four: Added garlic salt, took bite
Step five: added canned salsa, took bite
Step six: Added parmasean cheese, took bite
Step six: added salad mix, took bite
Step seven: Dumped rest of omlet into trash

A Run-In With Culture Shock

This week in my lifespan psych class we are on the subject of fetal development. Besides watching the Miracle of Life (I have stopped counting the number of times I've watched it) we watched some videos on new advances in intrauterine, fetal surgery and IVF. I broke down (good thing this was homework and not in class!). All throughout the IVF video I just saw the faces of babies and toddlers I've met in orphanages around the world. I have friends who are infertile and only have a small grasp on how devastating that must be. I can understand how those strong emotions have fueled this industry. However, my mind is having trouble realizing the two realities exist in my world. The thousands of dollars on fertility treatments and yet adoption is "so expensive" and "involved".

The IU surgeries were truly breath taking and amazing. But how do I reconcile that with just wishing poor women overseas could actually go to a hospital that is clean...where they won't have to sit on a bed or chair with someone else's blood or amniotic fluid....A hospital where preemies could be given a chance and not a death sentence at less than 34 weeks! Maybe a cure for preeclampsia that kills up in the tribs? How many people in my own country (including me) have no insurance and its financially out of reach?

I don't know that I say one is right or wrong, I'm just suddenly faced with a culture shock that I'm sure will hit me again as I enter this crazy thing known as US healthcare.

Missing The Days of Martha Stewart...

Last night at the last minute I invited a girl from church to have dinner at my place. She was about 10 minutes away, so I had to think fast. I realized the other day that I haven't really cooked (as in made a nice, Martha Stewart worthy meal) for quite a while. At one time I was famous in my church in Michigan for my homemade raviolli and other culinary presentations.

Since I'm still new here I've only purchased necessities for myself. I did anticipate having some college guests, so I had a stock of baked potato bar fix'ns but that seems so lame. There were little things I had forgotten to get. For instance I just use balsamic vinegar on my salad, but most people here like dressing. I would have made my other specialty, homemade ranch, but I had no dill!

Once I finish my kitchen island (complete on rollers) I will have to do more. I'm thinking of having a roll-your-own sushi party. And yes, the kitchen island...my plan is to retro fit a storage unit and lay tile on the top to make a nice surface. I think that will be easier than completely starting from scratch since I only have manual tools (I accidentally left my power drill and power staple gun back at my parents house).

God is good. I've really been enjoying Bible study and am currently enjoying Redemption Songs on my new speakers. I met a grad student last night who is kind of in the same place as me...from out of state...having to go back to school because things didn't transfer...etc etc. We swapped stories of getting lost in this town. ;0)) Off to another job interview....

So Texans ARE suspicious like Yankees

Inevetably I face some Yankee ribbings from the locals every now and then. They like to tell me how friendly everyone is here, how they smile, and they aren't so stuck up and suspicous like Yankees. But I would like to say after living here for a short time THAT IS A FACADE. They don't trust you. Everyone and their brother makes you put down a huge deposit for everything cuz they think you are gonna run off. I just got off the phone with the power company after they sent me a bill (and I've lived here for ...um...less than 2 weeks) for about half my months rent! (approx 3times what I will pay per month in electric). Maybe that's standard but give me a break! So I will get it back...some day in the distant future when I move out. Darn Texans with bad credit to ruin it for everyone!

A Kindred Spirit on the Other Side of the Apartment Building?

Yesterday as I walked to my car I heard the most glorious sound drifting from the side of the complex facing the parking lot. I think it was coming from somewhere in the 200's. The vibrations from a deep classical string instrument waved in the breeze and were so lovely. I paused to try to identify if it was someone playing or a REALLY good sound system. Either way I became intrigued and wondered how to meet this person. Based on what I know here are the facts:

a. the person has some diverse musical tastes that include some good classical music

b. they either play this instrument or have a wonderful sound system so they must be somewhat intelligent and well read (when's the last time you met a scrub/mass murderer who played a classical string instrument)

c. I'm assuming they live here...so that means they picked an apartment across the street from the medical district and not right next to the big university, so they might be in the medical field and are probably not a freshman.

I joke that because I am in the building of studios this is "hermit row" and my neighbors aren't too talkative. When I look across the courtyard into the bigger apts I see people hanging out more with each other. So, my dilemma is "should I meet this neighbor" and if so "how?". Here are my ideas.

a. though it is out of my way, cross by this row of apartments when taking out the trash esp when I hear the tunes.

b. blast a few concertos while I role up in the parking lot

c. wear various t-shirts for the symphony or composers while doing laundry in our apts facility.

But then again...mentally disturbed people are also known to have great musical skill. Just proof I have a little to much time to think ;0)) I like my hermit row.

Casting My Stones

When I worked with the poor I often found myself questioning some of their decisions. If you live in a shack at the end of an alley crawling with worms and open sewage, why do you have a wide-screen color TV and cable (though who knows if the cable was legal)? Yet, as I grow I see that I could probably ask the same questions of myself and someone would probably judge some of my decisions as odd. This reality was quite real to me yesterday while I was in Walmart.

After buying some groceries for the week I stopped in the electronics to look at the price of cheap stereos. I thought it might be nice to have something that I could plug my MP3 player or cd player into in my apartment. Wouldn't you know I found this amazing speaker system for a VERY reasonable price. However, as I stood there I realized this probably isn't the time to be buying speakers. As a currently unemployed student who is eating lots of quinoa, rice, beans and tofu wouldn't it be better to make sure I keep money to eat rather than to have a nice sound system. (no matter how reasonable it is) I judge the person at the end of the worm alley, but someone could probably say the same about me. As I wheeled my cart away I made a mental note to try to set down another of my stones that I am so quick to throw.

This life therefore, is not Righteousness, but growth in righteousness, not health but healing, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it; the process is not yet finished but all is going on. This is not the end of the road; all does not yet gleam in glory but all is being purified. - Martin Luther

I'm not a huge fan of most of the cheezy CCM out there. If I do happen to be listening and Casting Crows comes on I usually turn it off. However, they have this live version out there of Voice of Truth that just happened to be playing when I walked out of my interview. It hit me hard.

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand
But the giant's calling out my name
And he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed

The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy you'll never win!""You'll never win!"
But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them lookin' downI will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Chorus: But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

My Crazy Day

8am: Continue e-mailing almost everyone I know to get their current contact information so my prospective employer (the PD) can do the most extensive background check EVER on me.

9 something: Leave for school

around noon:
TEACHER: (speaking about science evolving from philosophy) Who built the pyramids?
KID IN BRIGHT PURPLE JIMMY HENDRIX T-SHIRT: Aliens!
TEACHER: Exactly right!

1pm: Kid next to me in lab constantly staring at me and taking forever to copy questions out of my lab book.

3 something: Sitting with insurance agent trying to determine what my life, air matress and dishes are worth for car and renters insurance.

4 somthing: Getting vehicle state inspection by two dudes with gums erroded and teeth stained by chew. (hey, they are licenced to do this soo....)

O glorious life out west!

The Apartment Day 3: Still Raining

I thought this state was known for wide open, clear skies! For the last three days it's been overcast and raining like crazy. I'm stitting at Andreas in a sweatshirt, jeans, and boots!
Well, drumroll please....here are some apt pics

The bathroom is just behind the kitchen (see the walkway leading behind?) And my FABULOUS shower curtain...

The Apartment Day 2: Still Haven't Found Silverwear

Another rainy, cold day as I make my trips up multiple flights of stairs with my boxes. Yesderday I found my self tired and in serious need of a good enchillada. Once Andrea woke up (on 12-hour nights) I took her with me for an early dinner. She says any time I want to work hard all day and let her reap the benefits of the meal at the end, let her know. I managed to asemble an Ikea lamp and table and put together my bookshelf. As the title notes, I still haven't found my silverwear or any cooking utensils (odd, they weren't with the dishes...) Good thing I had training in Asia and can eat just about anything with my fingers. =0))

Stay Tuned...

Its a humid, rainy day as I move into my new place. Like any good germaphobe my first task upon entering was to spray the place down with a germicidal and scrub every surface. I have hung my awesome shower curtain and unpacked some dishes. Stay tuned for more and some pics. I'm thinking Asian theme...

Good Memories: True Missionary Confessions

This is a video of three of us on a bus in Asia late '05. We were coming back from the beach and waiting for the bus to fill up and take us back to the capital. The food vendors kept bugging us to buy food (I think we sat there waiting for well over an hour or two). G had the great idea to convince them we were really into the karaoke that was playing on the screen in the front of the bus. So, what did they do? They decided to sit down and join us in some singing. Then, when other vendors boarded the bus they told them they were blocking our view and we were all singing together. Gotta love it.

The Big Day: Tomorrow

Tomorrow is MOVING DAY!!! I move into my little efficiency! Grab the soap and let me scrub my new Ikea dishes. (and the fabulous shower curtain I found at Big Lots)

An Amazing Night...

Since moving to my new town I've been looking at church websites online and praying about where I should visit my first Sunday here. While looking for a church I happened to find a nation-wide reformed university fellowship which has a local meeting near where I'll be living. Listening to the online messages and music I really felt like I should check it out (though hesitant to join a college group where everyone would be younger than me). All day I wrestled with whether or not I should go to the Wednesday night study. As I maneuvered through the crazy university campus (or "mini-city) I figured if I got lost maybe I'd just be so late I wouldn't have to go. I tend to like my hermit status, but know God is often nudging me to reach out.

I arrived right on time and walked right into the campus intern who had e-mailed back and forth with me. They sing old hymns with updated tunes and they included some of my most favorites. As the sounds of the violin and guitars intertwined I suddenly felt so at home even though I knew no one in the room. And this was just the worship! Another reason I almost didn't go was the semester topic. They normally go through a book of the Bible, but wouldn't you know that they were going to pause it and do a topical study on Dating, Sex & Marriage! I mean growing up in chuch WHAT SERMON HAVEN'T I heard on this? I had visions of little 18 year-olds jumping for joy.

Once again I was surprised and God used the message to hit me deep inside. As I've moved out on my own I've had to search the Scriptures more for myself in the last few years. In the religious movement in which we were involved I had a full stack of verses for each subject and 13-step answers. However, I realize that it was often taken out of context or out of the spirit of the passage. For almost 7 years I was constantly being taught in this movement that you should delay dating/relationships/marriage as long as possible (if ever).

But as we were searching the Scriptures and I was referring back to other sermons I've studied recently, I'm not sure that's God's design. It appears from Genesis that God's design was for the man and woman to be together. Before the Fall, the time God said it was "not good" was when the man was alone. What we have now is a generation jaded with the idea after seeing little hope even in a Christian marriage.

Ok, so this is not new to most people, but it seems new to me. There was something so deep in the message that it's hard to describe. What also hit me was how I need to reach out in a variety of relationships. Fellowship in many aspects is a theme of the Scripture.

Maybe you just had to be there....

Fun With Chemistry

I haven't enjoyed a class this much in a LONG time. After having a crazy science teacher this summer, I learned to check them out on RateMyProfessor. So, even though I was starting school over a thousand miles away, I could get recommendations. My chem professor is a hilarious, enthusiastic, little Chinese man. Chemistry is one of my worst subjects, so I was really scared about taking a more advanced class. However, after one period I was actually excited and thinking that this time maybe it WILL sink in.

Some of you from large universities will probably laugh, but at 100 students, this is the biggest class I've ever attended. Seats are assigned and I'm stuck in the 2nd to the last row. Behind me is a quiet sulky guy that never says a word or moves from his slouched position. On my left is a friendly girl who spend time texting on her phone. On my right is an odd fellow who throws out the random comments. (Ok, so what guy really asks a girls blood type when getting ready to ask her out?!? I mean it's one thing if you are a bored midwife wondering if you're going to have to take Rhogam one day, but what does some random skin head in Texas care?)

First Day of School...AGAIN

Tomorrow I start yet another semester at another school to finish up my pre-reqs. It feels like a whole different world down here...people talk to you...no one has honked at me. I still laugh at the some-what cheezy homemade signs for the school dance (tomorrow) that are posted. I assume its not classical ballroom, so no I'm not going.

Here's to the pursuit of higher education! (and all its widing twists down unexpected country roads)

Adventures With Georgia Part 3

Post your idea of what happened!

You Know You're in Oklahoma When...

...you get stung by a scorpion. Yes, I am now a proud owner of the "I Survived A Scorpion Sting" badge of honor. The event took place last night about 1am. I thought there was a bug on me so I tried to flick it off. Suddenly I felt this sharp pain just below my scapula.

Georgia Leads Me Astray...Again

This weekend I made the treck up to Oklahoma to visit Georgia before she goes back to her beloved tribal home country.

Getting our kicks on route 66...yep, that's us under the sign. Georgia you got like 3 inches of air that take. We just finished a big night of shopping at the local Walmart.

The first round of drinks at Sonic...

And then the inspiration for the title of this post. =))

On A Serious Note

It's 1 am and I'm wide awake. I grabbed some water and a snack and decided it was time to post something serious.

This year I've been going through a new version of the Bible and enjoying the freshness of discovering things when they are put in a new way (ESV). Just before I left MI I was in Hebrews 11 and was struck by the description of Abraham and Sarah. While their move was probably a little bit more significan than mine (no cell phones or email), I am still inspired by their faith. Abraham went to a land he didn't know and it was all a part of the inheritance God had for him. (10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.) Sarah recieved power to concieve even when she was past age and trusted God was faithful.(hmmm maybe God's not finished with me yet)

13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

So, the little things are just a little piece of the plan...right? I can get flustered with red tape when applying for jobs and start to worry I won't find something OR I can remind myself that this is all a part of God's plan and he sees what's ahead. The question that hits me is "how did I live my life this week...did it reflect the fact that I'm looking beyond just this temporary home?"

I Am Normally Against Bobble-Heads...

But this one caught my eye...







Coming September 12...only what, 18 days from now...

Don’t Believe Everything In the Movies

I remember talking to Asians about America and how not everyone lived in houses like those pictured in the movies. At time it was frustrating when people overseas just assumed the movies portrayed all Americans. (Especially that random guy in the elevator of the 5-star hotel who leaned over to me in perfect English saying “Kiss me”) My conversations always assumed I never believed what I saw. =0)) It was not until I followed much of the route from the movie Elizabethtown, that I had opportunity to laugh at my own gullibility.

I had driven much of the route pictured on the road trip before and I had no reason to doubt. The way the town of Elizabethtown, KY was portrayed to me in the movie was that of just one of those old tiny cities tucked away. Imagine my surprise when, just after the big highway exit sign, I found multiple fast-food restaurants, mega-pharmacies, supermarkets, and random sprinklings of commercial office buildings. Sure, there were signs to a historical district, but the exit looked just like many other bustling exits on the highway. Why didn’t Orlando Bloom stay at his choice of one of the hotels that resembled motel-6 just down from the MASSIVE visitors center. Hmmm...maybe I need to watch it again to see if this was just my perception.

My Ship Has Landed

I've been moving about every 6 months or less for the last three years. Living out of a suitcase has become second nature as I have traveled to so many states. Arriving in my new city just feels like another stop on a road trip. After enjoying 2 nights with Charity I moved further west. I won't have my appartment for another 10 days, so I will be crashing with Andrea and her roommate. (with a little trip to visit Georgia in there). School starts next Tuesday, so I'll be running around getting ready and applying for jobs. Crazy to think this is "home" now...well who knows maybe in 6 months....nah

Wide Open Spaces

Well friends, I'm about to head to bed so I can get an early start tomorrow. I'm not sure how much internet access I'll have until next week, but you can be sure I will chronicle my experiences driving to the southern plains. Please keep me in your prayers! Thanks to Sarah I have a new "wind in your hair" driving mix. =0))

BTW...if anyone can tell me how Michael got his foot burned in a George Forman Grill and Dwight got a concussion I'd be quite grateful. I came in late and missed the first minutes. (thankfully the DVD for season II is coming out soon!)

NARM Day

Today is the semi-annual day for midwives around the US to take the 8-hour written portion of their certification exam. Please keep them in your prayers. We need some more rockstar global midwives. Here's a short list of people I know that will be taking it all day.

Sorani, Patrica, Heather, Christy, Leah, Katie, Liss, Sarah

BREAKING NEWS!!!

Reset the countdown clock...3 days!!!

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...where's that paper bag

Parents and the Stress of Saying Goodbye Again

Mom deals with saying goodbye by:
Going to Walmart to make sure my tool box is stocked, getting a list for Office Max so I have school supplies, making trips to 7-11 for slurpees, and making me promise I will not be cheap about my personal health care and see a doctor if necessary.

Dad deals with saying goodbye by:
Wailing loudly in the foyer of Ikea, "My baby's leaving me...she's going without me" While concerned passers-by stare at me.

"Nobody can force a single soul...to turn to Christ. All that [we]...can do, is to lift up Christ before the world, bring Him into dingy corners and dark places of the earth where He is unknown, introduce Him to strangers, talk about Him to everybody, and live so closely with and in Him that others may see that there really is such a Person as Jesus..."

Elizabeth "Betty" Stam 1906-1934
(Missionary to China, both she and her husband were killed)

Hark! A Silver Lining?

What? Could this be true? Could I be having a moment of optimism? Could it be that I got an offer of a job interview and confirmation of my lease with a wood floor not on the ground floor all within minutes of each other? (Just a few hours after Dad told me he got a job)

We won't discuss the fact that I locked my keys in my car far from home this morning.

COMMITMENT

My team of friends, especially Andrea, have recieved quite a few calls from me recently midly freaking out asking, "should I do it?...are you sure your plans are set?...does it sound like a good thing? But now the lease agreement is in the office. AHHHHHHHHH! A real bonified contract! Yesterday I was out looking for a woven bamboo mat. Just seems appropriate after living in Asia to make sure I have the necessities like a mat and a few pillows until I can save up and go to Ikea or fish some treasure out of the trash and reupholster it.

2 weeks...time has sure flown by this last week!

Baby Kate

I spent the weekend at my friends house after they came home from the hospital.

Killer Llamas

Check out the story on Joy's blog...

http://jjoyful.blogspot.com/2006/08/kosher-killer-llamas.html#comments

Back To Birth

In the wee hours of Tuesday morning my friend's husband called me to say his wife's water had broken and they were at the hospital. I assured him I'd be right over to take up my duties as the doula. When I arrived he said he was surprised I sounded so awake and answered on the first ring. That's all the midwife facade! I can answer and sound coherent at any hour...but that doesn't always mean I am. (just ask my teammates and apprentices)

This would be my first birth since coming home from Asia and I was a little nervous. However, it was the most amazing experience and God used it to show me more and more of the vision he is birthing in my heart. I've cringed over the past few months as people spout off the Christianeese about God's plan being the journey not the destination. Easy for them to say I think when they aren't back feeling like they are starting from scratch.

The second nurse my friend had for most of the day was the most amazing OB nurse I've met and couldn't have been more helpful and encouraging. I got to chat with her throughout the day and was just reminded what an amazing impact these women have in helping moms who have more complicated births. In the midwife community I've found there can be a lot of discord and prejudice against others in the medical community and it makes me sick. Working for so long without strong backup has made me appreciate others in the medical community.

As I head toward nursing I'm not, as some have suggested, turning my back on what I've done before. God's just showing me a bigger vision in working as a team both in the US and abroad. I'm excited for the ways God is going to let me minister in my own country for the next few years. I still see the faces of women dying around the world, and hope returning oversees is in the future.

I was reading back through Romans 11 &12. I've memorized 12 before, but forgot the preceding verses. They establish the wisdom of God and His plan for his people and the Gentiles. That's the foundation for offering ourselves as a living sacrifice. There is so much more to life than the work. I'm slowly seeing how the hurts and bends in the road have prepared me for this time and nothing was a waste. God is good.

What Happened BEFORE the Last Post

I should have posted about the exchange which took place just before that shopping trip mentioned in my last post. After class I spent a good while teaching my A&P teacher and lab partner about the art of thrift store shopping. Here are a few of my tips.

1. Check the European catalogues for upcoming trends so you can start looking ahead of time

2. Most thrift stores have rotating 50% off sales every week based on the color of the price tag. This is normally on a rotating schedule so you can figure out what color will be put on sale and on what day of the week. This way the day BEFORE the sale or first thing you can scope out the goods.

3. Thrift stores can be overwhelming. When going through racks fast, just look for labels of dependable companies. Then, if you have more time you can go back for the random finds.

4. Get discounts on damaged goods. It may only need a quick sewing job, but most often they will discount it

5. Shop in the mens section too. Sometimes stuff gets mixed up.

6. If something is supposed to be dry cleaned or in gentle cycle you can wash it in your gentle cycle with a bottle of $1 conditioner and its about the same as Woollite and it will smell fabulous.

I TOOK THE PLUNGE...

I've seen hints of the 80's creeping in for some time, but as the back-to-school flyers started to come it seemed more inevitable. After class I took a research trip to H&M. Yes, this was strictly for...um..research purposes. H&M is based in Europe which starts the fashion trends, so you can always tell what's coming and start saving and gathering ahead of the US trends. It's clear that long shirts, leggins and the like are BACK.

I have a hard time believing I will buy into some things like leggins...maybe just because last time Iwore those I was a little kid and it just seems childish to be back in it. But I think I said the same about flares. So, taking the plunge I tried on 2 straight leg pants (which on me appear more like pencil legs...just a tip for anyone else whose on the rounder side)

Last time these fashions were around I don't think I had hips or a bum, cuz I don't remember looking like a lumpy sack of potatoes on sticks. O well...just motivation since the coming trends aren't as forgiving...

Chilling in pencil leg jeans....yes, these very ones

(hmmmm now where are those leg warmers and pumps)

Guest Post

I'm in the middle of a pile of nutrition assignments, so today I'm entertaining a guest post. This is a great little email sent to me yesterday by one of my former apprentices. Made me laugh...which means it made my day. Salamat! [to clarify the hospital inferences are in refrence to the government hospitals in Asia to which we would have to transport patients in an emergency]

Ive spent the past few days at appointments at the hospital I used to work at. I just got a job with them and had paperwork, physicals and stuff to do. While leaving today i was stuck with the feeling of somethings not righthere, something is diffrent.

no it wasnt that the hospital was clean, infactive been there three times this week and have yet to see blood on any wall,floor, or chair. Nor was it not one person asked me if i was a doctor and in fact responsible for any patients illness. it wasnt even the fact there was no one waiting at the door collecting money from patients as they came in.

No the thing that was missing was of all the people i spoke to wearing scrubs, not one of them was also wearing pearls. not one. i think thats your trademark.