Presenting PNG: Pic #10

 

Why had I been nervous? Before I stood up to give my presentation on what I'd been up to in PNG, I felt weak and shaky. Even after eating a snack I still felt it (and usually snacks can work wonders with me). However, after seeking help from God, I gave my presentation and it went well. Praise the Lord! Those who'd come to listen were super sweet and encouraging. It was good to share my experience of PNG with more people once again. 

God is so good. So why should I ever be anxious about anything? Here's my admission that I will do my best to quit... worrying. (It starts with admitting, right?)

Flying Color: Pic #9

After not feeling well yesterday, I thought I'd feel better today. In all consideration, (compared to yesterday) I felt great, but when compared to normal days, I still felt cruddy. I'd checked on all the dogs I'm caring for, gone to give my powerpoint presentation to a church (who supported me in PNG), and headed over to my sister's house where I wanted to give my support in a yard sale. I'd not felt wonderful since waking up, but by the time I was at her house, I was feeling worse.

Thankfully, she's hospitable and said I could lay down inside or whatever. (There are times when I'm sick that the only somewhat comfy place for me is on the floor... so I curled up on the floor for a bit.) Anyway, finally, God gave me some relief and strength to get up. My sister gave me a drink, and I started feeling better. From that point on, my strength and wellness started to improve.

It was a chilly day and we would both pray for the sun to come out more. When it would show, we would run into it for warmth. One of these times, when the sun started staying out a bit longer, a butterfly came along. It was beautiful! I got out my camera and was blessed to snap today's picture. Even in cold and dreary times, blessings flutter around, as long as we're still looking for them.

Soup: Pic #8

The one day the sun finally came out, I got sick. I managed to eat breakfast and care for the dogs that I'm dog-sitting, but after that, it hit me.

I had to stop on the side of the road where the fresh air helped a bit. When I made it home, my stomach had waited long enough. After I had nothing left in my stomach, my brother got me some water and it settled for a while... until I got up in order to lie down. That's when it didn't want to tolerate water either. (I promise, I'm trying to be delicate on this topic.)

Thus, after hours of pain, body aches, and throwing up, my insides began to ease up. I figured, either way, I needed something in me, so I made what everyone makes when sick: chicken noodle soup.

So far so good. And with a bit of soup along with plenty of raised prayers, I've begun to feel better. (Does this count as something that would be in "Chicken Soup for the Soul"?)

Eatin' Grass: Pic #7

Today, I started one of my mini-jobs. In other words, its a short-term kind of thing. This job is a dog-sitting/house-sitting job. (There are three super sweet dogs that I get to take care of.) It was a bit of a drive, but its beautiful!

When I took today's pic-of-the-day, my thought was "I can't believe I get to live here". I've always enjoyed this area, but the rain has dampened my spirits for a few days. Even through the rain, however, there are great sites.

For the record, PNG had some great areas, but I'm a mountain-girl. My heart will always be at home there. (PS Notice the three horses!!)

Listening for God: Pic #6

 

"What are they doing?", you may ask. Well, believe it or not, we put these eye-covers (scarves and bandanas) on voluntarily. I got to tell my story to the Sr. High class. Mainly, the story I told was the steps I took towards missions. 

This opportunity gave me a reason to look back at how I got over to PNG and who ultimately led me there. I also linked it to how God speaks to us. There are many ways He can get our attention, but I focused on when He steps in and talks directly to us and then how He also puts small directional signs in our way that we (if paying attention) can follow. 

As for what's happening in the picture, its a game. For anyone who knows me or has had me as a teacher, I love making things fun! This game is "Obstacle". I split the participants into two teams. The first team would get blindfolded and wait until the second team was ready. The second team would put obstacles in the floor that the first team needed to avoid. The second team would decide who they would be calling to (within the second team only), but could not say their name. The first group had to figure out who was giving directions for them through all the other directions. It links to how we must listen for God's directions through the other voices of this world. 

One of the students decided we could try to make things harder, so for round two, we made up sounds in place of commonly used directions. I guess, if you're working in a different culture and language than your own, it can have more barriers to what needs to be done.

In any case, I hope they had fun and learned something. I know I did.

A Pirate's Life for Me: Pic #5

 

Its true. I have a pirate flag hanging in my room. At my age, I'm guessing I should be more of a grown-up... but honestly, why? Though I realize that there are times that we all need to show maturity, there are things that are just fun. If we lose such things, then we might as well claim the title of "Stick-In-The-Mud". I, for one, am not ready to claim it just yet.

Let's face it: anyone who has met me knows that I could never be a legit pirate. I'm not up for robbing people, causing others harm, or drinking lots of rum. However, the notion of freedom and adventure really sticks with me.

The life I lead may not always seem to be that of freedom and adventure, but I am blessed to know such things and have them present in my life. I hope you do too. Its also pretty sweet when I get to sit in my room with my brother watching One Piece (about Pirates) and have a flag up in my room. Represent!

"Seek freedom and it will lie stretched out before your eyes. If the endless dream guides your spirit, seize it! Raise your flag and stand tall!" ~ Jolly Rodger (One Piece)

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." ~ 1 Corinthians 3:17

A Twinkling of an Eye: Pic #4

Today, we went on an adventure. Further into the mountains we drove, to see more of the lovely changing colors of Autumn. While we were there, we snapped a few pictures, had some laughs, slid down railing, and had some fun. I had a little help choosing this picture from my sister. Yay!