OBCL Alumni Meeting ...
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Thailand Photos at Last...
This is one of those times when pictures just don't do justice. I think I spent some of the happiest days of my life in Thailand this summer...chasing kids and bouncy balls, singing, sharing my testimony, and just watching how God is working in the hearts of children on the other side of the world.
This is one of those times when pictures just don't do justice. I think I spent some of the happiest days of my life in Thailand this summer...chasing kids and bouncy balls, singing, sharing my testimony, and just watching how God is working in the hearts of children on the other side of the world.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
They Call Me "Teacha"
"Teacha, follow me" said one of the several dozen shorn heads. And then as if they were afraid I wouldn't, six of them grabbed my arms and we headed down a very muddy path away from the Vocational School.
I was a little surprised the kids liked us after we gave them medical exams-something kids in the states can hardly stand; but these girls seemed to have recovered from whatever fright we must have given them.
After a few minutes, we got to an open patch of grass between the corn fields where some of the older boys were playing volleyball and some of the others were engaged in a game of almost-professional soccer with no boundaries.
Since my soccer skills are slightly less than "almost-professional" and because we couldn't all play soccer, we started another game. I won't desecrate the great American sport by calling what we did baseball...but it evolved from that idea.
We didn't have a bat or a ball with us at the time, so we used a long stick to hit a shorter stick. There were two bases, then home. The problem with "home" was that when the kids didn't want to get tagged out, they would take off running across the fields. At first we chased them, but we were no match for their little feet. Especially when we were trying to avoid piles of...uh...stuff.
Another big hit with the kids was playing with bouncy balls inside the school. We had more fun doing that then I've had in a long time...Throwing, catching, chasing, and climbing under furniture with 12 little boys ages 9-11 shouting to each other and rattling off instructions to each other in Karen and Karenni languages. I got more of a workout doing that then I would have had in a month at a gym.
I'm so grateful for the teachers that are investing time and energy in these kids. They are doing a great job caring for both the physical, spiritual, and educational needs of these precious little ones. It was an honor to be called "teacha," even if just for a day.
"Teacha, follow me" said one of the several dozen shorn heads. And then as if they were afraid I wouldn't, six of them grabbed my arms and we headed down a very muddy path away from the Vocational School.
I was a little surprised the kids liked us after we gave them medical exams-something kids in the states can hardly stand; but these girls seemed to have recovered from whatever fright we must have given them.
After a few minutes, we got to an open patch of grass between the corn fields where some of the older boys were playing volleyball and some of the others were engaged in a game of almost-professional soccer with no boundaries.
Since my soccer skills are slightly less than "almost-professional" and because we couldn't all play soccer, we started another game. I won't desecrate the great American sport by calling what we did baseball...but it evolved from that idea.
We didn't have a bat or a ball with us at the time, so we used a long stick to hit a shorter stick. There were two bases, then home. The problem with "home" was that when the kids didn't want to get tagged out, they would take off running across the fields. At first we chased them, but we were no match for their little feet. Especially when we were trying to avoid piles of...uh...stuff.
Another big hit with the kids was playing with bouncy balls inside the school. We had more fun doing that then I've had in a long time...Throwing, catching, chasing, and climbing under furniture with 12 little boys ages 9-11 shouting to each other and rattling off instructions to each other in Karen and Karenni languages. I got more of a workout doing that then I would have had in a month at a gym.
I'm so grateful for the teachers that are investing time and energy in these kids. They are doing a great job caring for both the physical, spiritual, and educational needs of these precious little ones. It was an honor to be called "teacha," even if just for a day.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Not just another day at the office
I spent the last two days at Freedom House Orphanage in Mae Sot, Thailand. I have been privileged to visit and get to know the children over the past three visits and each time they have become more dear and more precious to my heart.
Tuesday, we did medical check-ups on each of the kids. My job was to get each of the kids' height and weight. Even that can be a bit of a challenge with the language barrier, but they were great kids and generally caught on to the process without too much confusion. The thing that was perhaps the most difficult was asking them their age. Kids who said they were 13 less than a year ago now told us they were almost 16...What do you say to that? I am pretty much convinced that there is no 14 in Karen.
The girls had a blast painting their nails and making bead necklaces. We played some games with the boy; they can make incredible works of art with play-doh. Beware that they have their own creative rules for checkers; and if you try to play "Go Fish" with Karen children, all fish are "goldfish."
Wednesday we gave out medication to those who needed it and were able to spend more time jut interacting with the kids. Some of them are scheduled to come to the US in the near future and asked for my address and phone number so they can contact me in the states. One of them said she would learn English so she could call me.
My heart especially went out to one of the boys who is not on the resettlement list to come to the States. He said he wants to be a doctor. His opportunities are rather limited within the refuge camp, so I will be praying with him for a miracle. Although I don't believe they all need to come to the States, I would love for them all to be in a place where they can have jobs and support families.
I got to share my testimony with the children and I tried to share a little bit about my life in a way these children could relate. I know what it is to move alone and learn to find a new job, make new friends, and find a new church; but I really can't imagine what it is like to go to a new country as a child or a young teen where I don't speak the language. I tried to stress to them that the same God who is with me will be with them everywhere they go. When they are lonely, it is God alone who can satisfy them.
When we left the camp, the kids all escorted us out to the gate, holding umbrellas over our heads (or in our eyes, whatever the case may be). They stood forever at the gate waiving and blowing kisses. All of us girls were crying. I hate saying "goodbye," so I told them all "See you later" and I hope I will.
I can't wait to post pictures; I will put some up as soon as I get a chance. In the meantime, you can check out www.rememberthose.org for some shots of our visit to Mae La refugee camp.
I spent the last two days at Freedom House Orphanage in Mae Sot, Thailand. I have been privileged to visit and get to know the children over the past three visits and each time they have become more dear and more precious to my heart.
Tuesday, we did medical check-ups on each of the kids. My job was to get each of the kids' height and weight. Even that can be a bit of a challenge with the language barrier, but they were great kids and generally caught on to the process without too much confusion. The thing that was perhaps the most difficult was asking them their age. Kids who said they were 13 less than a year ago now told us they were almost 16...What do you say to that? I am pretty much convinced that there is no 14 in Karen.
The girls had a blast painting their nails and making bead necklaces. We played some games with the boy; they can make incredible works of art with play-doh. Beware that they have their own creative rules for checkers; and if you try to play "Go Fish" with Karen children, all fish are "goldfish."
Wednesday we gave out medication to those who needed it and were able to spend more time jut interacting with the kids. Some of them are scheduled to come to the US in the near future and asked for my address and phone number so they can contact me in the states. One of them said she would learn English so she could call me.
My heart especially went out to one of the boys who is not on the resettlement list to come to the States. He said he wants to be a doctor. His opportunities are rather limited within the refuge camp, so I will be praying with him for a miracle. Although I don't believe they all need to come to the States, I would love for them all to be in a place where they can have jobs and support families.
I got to share my testimony with the children and I tried to share a little bit about my life in a way these children could relate. I know what it is to move alone and learn to find a new job, make new friends, and find a new church; but I really can't imagine what it is like to go to a new country as a child or a young teen where I don't speak the language. I tried to stress to them that the same God who is with me will be with them everywhere they go. When they are lonely, it is God alone who can satisfy them.
When we left the camp, the kids all escorted us out to the gate, holding umbrellas over our heads (or in our eyes, whatever the case may be). They stood forever at the gate waiving and blowing kisses. All of us girls were crying. I hate saying "goodbye," so I told them all "See you later" and I hope I will.
I can't wait to post pictures; I will put some up as soon as I get a chance. In the meantime, you can check out www.rememberthose.org for some shots of our visit to Mae La refugee camp.
Monday, April 16, 2007
February 17, I moved...again. I must have a short memory to have forgotten how much hassle it is to fix up a house. But THIS time, I told my friends helped move that they can dig a hole in the backyard and bury me there, because I don't plan to move again. Of course, I said that last time...
Two days after we moved in, we ripped out the hall bathroom and the kitchen. I do mean ripped out. Little did we know, we would be without a kitchen for three weeks. Thank God for yogurt and baby carrots!
The good news is that we are through the worst of it. In the last couple months, we have done a lot of painting, cleaning, unpacking, shopping, hanging, decorating, digging, planting, raking, and fixing air conditioners (that was my least favorite part). I still have a long way to go on the landscaping end of things, but if I was done, who knows...I might get the urge to move again.
I had good Friday off and I spent it out front digging out what was left of azalea bushes that had been there. I thought I was working pretty hard until my neighbor came by and said, "We can tell you sit behind a desk everyday." What was that supposed to mean?
I found out there there are two kinds of people on my street, those who think I should take the oak in front of my house out, and those who think I should leave it in. I think I will take up a collection from those who think I should take it out.
Saturday night I added another chapter to the book I will write one day titled "Times I have locked myself out of the house." Chapter five, I think. Five friends came over to help me break in this time. Thanks to John, we were able to get in without damaging any doors or windows. Some day I will learn. Maybe in the next house. :)
Charity's World
February 9 I traveled to Alabama to visit a friend and her family and then on to Pensacola to see Charity's art show. It was my first time to PCC ever and my first time mixing with college students in a long time. After just a couple days I have to say, I feel a little old. I'm not sure I could share a bedroom with three other girls anymore.
I was impressed that Charity has grown into a quality young woman. We went to fine arts with some of her friends-not the "cool crowd," but a group of girls that Charity genuinely reaches out to.
Saturday we took time to go to a local nursing home. Something Charity had done faithfully through her four years of college. We sang all the old favorites with the residents and did our best to talk with them about the Lord.
Sunday afternoon was her show...she had hung up pieces that she worked on throughout her four years there. I have several of her pieces framed in my home and office, but I keep trying to convince her to sell me more.
It was a long drive home, but it was well worth it. Thanks for letting me come, Charity. I can't wait to see what God is going to do with your gifts in the days to come!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Monday, October 09, 2006
September passed quickly...I spent the first nine days of the month overseas in Thailand and Burma...and the rest of the month recovering, with one work trip to Pennsylvania with a day off at Niagra Falls...
The trip with Remember (www.rememberthose.org) went well. We visited the orphanage that we support in northern Thailand. It was fun to get to see the kids again. We also spent a little bit of time at a village in Burma. We had a doctor, dentist, and RN with us, so they did a number of medical check ups everywhere we went.
It was a lot of fun...I'm not sure it's fair to even have that much fun on a mission trip. Maybe it would sound better if I said I was sick two of the days we were over there and that we spent about 30 hours in travel each direction. That's brutal. Especially when you can't take toothpaste and eye drops on board the plane.
The time we spent with the children was really great, though, and Remember is working on ideas that will help us have a lasting impact on lives. I'm praying that the Lord will show me what he wants me to do in that respect.
So long for now...
The trip with Remember (www.rememberthose.org) went well. We visited the orphanage that we support in northern Thailand. It was fun to get to see the kids again. We also spent a little bit of time at a village in Burma. We had a doctor, dentist, and RN with us, so they did a number of medical check ups everywhere we went.
It was a lot of fun...I'm not sure it's fair to even have that much fun on a mission trip. Maybe it would sound better if I said I was sick two of the days we were over there and that we spent about 30 hours in travel each direction. That's brutal. Especially when you can't take toothpaste and eye drops on board the plane.
The time we spent with the children was really great, though, and Remember is working on ideas that will help us have a lasting impact on lives. I'm praying that the Lord will show me what he wants me to do in that respect.
So long for now...
Saturday, August 19, 2006
So Why Did You Decide ...not... to go to Law School?
Those of you who have been up-to-date over the past year and a half are probably some what familiar with my decision to go back to law school...and to go to law school...and not to go to law school... I think it may be the most dificult decision I've made so far in my life.
But when classes started on Monday, I wasn't there.
It's not easy to explain. But I will say that one of the benefits of not going to school four nights a week is that I'm able to go on another mission trip this summer. Lord willing, I will be leaving August 31 for a return trip to Thailand and Burma. If you think of it, please pray for me and the rest of the team for health and physical safety and that we will be an encouragement to the believers over there.
Those of you who have been up-to-date over the past year and a half are probably some what familiar with my decision to go back to law school...and to go to law school...and not to go to law school... I think it may be the most dificult decision I've made so far in my life.
But when classes started on Monday, I wasn't there.
It's not easy to explain. But I will say that one of the benefits of not going to school four nights a week is that I'm able to go on another mission trip this summer. Lord willing, I will be leaving August 31 for a return trip to Thailand and Burma. If you think of it, please pray for me and the rest of the team for health and physical safety and that we will be an encouragement to the believers over there.
Two Year Anniversary
Well...I wrote a nice little article to post here on Thursday, my two year anniversary of living in Charleston. However, my computer appears to have eaten it. One thing that was on my "to do" list the day I got to Charleston, "fix our computer system," still hasn't happened. Oh, well, I guess they'll just have to keep me for a while longer.
Anyway, the article I was going to post got eaten, the pictures I keep trying to post won't show up on the screen, and my brain doesn't seem to be in a creative enough mode right now, but I'm posting anyway because I'm trying to get back into the habit of doing this regularly...however rusty I am at it today.
Well...I wrote a nice little article to post here on Thursday, my two year anniversary of living in Charleston. However, my computer appears to have eaten it. One thing that was on my "to do" list the day I got to Charleston, "fix our computer system," still hasn't happened. Oh, well, I guess they'll just have to keep me for a while longer.
Anyway, the article I was going to post got eaten, the pictures I keep trying to post won't show up on the screen, and my brain doesn't seem to be in a creative enough mode right now, but I'm posting anyway because I'm trying to get back into the habit of doing this regularly...however rusty I am at it today.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Friday, June 02, 2006
Second Anniversary
Two years ago today I took my oath and was sworn in as an attorney. It seems more like two hundred years ago...all things considered, they have been good years. I've learned a lot and found out how much more I have to learn. I am grateful to the Lord for his faithfulness throughout law school and in helping me find just the right job at just the right time.
I am planning to begin law school again, believe it or not. I have enrolled in the Charleston School of Law and should begin taking night classes in mid-August. It will be quite a challenge to work and do school again, but I know the Lord is still faithful and if this is His will for me, He will see me through it, one day at a time.
Thanks to all of you who tell me time to time that you are praying for me. That has meant a lot to me and I hope you will keep me updated so I can pray for you as well.
Two years ago today I took my oath and was sworn in as an attorney. It seems more like two hundred years ago...all things considered, they have been good years. I've learned a lot and found out how much more I have to learn. I am grateful to the Lord for his faithfulness throughout law school and in helping me find just the right job at just the right time.
I am planning to begin law school again, believe it or not. I have enrolled in the Charleston School of Law and should begin taking night classes in mid-August. It will be quite a challenge to work and do school again, but I know the Lord is still faithful and if this is His will for me, He will see me through it, one day at a time.
Thanks to all of you who tell me time to time that you are praying for me. That has meant a lot to me and I hope you will keep me updated so I can pray for you as well.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
The Exploding Rose Bush
One of our favorite things about our office is the rose bush out back. Every spring is absolutely explodes with color.
Being a rose lover, I have five bushes planted outside my house, and I feel fortunate when I have one rose blooming between the five of them. The bush at the office puts all of them to shame. It's as if that bush simply cannot have enough roses.
We get all kinds of insights from that bush, but Curtis said something about it that particularly stuck in my mind..."Some days I could probably have brought more glory to God as a rose bush." I don't normally think that deeply...but that comment made me want to be like an exploding rose bush. One that simply cannot have enough roses. It just cannot bring enough glory to God! (Psalm 19:1)
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Okay so I haven't blogged in a while...
Where do I begin? I had three girls over to spend the night again. We hunted for Easter eggs in the dark...we dressed up in goofy costumes in the dark...we sang at the top of our lungs in my kitchen (which echoes) and used half a bottle of soap doing dishes...
I've raked and raked and raked. And my yard looks like I need to rake it.
I babysat five kids for five days...That was a blast. We made a water balloon launcher. After several tries, we did successfully start seeing balloons go flying...Then we had to try to find all the broken balloon pieces. One of the kids said someone should invent water balloons that dissolve. Yeah, good idea.
I made a new friend last night. I talked with an old friend the night before. That's right, an oooold, married friend, Kimmie. I'm planning another trip to California in May to see another old friend get married.
I taught a ladies Bible study on the woman at the well. I guess I should say I "led" a ladies Bible study...either way...I was there and they were very patient with me. It's been too long since I did something like that.
I tried to tune my guitar for the first time in a year. And I was unsuccessful. Maybe I'll try to get some strings today. I'm sure that's the problem, the strings.
I played an offertory at church. That was another thing I hadn't done in forever. I love music!
My nephew turned two! I got to talk with him on his birthday. He is talking up a storm and doesn't call me "Yell" any more.
I've slept and eaten and laughed and cried and pretty much done everything but blog over the past few weeks. I will have to start thinking deeper thoughts and coming here to put them into words.
Where do I begin? I had three girls over to spend the night again. We hunted for Easter eggs in the dark...we dressed up in goofy costumes in the dark...we sang at the top of our lungs in my kitchen (which echoes) and used half a bottle of soap doing dishes...
I've raked and raked and raked. And my yard looks like I need to rake it.
I babysat five kids for five days...That was a blast. We made a water balloon launcher. After several tries, we did successfully start seeing balloons go flying...Then we had to try to find all the broken balloon pieces. One of the kids said someone should invent water balloons that dissolve. Yeah, good idea.
I made a new friend last night. I talked with an old friend the night before. That's right, an oooold, married friend, Kimmie. I'm planning another trip to California in May to see another old friend get married.
I taught a ladies Bible study on the woman at the well. I guess I should say I "led" a ladies Bible study...either way...I was there and they were very patient with me. It's been too long since I did something like that.
I tried to tune my guitar for the first time in a year. And I was unsuccessful. Maybe I'll try to get some strings today. I'm sure that's the problem, the strings.
I played an offertory at church. That was another thing I hadn't done in forever. I love music!
My nephew turned two! I got to talk with him on his birthday. He is talking up a storm and doesn't call me "Yell" any more.
I've slept and eaten and laughed and cried and pretty much done everything but blog over the past few weeks. I will have to start thinking deeper thoughts and coming here to put them into words.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Bright Beginnings
Yesterday I accidently spilled something on my laptop keyboard. This morning when I came in, by "Y" key was sticking (along with a few others). So...I made the mistake of popping it off and trying to clean it up. I got it off all right, and the next thing I knew, I had five little pieces in my hand...not the best way to start a day.
It works (obviouslY), but I can't get the cover to stay on any longer...not even after 45 minutes or reassembling and superglue. Meanwhile, the other keys have stopped sticking. Why didn't I just leave it alone and type slowly for a while???
If anyone knows a good fix for computer keys would you let me know?
Thanks. :)
Yesterday I accidently spilled something on my laptop keyboard. This morning when I came in, by "Y" key was sticking (along with a few others). So...I made the mistake of popping it off and trying to clean it up. I got it off all right, and the next thing I knew, I had five little pieces in my hand...not the best way to start a day.
It works (obviouslY), but I can't get the cover to stay on any longer...not even after 45 minutes or reassembling and superglue. Meanwhile, the other keys have stopped sticking. Why didn't I just leave it alone and type slowly for a while???
If anyone knows a good fix for computer keys would you let me know?
Thanks. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)