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Monday, 09 November 2009
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...Calling each by name...
This morning it is blue skies and sunshine - one of my favorite kinds of days. I feel brighter, more energized, and ready for the day.
The longer I've lived here the more I've seen the people in need, and it's not just those who have no money or no work... It's the day to day lives with challenges and needs that are expected to go unmet because of lack of hope and almost a contempt of those who have it better. But those who seem to have everything going for them are usually those who are dying inside with the emptiness they continue to find in things or people or places. All running away from themselves. Their one hope is if they were somewhere else their lives would be free of problems and worries.
I've been struggling with the same things myself. Over a week ago I was so sick I didn't want to get out of bed. I called in sick for work and was off for 5 days as I recovered. Being sick and not able to do as much besides sleep a lot, made me stop and think more about what I am doing. What am I living for here in South Dakota? Is it my friends? or my job? or myself?
Asking myself these questions put things more in perspective for me.
Sometimes I just need quiet to hear my own thoughts and process life.
I'm enjoying work more and more. I serve in the Advanced Alzheimers Care Unit as a Nursing Aid. It is challenging, but each day I'm learning more. It's an honor to be with those who can't really take care of themselves and a privilege to help. Some days are quiet, other days are intense, and I know this is preparing me for something else in the future.
Here in South Dakota, winter is just around the corner, so each day in the 50's are a treat! The leaves have all disappeared on the trees and every day being scattered in the winds. Most of the birds have made their way south, pheasant hunting season is in full swing.
A Gaggle of Geese
Wherever you go you can see people in the brilliant color of orange on their way to or from the fields.
Did you know that the South Dakota State bird is the pheasant? So you are only allowed to shoot the roosters (the males) and you need a hunting license to do it. Haven't tasted pheasant yet, although I heard its very good.
Many people up here know about 'Tiger Meat'... we had it the other night and if you know what it is then congratulations! Another one of those things I never heard of before moving up here.
The best part of being here is being reminded every day that I'm not forgotten. Even though I'm not overseas somewhere, I feel like I'm on a mission field and God is still with me.
"Look up into the heavens.
Who created all the stars?
He brings them out like an army,
one after another,
calling each by its name.
Because of His great power and
incomparable strength,
not a single one is missing."
-Isaiah 40:26
(New Living Translation)
Monday, 21 September 2009
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New Season In South Dakota
A surprising twist occurred, yet expected that something would happen. Never would have imagined that 'something' is living in South Dakota of all places!
A year ago seems so far away - adjusting to life in Accra, Ghana after living in the 'bush' at Lake Bosumtwi for 3 1/2 months.
Now in the flat lands, living in an apartment on Main Street in a very small town where everyone knows everyone and most people are cousins - second, third, fourth. It's been a little adjustment, but I am enjoying the relaxed way of life here, the greetings to everyone, the open spaces, the opportunities to learn more stories of people. The summer is quietly fading away with each painted leaf that falls, the grasses drying and the soybeans changing colors which reminds me of the vineyard fields in Sonoma County.
A month ago I flew here to visit my friend, Lindsay, for her birthday and after much prayer and thought, decided to stay. Last week I went in for an interview to be a Certified Nurse's Aid at a nursing home and will go to orientation and training this weekend. Hoping to have more experiences so I can apply them elsewhere around the world.
I feel like I belong here for a time, and it's a wonderful feeling, although I know it won't be forever. My heart still has wings to continue on after a bit, but for now this is a season to be with friends and their family which has been like my family. Enjoying time at their Ranch, visiting with Grandma and Uncle and Aunt, listening to stories and laughing at the funny times.
I have not forgotten Africa, Romania, or Jamaica, nor will I forget California or Nevada. All are close to my heart and not a day goes by when I'm not reminded that there's a bigger world out there. For now, I am here. And God is there and here. So it's okay. One day at a time. Hearing God's heartbeat. Trusting. Learning. Growing. Healing. Amazing. :)
Monday, 03 August 2009
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Reviewing life
Wow.
It's amazing.
Looking back now, through the years I can see more clearly the good, the growth and the learning experiences.
I've been reading through writings, blogs, and e-mails from the time I was in Romania. Little did I know 3 years later all that would change!
God has stayed the same.
I've had my share of struggles, questioning God and asking the whys. Why did the difficulties happen? Why didn't God do more to protect us? Why was I suffering for being obedient to the call I heard?
God hasn't changed. He has proven Himself faithful over and over. In the storms of my life, God has been my anchor, holding on to dear life or I'd be a gonner.
So close sometimes too. Then there would be someone or I would feel someone's prayers, read an encouraging letter or e-mail, be out in nature and listen to the song of love in the wind.
Because of these trials and tribulations, I have been able to face many fears with God. And facing them with His strength, knowing I'm not alone, has made me stronger.
If God can get me through this much, surely He will not leave me where I am now! Onward and upward.
"Smooth mountains can't be climbed"
I had so many questions in the things I wrote. Gradually, most are being answered. Not at all how I thought they would be either.
God doesn't seem to go by our terms. And I'm SO glad He is a better planner than I am!
This whole summer has been fascinating to see unfold.
In the beginning, when people would ask, "so, what's next?" I would try to be patient and hope I wouldn't come across too weird when I responded, "I'm not sure, God hasn't told me yet. Now I'm just living one day at a time."
Some would look at me like I was nuts, others would say, "that's nice." and move on. Some would be excited for me and encouraging to keep trusting.
Well...
God sure knows what He's doing.
This has been a wonderful and wonder-filled few months. Relaxing, rejuvinating, renewing. Traveling, visiting heart-to-heart, seeing beautiful places, watching God at work.
Amazing.
If someone had showed me all of this 3 summers ago, I think I would have laughed and thought they were nuts. No way, I wouldn't have believed it.
Through grace, time, healing, growing, learning, forgiving, living, soaking up God...
my life has been changed.
Hallelujah!!!!!
Saturday, 04 July 2009
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Echoes of God's Heartbeat
Looking through an earlier blog, I found this and realized it's still a learning process - this 'school of life':
"God has been working on my heart a lot these last few days.
I hadn’t wanted to realize you can’t hide from God’s love forever.
You can choose to reject it but it will find you.
What you do with it will change your life one way or another.
“For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With His love, He will calm ALL your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Zephaniah 3:17
My prayer has been to hear the heartbeat of God here for the people.
Now I know personally more of the love that overcomes even death itself.
God’s grace is undeserved and yet always desired.
If only we reach out and accept it.
Lay down our pride and self-sufficiency (which is a lie anyway) and find out at the end of our rope our Heavenly Father is there waiting to catch us.
Our Lord longs to have us rest in the powerful hands which created us and allow our ‘spoiled’ hearts to be healed.
Christ knows about pain – the suffering He endured on the cross is proof of that.
Jesus knows about real love too – and He has never stopped loving you and me.
Incredible isn’t it?
“God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him.
This is real love – not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.”
1 John 4:9-10
Another notepad journal entry I found from November 22, 2008:
“Are you ready My child?”
“No, I don’t think I am. I am not prepared.”
“It’s okay, I believe you are.
Trust Me, hold on to my hand, I will lead you.
You be.
I’ll do.
For My glory.
Rely on Me.
I love you.
Draw near to Me – like a fountain or stream, the closer you are, the more you will flourish.
Sit at My feet. Listen to My voice, hear and feel My heart.
Butterflies are so fragile.
I’ll be your breath, your beauty, your nourishment.
Alight on My petals, drink the sweet nectar, don’t hold back.
You may not understand, but I am true. Believe in Me.”
“Lord, I want to know when and understand how!”
“Why do you want to know? What will do with that knowledge? How are you using the knowledge that you already have?”
The most beautiful sound is God’s heartbeat. Everything else beautiful and lovely is an echo of His love.
Found in grace, mercy, forgiveness, justice, love, peace, comfort, faithfulness, holiness, joy.
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July 4, 2008
As the dusk darkens the explosive booms and pops become more frequent. July 4th has arrived.
Just a year ago I was a world away, where the sounds were the rooster crowing at all hours of the night, the crickets chirping, the wind dancing through the trees and an occasional roll of thunder in the distance.
Hollie and I were the only Americans in Amakom as the Jernigan family had traveled to Accra.
So... Last year on July 4, 2009 we celebrated Independence Day in Ghana, West Africa!
Although, looking through my blog, I found that I hadn't written much about last year's celebration!
This is an excerpt from a blog my 'sister Abena' (Louise) wrote:
Hollie arranged to buy lunch of gari (shredded cassava) with beans, bread and ‘minerals’ (sodas) for all the workers who were working on the new medical clinic building. There were approximately 30 guys and they were so appreciative.
Hollie asked Michael to explain that it was a national holiday back in the States and it was traditional to go on a picnic or do something together. This was met with a great round of applause – they can understand the idea of Independence Day as it was actually Ghana’s national holiday on Monday 1st July.
So they all sat under the huge mango tree and Ebenezer (the clinic chaplain) offered a prayer.
It was an awesome time of fellowship, laughter, celebration and gratefulness.
RebeccaHillman
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- Name: Rebecca
- Gender: Female
- Member Since: 6/19/2008
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amazed by grace
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enjoying the last few days together before Hollie leaves to go back to the States. Hoping to have at least a couple more adventures!
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enjoying this rainy day, the last one with the team from Ireland here...
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