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Monday, 28 December 2009
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purest water
Being flexible and fluid,
praying for God's will,
not just mine...
we become like pure water
in the hands of God
being poured out
to quench the thirsty souls...
always reflecting back
to our Source...
our Eternal Rock
where everlasting water flows.
(November 28, 2008 Ghana) -
it's beginning to look alot like...
For some reason the song, 'It's beginning to look alot like Christmas' was in my head all day the day after Christmas. This year was a blizzard and lots of that white stuff which is not a favorite word around here. Today was the first sunny day in a while and also my day off which I so enjoyed! I think I had a smile all day just because of the sunshine! My Dad sent my massage table via Greyhound as a surprise for Christmas and I was able to pick it up today - what a great gift that keeps on giving!
This evening I saw a snowmobile drive up Main Street and in the back of a pickup parked on the same street were 3 pheasants who had met their end and going to be supper. Ya never know what you might see around here.
The festive lights for the holidays are up on the street lights. Stars, angels, reindeer and others, plus other lamps that are wrapped in red ribbons and garlands. Some of the storefronts have their Christmas lights up and now that the streets don't have huge mounds of snow running in the middle of them, you can see the other side of the street better. I've noticed it can be very dangerous driving in a car when you can't see what's around the snowbank! Going slow... that's the key. Thankfully for the most part, people know how to drive around here.
its 8:30pm and I've been watching the temperature plunge down to the single digits - now it's 5F. It was actually the warmest yesterday - 29!
I remember when it was 60F and I thought, oh man! how am I going to survive any colder than this?
I did decorate some palm tree plants with white lights as a reminder of last year's Christmas in Ghana.
We made a bunch of cookie dough to bake and give away, and still have some in the fridge and freezer. What is better than waking up to a cup of coffee (from a french press) and a ball of oatmeal cookie dough? Need to find more Eggnog to add to the coffee though like my Uncle Ted does to make it the best.
I'm thinking about leaving some Christmas lights up all year long - they give such a nice glow don't you think? adding some color or just some soft lighting that is way better than fluorescent which I have to work in everyday. The moon was nice to see last night for the first time in a while because of all the cloud cover. Even if you can't see it, it's there.
Well... this time was a bit of rambling, just typing my thoughts as they come, listening to Celtic music and wondering when I'll be able to make it over to Northern Europe. One of these days.
For sure.
South Dakota a stop along the way... enjoying it while I can. Especially the sunny days.
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!!!!!
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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