My Life Journey

Taking Steps

2010-01-19T10:40:00.002-07:00

"If we wait for the moment when everything, absolutely everything is ready, we shall never begin." - Ivan Turgenev

So I've decided to take some initiative to figuring out which direction I want to go. I need to stop only dreaming and procrastinating and actually try something! If I'm not willing to try something I'm basically giving up before i start. (Although with last year's deciding not to go for social work - i still feel i made the right decision). Here's the jyst! I've registered for a photography course starting next month to see if maybe I want to pursue my hobby a little more seriously. I'm nervous and excited at the same time, can't wait to learn more! I've also been interested in possibly going into elementry teaching, i used to always want to be a teacher as a kid, but when i got older the four years of schooling scared me!! So to see if this is really something i may be interested, I've been looking into volunteering in a classroom at an elementry school once a week, hopefully helping kids read and assisting the teacher, ect. I hope it works out and that I can get the "classroom feel" and see if it may be something i see myself doing. I love kids and I want to be able to help them, but I think Social Work may have been a little too intense for me, this may be something more along my lines, or even becoming a teacher assist if i dont feel i want to lead a whole class. I really dont know! But thats why I'm diggin into things a little deeper to see where i fit :) Just thought I'd give you an update on that!

Like quoted at the top of my page, why should i just wait around until things "happen", i need to make things happen! So thats what I'm doin :)

Catchin' up

2009-12-14T13:49:00.002-07:00

I can hardly believe its almost Christmas already, time just seems to go faster and faster as we get older! Sometimes I need to remind myself to enjoy the moments instead of focusing too much on the future.

The last couple months have had both their ups and downs. I'll pull through the tough times and soak in the joyous times! I'm happy to be working full-time now, will be nice to be a little more "caught up" in things financially. It can get very frustrating sometimes.

Nothing much is too new I guess, I'm still doing a lot of searching and exploring in different career paths.. I have somewhat of an idea of what I might move towards but I'm not gonna say too much yet, just take it slow and be sure of what I'm doing this time!

I'm so blessed to have someone special in my life, he's wonderful! I'm a happy girl :)

Thats about all for now!
xo

My Life's Carousel

2009-10-31T09:37:00.002-06:00

I try so hard not to let stress over-come me, but there are definitely days the bottle-cap bursts. It feels like I've been sitting on carousel for months. Just when it seems I "might" be getting somewhere, back around i go, and the cycle continues. It's been a tough year, not only for me, but for many of us! I'm sure a lot of you can relate to my carousel. It's like I can't get ahead or even just back to where i used to be.

Here's the jist. The job I started last month is good, i like it - only problem is my hours recently got cut. I'm on the hunt again!! Job searching in Grande Prairie is NOT like it was 3 years ago when i moved here! It's tough forsure since I'm not the only one handing out resumes, I'm sure these employers actually looking for employees get tons of resumes in one day. I'm still not sure where I'm heading career-wise, but in the meantime I am trying to figure that out. I think the whole stressful part of this situation is not knowing this and having to be a little less independent.. I like knowing i can take of myself without anyone's help, but its been a tough year and I haven't always been able to do things by myself. Thats hard, definitely cuts the pride down!! (this is where i feel like im just going in circles on a carousel).

But on a positive note, how true is it that God ALWAYS provides, he has continued to take care of me to my last penny. I've definitely been challeneged to trust God, and its not easy. We all like to take care of ourselves.. "do it ourselves". Maybe its good that God is showing some of us that we need him more than we think. In the past few years, we've rarely had to depend on God, but some of us have definitely come to the point of learning to depend on Him. And thats where we need to be encouraged (not stressed!), he IS taking care of us :)

My life now

2009-09-18T19:40:00.002-06:00

Well things have changed. I was able to have a long talk with an instructor/councellor a week and half ago about my career decisions, it was great to talk to somebody and really weigh out all my options and feelings. Long story short, I have decided not to go into the field of Social Work and I am truly happy about my decision. I really wasn't feeling like I wanted to take that on as a "career". I love to help people and be an encouragment in people's lives, but I'm not ready at this point (or ever really) to take on intense situations that Social Workers deal with on a day to day basis. To be honest I feel I was really blinded (more or less not really researching enough) to what Social Workers actually delt with continually. I know I want to continue to help people, but as for career-wise, I've just taken a step back to explore other routes and really discover myself and what I want before fully imersing myself into something so quickly. I'm back in GP and just started a job at Benjamin Moore which I am actually really excited about :) I take this all in as a learning experience as I definitely know it was!! It's made me challenge myself more and really think seriously about my decisions. I feel I've learnt more about myself and have been able to set some small goals to work towards in the time being. Thanks for praying for me. Until Next time!

*Remember to smile, it always looks better on you* :)
(words from someone special)

Mixed Emotions..

2009-09-07T19:14:00.002-06:00

I haven't had this tough of a time with my life decisions in a long time.. maybe ever. I feel confused, scared, and so unsure.. I've hit a pretty big fork in the road this past week. So many things going through my head right now. I really don't know if this is where i want to be anymore, if this is the path i want to take at this point in my life. To be completely honest i don't want to be here at all, this should be a happy time shouldn't it? Why do I hate it so much? I don't even know if i really want to be a social worker anymore. I know I like to help people, but I'm not so sure if its what I want to do as a life career. I hate making decisions like this when i know its completely my choice. Cuz my choice right now would to NOT be here, but i did choose to be here.. I feel sad and sick to my stomach.

The time is coming closer..

2009-08-12T22:24:00.002-06:00

I can't believe its almost moving time! Only 3 weeks from now and my whole life is going to change again.. I'm sure it's going to take a bit of adjusting, but I've been able to adjust to many things, so I'm pretty sure I'll do okay out there :) I can hardly believe I'm going to be a college student after all these years out of high school. Never thought I'd actually go back to school to be honest.. but I am really looking forward to learning again and gaining knowledge that I can put into practice in the lives of others. I have a strong desire to help others - specifically children and youth.. this is where God has placed my passion. I know it's a gift he's given me and I'm thankful for it. I look forward to being able to use it with more knowledge and confidence behind me. This is the way I look at it: "One person can make a world of a difference in someone's life. If I can make a difference in just one person's life I know I've done well." This is my goal, to help people and guide them in difficult circumstances.. I want to serve others and so I am serving the Lord. I'm nervous, scared, worried, and excited for this new thing in my life all at the same time. Mixed emotions forsure. But this is where I am to be, and I know it in my heart - everything will work out in His plan. I'm not sure exactly how God is going to use me with this schooling, but he will show me in time :) Thanks to all of you who support me and pray for me.

Much Love, Michelle

Making it through

2009-07-16T21:13:00.002-06:00

Well, God always seems to take care of me right when I'm pretty much down to my last string (or "penny" in this case)! I'm working now and thanks to God I've been able to make my payments this month. Things have been looking a little more on the brighter side this week :) I got my student loan and for that I am super pumped! Although including all my living expenses on top of school I may be a touch short, thats okay, I'll figure things out as they come one day at a time! The sad part is I did not get the northern bursary i was counting on.. but thats okay, things will still work out okay for me, I'm not going to worry about it. I am pursuing what I think is right for me and I know things will work out as they are supposed to. Thanks for your prayers, they've definitely been answered :)

Trying to have faith..

2009-07-02T17:13:00.002-06:00

I never thought I would come to the point where i would be thankful for an extra $20 to fill my car up with gas.. God has definitely been testing me more than I would like. I'm tired, I'm stressed, I'm not even sure what I'm supposed to do.. First week of summer camps just cancelled today, so again no work for ANOTHER full week. At this point I'm not sure I can even make it through the month.. I've been trying to get a second/other job, but no one wants to hire someone who is leaving to go to school. I'm not going to lie, I'm finding things pretty tough right now and its really cutting my pride down knowing I can't do it on my own anymore.. I was doing okay trusting God it would all work out, but bad news after bad news just isn't helping. It's hard to trust God when you're upset with him.. I would love some prayers if you think of me.

Restless

2009-06-11T11:06:00.002-06:00

Its been a while since I've logged onto my blog! I guess there have been a few ups and downs in the past while. As I mentioned last month, being accepted into school is pretty exciting! I'm a bit nervous to move I will admit, as I've made Grande Prairie pretty homely over the past few years.. but I know the change will be good for me and I am excited to expand my knowledge and experience in school! All I am waiting on now is a student loan and bursaries, but I'm just running on faith assuming I will get them, so hopefully!

I haven't really worked for 6 weeks now.. wow what a change from my winter working months! I've been so used to the "go, go, go" attitude all winter that this summer has definitely been interesting for me. I can now properly define the word "restless"! Ha ha. The job I had originally been offered last month didn't exactly work out, long story short - they kept pushing the start date back and eventually never returned any of my calls. I was quite disappointed as I had stopped looking for the work during this time period assuming I would be working full-time. But God has been faithful and has continued to provide for me as I need it! I worked a a couple days last weekend at the alley to fill in for someone and am temping two days at Trinidad. The extra cash will definitely help me out this month! Again, God being faithful to take care of me, I got a job for the summer starting in a few weeks working for GPRC summer camps. Basically just helping run sports camps for the summer monday to friday. I'm looking forward to it forsure as I know it will be something I actually enjoy.

And I guess thats about all I have to say for now!
~Until next time~

ACCEPTED!!!

2009-05-15T17:46:00.003-06:00

I GOT INTO SCHOOL!! :) I'm pretty excited about this! As long as everything works out financially, looks like I am going to be a full-time student in the fall! Now its applying for bursaries like crazy and working on getting a student loan. As long as this is what I am supposed to be doing, then I'm sure everything will work out just fine :)

I also got a job offer working at a Medic Company in the office! I should hopefully be starting next week.. I definitely need to get working already.

I recently got back from a nice little vacation on the west coast again. It was great to just relax and visit friends :) I'll throw up a couple pics of my time there.

Anyways, thats all I got for today. Chow!

No Update

2009-04-27T12:23:00.002-06:00

My update so far is "No Update".. I'm pretty much just going day by day having no clue whats going to happen next! I can't even count the amount of resumes I've been putting out for work. I didn't think finding work would be as hard as it is right now! But I won't give up, I'll find something I'm sure.. I'm a firm believer in "Everything happens for a reason". God's got something up that sleeve of his! I'm getting pretty impatient with school too. I still haven't heard much on that end of things. I talked to a lady in the registrar last week and she said right now they were in the process of reviewing my application and I should hopefully know this week sometime... I sure hope it won't be long!! If I am accepted into the 2009 Fall term, I've got lots to get working on with a Student Loan and bursaries! If I don't get in this year, I'll try my best not to get too discouraged but try again next year. So yeah basically everything in my life is just floating around in mid-air right now, and let me tell you.. its SO hard to be patient in these circumstances!! I think in the past couple days my stress level has elevated like crazy, leaving me with headaches and nausea, no fun! Anyways, I just keep reminding myself, that there's a reason for all of this. God will take care of me and have me where he wants me.

Bad News..

2009-04-03T14:33:00.002-06:00

Well I still don't know if I am accepted into school or not, so thats not the bad news.. I'm still waiting on that.

The bad news is.. I am getting laid off as of April 30th.. Its a tough hit for me being one of the many North Americans losing their jobs. I didn't really feel this whole recession thing affecting me, that is until now.. I'll admit, it's not the easiest pill to swallow! But I am going to try my best not to stress out too much and just take it one day at a time as I get my resumes out there. What else can I do right?

Obviously there is a reason for this. There is a plan, I know there is a plan... All I can say is "I trust you God.. I trust you".

Waiting..

2009-04-01T14:56:00.002-06:00

Still waiting to hear back from the college.. IMPATIENTLY waiting might I add! I am a planner and an organizer so I like to have things figured out as to what I am going to do. Its hard waiting I have to say!! Hopefully I will hear back soon so I can move on from this point..

Finally finishing up Step 2!

2009-03-19T13:15:00.002-06:00

Well it's been a while since I've put up an update as to how things are going with my application process! They received my first part (application form, transcript, pymt) a few weeks ago. I then received a package containing more information, reference forms, and my own personal/professional questionare. I've been working long and hard on this part, since I have to answer each of the questions in essay form. It tiring and time-consuming. I'm not used to this "writing" thing anymore! But with a lot of time to think everything through, I have finally finished it! Let's just say, the word "headache" has become very personal for me in the past few days.. But I'm done it, and I am very happy with my finished piece of writing :) I will be sending it in today and waiting for the next resonse hopefully within the next few weeks. If this is what I am supposed to do with my life, then I guess it will all fall into place :) I'm scared and excited all at the same time. It would definitely be an adjustment for me leaving the working field and becoming a full-time student! Ahhhh.. CrAzY!

On another note, my work is almost done at the bowling alley as league is just finishing up in playoffs next week. My hours will be cut back as summer is much slower. I need that break though, it will be good for me :) But of course, being the busy body that I am, it probably won't last long. If school is in my future, I'm sure I will be finding another second job this summer to make some extra bucks! I'm definitey going to try and keep it minimal though, I don't want to overdue it as I tend to do at times. I think I get worn out way too easily..

I got to go home last weekend, which was sooo nice! Short, but good to see family and friends again :) It was exciting to see my new nephew Kyler, he's a cutie! I'll throw up a picture or two.

And thats about it for now!

Step 1 complete!

2009-03-02T12:58:00.003-07:00

Well, I've sent in my application & transcript now... step 1 is complete! Now I have to wait for a bunch of stuff back from them where I have to complete a resume, personal profile, reference letters, criminal record check, ect. A little longer of a process than I had first expected! I really have no idea if I will get in this year or not.. I'm applying a little late in the year so there might not be too many spots left for the program (Social Work Diploma). Also you need to have 70 hours accounted for in volunteer work. I do have that, but my type of volunteer work hasn't necessarily been very broad as I have not volunteered at agencies or hospitals. So if I don't get in because of this, I'm not going to let it bother me. All I will do is gain more volunteer experience and work towards next year! I'm just taking steps for now and learning to let God be in contol of what he knows is best for me. I'll keep you posted!

A little insight..

2009-02-25T09:07:00.002-07:00

So today I am meeting up with a lady from my church, who is a Registered Social Worker. I figured before I make any final decisions, I would like to hear what being in the field of social work is like from an insider's point of view. If I am going to commit time and money to school I want to be as sure as possible that this is the direction I want to go.. I am looking forward to hearing more about it and coming to a final decision. I had been thinking about going to school in Southern BC.. but with a lot of thought, I decided I just don't know if I can be that far away from home at this point. Well I know I can be as I've lived in Africa for 6 months, but with the choice of schools.. I would like to be closer to home. If after this meeting, I still feel very positive about going to school, I will be applying at Grant MacEwen in Edmonton for this coming Fall. Fingers crossed!

2009-02-19T09:29:00.006-07:00

Just thought I'd post some pics of my trip to BC..

Ganges Harbour, Salt Spring

Relaxing afternoon at the beach

Sharai & Avery at the Treehouse Cafe in Ganges

Polly & I

Erin & I at Harrison Lake

Hangin with my wonderful old roomies :)

Well after a lot of thought, discussion and prayer, I have come to the conclusion that I am taking a step and applying for University. I'm applying for the Social Work Diploma Program for this coming Fall. I do believe this is what I want and it excites me thinking about going to school again! As for if this will happen or not, I guess I'll just have to wait and find out. If the doors open for me, I'll take that as a "GO", if they close - then obviously God has something better in mind or the timing just isn't right. And I guess thats the story so far..

Unending Decisions..

2009-02-10T15:43:00.002-07:00

It seems as though each time I finally make one decision in my life.. another presents itself. Is this some kind of unending process I should have known about?? I'm not even kidding, I feel I've been overwhelmed with decisions to make this past year or two! Being on my own and indpendent definitely brings in a lot more opportunity in differerent areas, which means MORE DECISIONS!! Sometimes I just wish God would put a bilboard in front of me telling me exactly which way I need to go and maybe even throw a road map in the deal! Too bad that's not quite how God works :)

Here it goes.. Is school an option for me? At one point I seriously thought I would never go back to school, but lately it keeps jumping out at me. Honestly.. it scares me a little to think I might want to go back to school, its been way too long. I dont even know how the classroom/homework thing works anymore!! haha. But its almost like everytime I think about what I want to do with my life I hear the word school. I mean, it would only make sense considering most of what I would like to do with my life would mean getting a diploma or a degree. Why does school scare me so much? I guess I'm just so used to the 'working' life that it would take some adjusting. Not to mention, if I decided (there's that word again!) to go to college or university, it would most likely mean 'moving' again! ANOTHER 'decision'.

Being a follower of Christ, I know that I want to pursue what God has for me - I want His will to be my will. And so that means praying and working towards possible opportunities (such as school) and letting God be in control. All the meanwhile, trusting that He knows what He's doing - afterall, He DID design me.. All my passions and dreams come from Him. Right?

Feel free to leave me any of your comments or thoughts on school!

2009-01-21T14:59:00.004-07:00

I've been right back into the busy life since being home from Christmas. Lets put it this way.. coffee has become my new best friend! haha. I'm loving the new place I am living and the space I have for myself :) I like that fact that my roomate has a dog (Molly), she's definitely kept me company on the lonely days. Although the vacuuming up hair part can get annoying, I'll just never have my own inside pet! I've started cooking a little more than I used to.. maybe I'll eventually master it! haha.

I'm still working on making a lot of big decisions in my life as to what it is I really want to do.. But I know the right opportunities will present themselves at the right time. I just need to continue to have patience and trust that God has got it all under control :)

I've been learning how to snowboard again! Amidst the falls and bruises, I'm still enjoying it. I can't wait to really get the hang of it. I'll post some pics when I get the chance.

Only 2 weeks and I am BC bound!! I am SO ready for a vacation :) Not to mention the mountains, the ocean and friends! Definitely counting down for this one. I'll be making another trip in July this year. Looks like I am Maid of Honor for my friends wedding in Newfoundland!! I'm pretty stoked. Never been in a bridal party before. I got friends travelling with me around the east coast then as well, so it will be a good time for sure :)

X Until Next time X

A New Year

2009-01-02T11:29:00.003-07:00

Well Christmas and New Years has come and gone and it's back to routines again! I had a great Christmas being back at home with family and seeing some friends, nice and relaxing. Although I got a little sick with a horrible cold right away it was still nice to finally do NOTHING! To have a week off of work and get some much needed rest was great.

New years.. does that mean new years resolutions?? haha. I guess I got a few. I think I've got to get some priorities straight in my life. I get so sucked into work that by the time I get home I'm exhausted. My self-motivation is horrible. I get a little grumpy from not getting much sleep, and I drag myself through the day. I definitely need to work on changing my attitude a little! I guess there's a lot of little things I would like to change in my life - but it pretty much all comes down to attitudes and motivations. I'm going to work on that!

I'm really looking forward to the first weekend in February!! I am planning on going to Salt Spring Island, BC to visit Polly & Jason for a couple days, then I'm off to Chilliwack to visit Erin & BJ whom I haven't seen in FOREVER. I am so excited, it will be a nice little vacation :)

Thats all for now.. Happy New Years!!
(Here's a couple pictures of my neices and nephew and Christmas!)

Jr. Youth Girls

2008-12-16T08:36:00.003-07:00

Last thursday night I took my jr youth girls cosmic bowling. It was fun, they seemed to have a blast! It's great being able to hang out with them and get to know them as individuals. Just thought I would post some pics :)

Why I love 'little people' so much..

2008-12-07T13:33:00.003-07:00

Little people..
probably half our population;
Many unacknowlegded
and unimportant.
Just small beings
who happen to be.
I think people misapprehend children..
they don't see how much littles
are the ones who really "get it"..
They are the ones to make you smile
when all you wanna do is cry.
They trust and know that they are loved
and are being taken care of.
They always forgive!
They couldn't care less how you dress,
where you work, where you live, what you drive,
who your friends with..
Its you they care about.
When they hug you, they mean it.
When they are happy, they show it :)
When they are sad, they seek comfort.. from us..
They are honest.
They have faith.. faith that we forget sometimes.
They love unconditionally.
These are our little people..
Why are not more like them??

On another note, I found a place to live.. I'm moving this saturday! I'm pretty excited.. I think I need a big change in my life right now. Change is good. Only 2 weeks till I go home for Christmas! I'm really looking forward to getting some time off and going back home for bit. I think I need a break from being exhausted all the time. The other day I was babysitting for Ellen and Kaelyn was teething so I had to give her tylonel and rock her a bit.. it made me miss my babies in Lesotho so much, i just wanted to cry! As sad as it sounds, I've been getting better at forgetting.. you almost have to. Its difficult to explain, but forgetting is just so much easier than going day by day remembering. Anyways, today is sunday so hopefully get a little more relaxing in. Until next time. xx.

Flustered

2008-11-25T13:36:00.002-07:00

As I mentioned in my last blog entry, I have a hard time not focusing on the future and just taking things one day at a time.. yupp, still difficult! I feel so flustered right now, I almost can't even think straight for some reason. It's really a wierd feeling.. I'm in a place of "unknowns" and I'll be honest in saying I'm really not enjoying it, i really hate making big decisions. The thing is for me, being on my own and all, with no real tie-downs, I could pretty much make any decision I wanted! I hate that!! It drives me crazy being at a place where I don't know what I REALLY want to do with my life. Not to mention I'm planning on moving into a new place, but its exhausting looking for the right place and trying to find a roommate. Then it gets me thinking about contracts I would have to sign and that means "tie-downs".. it scares me.. I'm trying so hard to trust God and know that He is taking care of me and things will work out, but it's not always that easy. Sometimes I wish He would just tell me what to do in these situations... but i guess then there would be no need to trust Him..

Feeling the exhaustion..

2008-11-14T08:24:00.005-07:00

It's been a while since I've left a new post so it's about time I write another..

Pics from Pumpkin Carving last month

So life definitely hasn't slowed down for me here! It's funny, I take the entire weekend to recoperate and get rested (if i get the chance) and it only takes one full day and I slip right back into exhaustion. I am ALWAYS tired! I know I bring it on myself working so much, so I really can't complain.. but I do what I gotta do out here!

We finished up our 4 week series with the junior youth on wednesday which went really well. Not only were we mentoring/teaching the kids.. I think we were teaching ourselves in the process. I'm trying so hard to think about things in a "30 day" persective.. it's really not so easy as we get so caught up in things always looking ahead and planning or worrying about the future, that we don't just enjoy each day God has given us. I find for myself I am often way too focused on the future, always anticipating SOMETHING! Not that anticipating is bad, but it keeps me from living out today - if you catch my drift.. I guess the challenge for myself is to focus more on each day as it comes, enjoying it to the fullest, than constantly doing or planning everything in regards to the future. A big one for me :)

I went home last weekend to see Sylvia, Wilma and Lizzy one last time before they head back to Lesotho. It was good, but I really don't like good-byes.. I will miss them so much! But they are where they are for a reason, and all this is obviously a part of God's plan for them :)

The weather has been so moody here lately! Snow, freezing rain, sun, wind - take your pic. It's really not all that fun for driving, but welcome to Northern Alberta!

Whats next for me.. in all honesty, I still have NO CLUE where to go from here.. sometimes I get a little stressed about it all, but this is (as I mentioned) where I need to start taking things one day at a time and stop worrying so much about the future. Things will happen as they should in the right timing! TODAY MICHELLE, TODAY:)

That's all for now..

30 days

2008-10-23T10:11:00.004-06:00

We are doing a series in church and small groups called "Live like you were dying". It's only been the 1st week and it's already got me thinking a little deeper about life... Suppose I only had 30 days left to live, where would I go? What would I do with those days? Who would I spend my time with? What's imporant to me? Where do my priorities lie?? Alot to think about...

So yesterday was the 1st night doing the study in our junior youth small groups (about 8 girls in my group). It was cool to discuss this issue with them, and hear what they would do with their last 30 days. My girls are great!! They are all so lively and out-going, each with a fun-loving, unique personality :) Tonight the girls and I are doing pumpkin carving followed with some delicious pumpkin pie. Looking forward to it, should be a fun time!

Last weekend was great! Wilma, Sylvia and Lizzy were here and stayed at my place. It was nice to have the company for a little while. Lizzy came to the office with me for the day on thursday, it was pretty cute I must say. She was working hard and feeling very important! I'll post some pics :)

Anyways, for all you who read my blog, I'll leave you with a couple questions to think about. Feel free to comment! If you had 30 days left to live and you could take one last trip anywhere, where would you go and why? What one thing would you do that you've never done before? Ponder on this.. Where do YOUR priorities lie? 30 days left - what's most important??

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-10-12T15:07:00.006-06:00

Well today is thanksgiving sunday - much to be thankful for! So much that we take forgranted.. I'm thankful for my wonderful family, I'm very blessed to have one. I'm thankful for my friends, life would be empty without them. I'm thankful for my jobs, my home, my car, my church, daily provision. I'm thankul for the freedom that we have here.

After coming back from Lesotho, I've come to see how I've taken things fogranted every day.. how lucky am I to have all of these things?? When I think about thanksgiving and all I'm thankful for, I can't help but think about the kids at MIS.. it brings tears to my eyes.. It's not fair how I can have such an abundance of blessings compared to what these kids have. They deserve so much more! And I definitely don't deserve all of the blessings that God has given me. I wish I could give each one of these kids what they so deserve most, a loving family. It breaks my heart knowing some of these kids may never know what its like to have a family and be loved in such a way. I want to be able to do more for these kids..

I'm feeling a little down today, wishing I could be there giving many hugs and kisses. I miss them so much, I can't even describe how much.. Their little smiles that lit up each time we entered the room, eyes full of wonder, and their little feet running towards us, tiny hands grasping ours.. If I close my eyes long enough I almost feel like I'm there again.... But then I remember I'm worlds apart from them... Life feels pretty empty without those little guys.. so little.. yet so incredibly important in our Saviour's eyes!

Where has the time gone??

2008-10-03T15:05:00.002-06:00

Quoting Lifehouse:

"What day is it,
and in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive"

Seriously, I can hardly wrap my head around the fact that its ALREADY October 2008!! This time last year I was booking tickets for my trip.. eeek thats a whole year gone by in a flash.. I specifically remember the day we left for Lesotho, wow what a day filled with nerves and emotions, and now it's 8 months later. I miss Lesotho...the kids.. I hope God brings me back there someday.

Friday has come and I am completely exhausted!! I could barely pull myself outa bed this morning. My body is adjusting to working both jobs now, which means minimal amounts of sleep! But in time, I'll be used to it. At least I'm enjoying it, and they extra paycheck is definitely worth it! We confirmed our small groups at Junior Youth this week, so I am pretty excited:) I love my group of gals and I can't wait to get to know each one more!

~Sala Hantle~
(stay well)

Fall has arrived..

2008-09-18T10:11:00.002-06:00

The leaves are changing color and there's a coolness in the air.. fall is here. Although we are still having warm days with beautiful sunshine, the moment it's gone you feel the chill of the autumn season. This is my favorite season, I can't help but feel inspired by all the beauty!!

Yesterday was my 3rd week of Junior Youth. It's going well and I'm really enjoying the kids. Although I do have a pretty large small group of grade 6 girls (11 of them) by myself, so it's a little tough to get their attention and keep them on track. Pray for me that I can have an influence on these young girls and for patience as I'm sure I'll need it!

I've been doing a lot of thinking the past while as where I want to go from here... Do I want to go back to Lesotho? Do I want to do missions elsewhere? Do I want to travel? Do I want to stay in Grande Prairie? What do I really want to do? Where is my passion and what should I do with that passion? Well I know where my passion is.. it's kids! Kids need people in their lives that can influence and encourage them. They need people who see value and purpose in their lives. They need people who love them! I earnestly believe God has given me a gift with children and I want to be able to use that for His glory.. wherever I am.. whether that be here or across oceans.

As of just recently, I have enrolled into an online home-study program on "Child Psychology". I really look forward to getting started and learning more! Whether I decide to further this into a career or not, I know that it will benefit me as I work with kids now and most likely in the future.

So I think I'm going to be pretty busy this fall/winter. Two jobs, junior youth & schooling! But I'm happy with everything I have committed to and I tend to be one of those people who enjoys being busy anwyays :) I just have to make sure not to overdo it and take time to relax.. that can be a tough one for me sometimes!

Until next time...

Life back in the homeland so far

2008-09-07T21:44:00.003-06:00

Guess it's been a little over a month now since I've returned from Lesotho. Time has gone by quite quickly, but it definitely hasn't been the easiest month. As in my last blog entry, the emotions I have experienced since being back have been crazy. It feels like a whole year of emotion was just summed up in about a month. I don't think one day has gone by that I haven't thought at least once about the kids back at MIS - oh how I miss them so much!! 6 months there.. they became my life, my family.. and it hurts to be apart from them. But all things happen for a reason and if that is where God calls me back, then I'll be there. If not, then I have to accept that too. I had a wonderful conversation this afternoon with a lady from my church whom I used to teach sunday school with. She asked me questions about my trip and challenged me to think deeply about some of the things that I experienced there. I look back and can see how God not only used me, but changed me... Listening to my own words coming out of my mouth made me realize how much I really did change and how much God worked in my heart - teaching me patience, gratitude, how to love unconditionally, maturing me.. but most of all he taught me how to trust Him in everything. In North America, we get so caught up by things in this world that we don't have time for God. Then difficult situations come along and we just can't seem to trust God, we feel like he has left us. In reality... WE are the ones that have left him. We need to learn to trust God in every aspect of our lives, whether things are going great or not so great. If we can learn to trust God in the simple realities, then we can learn to trust God in the difficult times. Anyways, God's just really shown me a lot.. about life and also about myself. I guess I was just reminded of these things today while talking to this lady. It's funny how God randomly brings these people into our lives. She was my extra dose of encouragement I needed today and she got the passion in my heart stirring! I'll admit the first while being back it's hard not to feel useless considering everything I had been doing recently in Lesotho. But I know that I am where I am for a reason. As long as I am following Christ and 'TRUSTING' Him, He will use me where he wants to use me. I've committed to serving my wednesday nights now in junior youth at our church and I'm excited to have fun and build relationships with the kids! As for a day to day life for me.. I'm back working at Trinidad - the same office I worked at prior to Africa. I'm also working a second job at the Ten Pin Bowling Alley which I worked at last fall as well. I'm enjoying my jobs and am thankful that I am blessed enough to have work. I guess thats all I got for tonight!

Extreme Emotion

2008-08-25T14:01:00.003-06:00

How do I even begin to describe my deepest feelings, the emotion that goes on inside of me? It's as though I'm bursting with feelings that shoot in every direction. It's complete commotion inside of me, and I'm not sure I know how to handle it.. What do you do in this state? A state where you can hardly even think or make rational decisions, because your emotion has taken over and you can't even rest your mind.. a state where you can't understand yourself anymore.. A state where you just want to scream and cry in hopes that all these emotions will just dissipate.. Have you felt like this before?? I don't really know whats going on in side of me right now, but i can be honest by saying its painful.. how do i fix it? I know there's only one way and only one who can give me the peace that I am longing for, but why am i being so stubborn??! It's like I don't even want to go there, even though I know he can carry me through.. with him everything is lighter.. I need to stop being so stubborn and trust him, because i know he's got a plan through everything, even if i don't like where the plan seems to be going at the time.. So all these emotions, what are they? Why do we have to 'feel' things? Because HE feels things, He has emotions far greater than we could ever know and experience.. emotion came from Him. Our hearts are just so delicate towards emotions.. I think I need to take time in the day to breathe and really experience the emotion of God, the biggest one being His love for me (for all of us). Sometimes I think I forget.. God rejoices with us and cries with us.. and i know that one day he will wipe every tear from our eye and an inconceivable joy will exceed in our hearts..

"Dear God, thank-you for the gift of emotion.. that I am able to feel.. even if that includes pain and hurt, because I know that 'in you' joy will always follow."

3 wks back home already

2008-08-17T22:39:00.002-06:00

I've been back home in Canada for about 3 weeks now. What a different world here than Lesotho... At times I feel like I've gotten right back into things, and yet I still feel like I'm adjusting - to ppl, culture, work, time and life here in general. Its difficult to explain to people around me how I'm really feeling. I've probably heard the question "How was it?" at least 50 times since I've been back. It's so hard to try and capture all that I've been through and experienced in the past 6 months that all I eventually end up saying is .. "It was good". I'm not exactly sure how to respond anymore as I'm full of mixed emotions and not sure where life will take me next. Transitioning seems to be an on-going process and I'm not really sure where home is anymore. I feel like I'm a different person now than when I left. It's almost as if I don't really have dreams or goals anymore.. wait.. maybe I still have dreams and goals.. I think they've may have just shifted in another direction. What I wanted 6 months ago doesn't seem so important anymore... So what is important then? Maybe I don't really know.. but I can say that I know WHO is important or what really matters in life. Why are we here? We have a purpose on earth far greater than we can see right now. God's given us purpose. He didn't create us for a thrill or just for kicks.. everything He created serves a purpose. I know God's got a dream for me, even if I don't quite know or understand it yet.. its there! So even though it's tough adjusting and getting back into the "easy life", I know that God has me here right where I am for a reason.. a purpose.

Back in Canada

2008-07-30T00:01:00.002-06:00

Hey all. Well I've been back in Canada for approximately 3 days now and my head is still spinning - both from jetleg and crazy emotions! Oh how wierd it feels coming from a crazy busy life filled with early mornings, stressful situations, sick kids, long days, no sleep ... back to a place where you can almost hear the silence. I hardly know what to do with myself. I feel so useless, I want more. I'll admit to you that when the time came to leave I wasn't ready anymore. 6 months in Lesotho - eventually it started to feel quite homely.. the kids felt homely.. the friends were like family.. it was almost as if I didn't miss home so much anymore. I think I left a large portion of my heart there, hence I feel so lost at the moment. I can't help but thinking, "What now?". I know it's going to be hard for a while and take time to re-adjust to things back home, especially since I only long to be out there and don't necessarily WANT to 're-adjust'. I know I just need to trust God and remind myself that he is right with me 100%. As long as I let him be in control of the reins, He'll work things out for good. TRUST - what a big word... I miss my babies as well as the rest of the children at MIS. I am always comparing the time difference thinking about what they might be doing 'just now'. Their faces continually flash in my mind.. their smiles.. their little laughs.. I have memories that I have made in the past 6 months that will always and ever be dear to my heart. I worry about them sometimes, but God is a father to the fatherless and I know He will take care of them. He never needed us for anything in the first place.. He just chooses to use us as vesels sometimes, that is if we are willing. So for now, not knowing what's next or what God has in store for me - it's one day at a time.. for Him.. one day at a time!

1 week left...

2008-07-16T13:23:00.002-06:00

Early mornings, sick babies, 3rd degree burns.. the list could go on.. i don't even know what to say anymore.. thats MIS for you... i don't think I'm ready to leave though, it's heartbreaking thinking about leaving the children.. i love these kids. All I can say is God will give m strength to say my good-byes and who knows where he will have me next!

On a happy note, Its so wonderful having family here and we have been enjoying showing them what we do here. Time is going by way too fast. NEXT WEEK!, thats so crazy...

But gotta cut this one short.
Sending out all my love!
Michelle

The little baby girl I will never forget...

2008-07-02T11:54:00.000-06:00

Hello again friends and family. Monday was a very difficult for me and I'm not sure how to express what I've experienced.. Our newest baby girl who arrived about a month ago, has passed away. It's scarey how quickly life can be taken away, especially here in Lesotho. She was only 2.5 months old and the most precious thing in the world. My heart is broken, but God is holding the pieces together reminding me that she is with him - in a much better place. Mavis performed the funeral/burial today, it was only about 30 minutes long because it was an infant and she didn't have any family around. Different than home, thats forsure. I will miss that little baby's smile.. I wanted to express myself to you in a poem, to share my feelings in this experience.

The pink baby is gone now
and I'm at loss for words...
It hurts so much
and yet she wasn't even my own.
She was so special to me,
and just holding her each day was the best thing in the world.
Her beautiful eyes -
so oblivious to the world around her.
The way she grasped my finger,
the way she smiled and coo'd
everytime I looked at her...
Her little heart pumping so fast
She was so strong
...yet not strong enough
A part of me wants to scream
Why God? Why have you taken her?
But at the same time
joy is present...
because I know she is in daddy's arms
And what a better place to be
than in the presence of our God?
Life is different here...
to them it's almost normal,
death is normal.
It's difficult to comprehend
as we've been more than blessed
Thoughts are scattered
throughout my head and my heart
What else can I say,
but rest in peace little baby
You were loved...

Thank-you for all your support, i will see you again soon!

Busy busy busy

2008-06-25T12:28:00.001-06:00

Busy busy busy..
Nope, life hasn't slowed down much here. In fact, things at MIS seem to be a lot busier lately. Doing all the doctor/hospital visits, I am often at the center early in the morning (forsure by 6:30am) and gone all day. The days are long and exhausting. And often once I am back at the center by afternoon, I am wanted here or there so I am constantly on the go. We have a new volunteer who started towards the end of last week. She's doing alright. She's young and never done anything with kids or away from home before so it may take a little while, but eventually she'll get the hang of things. We are having more issues with a young mother who is still at the center.. oh its so difficult. Last friday, i was told she was looking for me, and when i found her she was crying so much I hardly knew what to say.. I don't think I've ever seen someone here cry as much as she was. She was hurt and upset and saying many negative things about herself.. it was hard for me to hear. She talked about how she wanted to just kill herself and wishes she was never born. She was super upset.. I was constantly praying for wisdom as I did not expect any of this. Not to mention she's 5 months pregnet so poor girl has got crazy emotions right now as it is. I tried mt best to encourage her and keep her positive. I prayed with her for quite a while and talked about different possible solutions to her problems and I that calmed her down quite a bit. She was still pretty distraught though. She is not necessarily "wanted" at the center, plus she doesnt have immediate family she can go to. She is going through soo much for being a 19 year old girl with a 18 month old, and another one on the way. Anyways we are trying to figure things out with social welfare - please pray that we can find a good place for her where she can be positive and care for her children. It's pretty stressful. On a happy note about this young girl, THIS WEEK I got the opportunity to share Christ with her! Did I expect that to happen? No, not at all. To be honest - I thought being in a country where God seems to be in everything, that she would know everything. How blind was I?! Anyways, we had to walk to social welfare on monday, and for some reason i felt something inside pushing me to talk to her about God. Of course I kept telling myself "no, i dont want to. im scared, i dont know what i would say." But then i was reminded "I'll give you the words to say".. so i listened to this and i now know that it was obviously the holy spirit telling me to do so. I asked her if she knew what it meant to be a christian, she said no. I asked her if she believed in God, she said yes. I asked her if she knew who Jesus was and what he did for her, she said no. Right there, OPPORTUNITY screamed out at me. I knew then that there was no turning back, God has placed me there at this time to share Christ. So I did. I dont even think I can remember everything i said, because I know God was speaking through me. Because I chose to obey him, he used me. I guess sometimes we think its much more difficult than it really is. We are not doing anything on our own, as long as we trust him and allow him to use us, he will. I am confident that God got through to this young womans heart and that I will one day see her again in heaven, which gives me great joy in my heart:) She was very interested and so happy to hear about the story of Christ - I just can't believe she never knew... She told me she wanted to have Jesus in her heart and that she would pray and ask him. Oh what a happiness I felt that day and still feel. To be honest I have never really taken that kind of opportunity to share the gospel with someone besides young children. I will continue to pray for this young woman and hope that she will hold Jesus dear to her heart:) Anyways, there's my highlight for you! This week, I've also done a hospital visit with the new baby - had to get a chest x-ray. Tomorrow I head off to the Baylor Clinic again with her to go over the results. I will also take another toddler (Kabalo) to get tested tomorrow. Busy day again as usual. Only 10 days till I see my mommy, Yaaaaaaaaaa:-) We are really looking forward to their visit, although that means its getting closer to the time that we have to say good-bye... I'm starting to wonder if I'm ready for it. Going to feel empty without all our kids.. But anyways, thats about all I got for an update now! Please keep us in your prayers.
God Bless, *HUGS*
Love Michelle

Only 6 weeks left, isn't thats crazy?!

2008-06-14T01:47:00.004-06:00

Well hello again everybody! Its been a while since I've written in my blog. We've definitely had a busy past couple weeks. As I'm sure most of you already know, Wilma, Elizabeth and Sylvia are back at home now for a while. It feels a little empty and lonely here without them. We miss them. Things at the center are going alright. Last week we got 2 new children, sisters. A little baby (Tatwetsi) that is 2 months, and Ntsepiseng who is 7 years old. I'll put pictures up. They are both very beautiful little girls. Pray for the health of the baby. She seems to be doing good and eating well. If she can survive these next couple months of winter, she's a strong baby and will likely make it through life at MIS. School is out now for winter break so it's going to be a little more crazy there these next few weeks! I've done a whole lot in the store room with clothing/shoes sorting, so things are looking much more organized. Sadly we havent been able to make it out to sell the clothes, so hopefully people will come to us or someone will take over when I leave. We've got a volunteer who is working on building tiled showers for the kids. These rooms used to be the old toilets, but they were horrible and the plumbing wasnt right so new outdoor toilets were built last year. It will be very nice once the showers are completed, the kids are very excited. It's not always the funnest thing bathing out of a washing tub - especially when it's cold. We received ore money for the property fence so that will be great once it is finished. No more random people wandering through the yard, including drunks. We finally got a nice floor mat for the baby room, so we can get rid of that digusting old rug which has a little of everything on there from poop to puke to food.. you name it! This new mat is further from the floor for warmth, it's softer to sleep on, plus easier to clean! The room smells much nicer now. We are still lacking in caregivers, so the ones we have are always very tired and over-worked. We do have a young girl coming next week to volunteer for 3 months so that will be nice - although its a shame she cannot stay longer. We will train her in the baby room so that she can help 'Me' MaDanke when we leave. We do have another girl coming in October and another in January. But still, this is not enough volunteers as many of us will be leaving in July. Please continue to pray for these situations (volunteers & caregivers), the children need them. Well, Annie and I have pretty much got 3 of the toddlers potty trained now, and we are working on #4! Fun fun:-) Neo (9 months) has just started crawling - crazy little boy is into EVERYTHING now! haha. It's pretty funny how they 'tell on each other' too when they do things they are not supposed to - like taking things out of the garabage. Oh funny children.. I love these kids. Each one is so precious and unique, with their own sweet little personality.. we will miss them so much!! I'm taking over a couple of the hospital/clinic visits now that Sylvia is gone. Its not bad, but tiring. You want to be there before they open so you can get in line, and even then things take a good 4 hours! We can praise God that we do not have any children who are sick at the moment, besides the common cold. Not bad for about 100 children hey? I can hardly believe how fast our time here has gone.. out of 6 months we only have 6 weeks left! Time sure doesn't slow down. I'm looking forward to coming home, but I am not looking forward to saying good-bye. I know from last time, that we will feel empty for a matter of time.. Pray for our strength when we leave and when we adjust to life back at home again. We are really looking forward to our visitors in July though! My mom, Annie's mom, and Jeanette. I think it will be easier to leave with them as well, and we can start detatching ourselves from MIS slowly until we leave. This experience is unforgetable.. I will always hold these children close to my heart and pray that God will take care of each one of them - I know He will. He doesn't NEED Annie and I, or anyone else to accomplish His will.. He choses to use us if we let Him. So thank-you for your continuous prayers and support. I miss you all, God Bless!

One step forward, two steps back..

2008-05-28T02:42:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone. Well I'll start off this note with saying "God is good and he does answer prayer". Even its just in the smallest ways. After our day of fasting/prayer I think many of us felt God working a little extra in our own lives and we did see small improvement in the leadership at the center. I won't go into too much detail, but lets just say communication wihin the leadership moved up a step - and the responses to situations seemed more positive than they have in the past. We were all very encouraged to hear about these positive things taking place. Then, shortly after it seems as though MIS fell right back into that rut - maybe even a little deeper down. There are many problems right now with the teenagers at the center, things going on there that should not be happening, and the board having to work together to figure out the right way to deal with these situations. Do pray for the board, that they can work together and make the right decisions. I can't imagine it being easy to run a center of over 100 children of all ages. I don't really know what else to say about everything that is going on at MIS, but please pray that issues can be resolved and that everyone can work together and not against one another. The young mothers that got kicked out a while back are still staying somewhere temporarily, but do need jobs and a place to stay soon. It's crazy how difficult it is to get a job here. It now makes sense why so many young people are on the streets. Its sad. Hopefully these ladies can find jobs soon, so then can support themselves and their children.

On another note, I can hardly believe I only have less tan 2 months left! Time is going so fast! I just want to take all our babies home. I'm going to miss them soo much.. I feel like such a horrible person leaving them, just like everyone else leaves them. But I do need to remind myself that God put me here and I am doing what I can while I can, and hopefully I have been able to make a difference in being here. HAPPY NEWS - Our moms an my cousin are coming to visit in July!!! How exciting is that?? We cant wait to introduce them to all the kids and show them what we've been doing the past 4 months.

Well I guess I'll cut this one for today, Until next time!

P.S. Just in case you are curious about the one picture, we've had a volunteer come and build the kids a small play area and they love it!

Day of prayer/fasting

2008-05-21T14:29:00.000-06:00

Just a quick note this week. For those of you who read this in time, tomorrow (thursday the 22nd) many of us volunteers at the MIS childrens center along with others will be taking the day to fast and pray. There are many issues going on within the center at the moment which are very difficult, and we know that we cannot handle it on our own. We can see that this is much more spiritual than anything else and we NEED God to interfere if we want to see improvement. We must believe that God is in control and remember that He cares about each child here as well as each one of us. We MUST have faith and not doubt that our God can do anything - there is no measure with God. We pray that God will overcome this evil that resides at the center - we know that He is stronger than it and we have no reason to fear. Please pray for us as we go through this day of fasting and prayer. Pray for our stength physically as we will still be working as normal. Energy is very much needed in working with children. Pray for each of us spiritually, that God will work in our hearts and reveal to us what needs to be revealed. Pray for the leadership of the center - things are not being run as they should be. And if you happen to read this blog after thursday, please do continue to pray - we need the big guy helping us out. Also, do feel free to join us in our day of fasting and prayer as well. Thank you for your support and standing behind me and others as we serve here in Lesotho.

2008-05-13T13:15:00.002-06:00

Well.. our weekend at Durham Link with the juniors was busy, stressful, tiring, and a little different than planned, but it was still a fun time. We (MIS volunteers) dressed up as pirates, it was pretty funny. The kids also got to make pirate hats and patches and what not, so they had fun with it all too. Our first evening there we did a disco dance with the kids which they really enjoyed, and it definitely drained all their energy so they slept well:-) On saturday we played some games, they got to go canoeing as well as do some archery and parachute games. They had a bible study with Nic in the afternoon which I believe went well. We also had a campfire in the evening, most of them enjoyed that. Sunday morning they had a sunday school service with Erika and afterwards I played a bunch of relay games with them which suprisingly went really well! Anyways, on that note, the weekend was lots of fun. On another note, the two mothers working at the center (each with 2 kids) got kicked out for no reason. There seems to be alot of mis-communication within the center lately. These ladies showed up at Durham Link on saturday morning with no other place to go. Its just a little frustrating because it was done without the board even knowing. For now, we have found the ladies and their children a temporary place to stay while the board helps them find something permanent. I believe the ladies must speak to social welfare today about what happened. I have no idea what the outcome will be, but I pray that it will be good and God will have his hand in their lives. So if you think of us here in Lesotho, please pray for this situation.. pray for children's center, pray for wisdom within the board, pray for the kids, pray for these young mothers, and also for us - that God will continue to give us strength and encouragement in situations like this, as well as other situations/challenges we face here in Lesotho. Even though life doesn't seem to always go as we would like it to, we must remember that God DOES have a plan and he is in control. Thank you for your prayers and support.

From Me!

2008-05-08T22:37:00.001-06:00

Hey again! Well, life is still as crazy here this week as it was last week! Our selling clothes saturday in the village didnt really go as well as planned. It ended up being a super cold, rainy, misty day. Also we had a few obstacles in our way and ended up leaving later than planned, which left us with very little time in the village considering it is almost an hour away and we had to be back by supper. We had some issues/miscommunication before we left the center - which left us pretty frustrated. It's difficult to know how to deal with things here.. Please pray for those involved in the children's center. This weekend we (all us volunteers at MIS) are taking the juniors to Durham Link for the weekend. Its kinda an international youth organization. Its just here in Maseru, but it will be nice for some of the kids to get away from the orphanage for the weekend, since all the older kids already got to go on a trip. It will kinda be like camp, with lots of fun and games, devotionals, singing, and sleeping in bunks. I am in charge of the games on saturday afternoon, should be fun. I am really looking forward to it, and yet at the same time I am sooo tired and pray that God will get me through the weekend with lots of energy! Pray that the trip will go well, that we can build on relationships with the kids and most importantly that they will learn something this weekend that they can apply to their lives here in Lesotho. Pray also for all of us leaders; that we will be good examples for the kids all weekend and that we will be able to have tons of energy to keep us going! On another note.. when Annie and I were walking home today, there was shooting across the street. We didnt see the shooter, but there were forsure five shots and people around us (the streets are crowded) were all a little tense. Its was kinda scarey, so we just kept moving faster to get by. Sometimes it really does get scarey here in Lesotho. So many houses (especially missionary houses) have been broken into in the past couple months, people are being mugged, one lady just got pretty badly beat and robbed last weekend just coming home after work by her gate, random gunshots... it scares me sometimes.. But on the other hand I know that God is good and he is taking care of me. I don't need to be afraid because He is with me always:) Please continue to pray for our safety as well as our health (yupp got another ringworm!). Until next time!

3 months gone already!!

2008-05-01T09:41:00.004-06:00

Well 3 months have gone by in a heartbeat it seems! It's seriously crazy how fast time flies out here. You blink and you miss a month, well pretty much anyways. I do look forward to coming home again in July as I miss everyone very much, but its going to be difficult saying goodbye.. I pray that God will give us the strength to do so. Last week we got the chance to take a few much needed days away, and it was very nice and refreshing. We got to go on a small game drive, which was neat. Didn't see terribly much because the weather was quite cool, but thats okay we still had fun. 12 huge giraffes crossed the road right in front of us so that was pretty cool. We also got to go to a small Lion Park where we got to play with and hold lion cubs. How cool is that?? I'll attach a picture for you. Other than that, we just got some good relaxing in to rejuvinate ourselves a little:) Funny though, how the instant we get back, the busy life greets us again! haha. Its all good though, thats just the way things are out here. Annie and I slept at the orphanage last friday night to see what its like. It was alright, not sure if I would choose to sleep there again though. The evening was lots of fun, hanging out with the older kids - kinda reminded me a little of camp. We slept in the girls dormitory. I think the sleeping part is what makes me not want to stay there again. It was cold, someone had their music blaring, they kept the lights on all night, my bed was uncomfortable, not to mention i slept tense because i was paranoid about all the bed bugs.. Yupp that pretty much sums it up! haha. You think we are a little blessed in this world by chance?? I am very thankful for my bed right about now:) We got the chance to go see a South African travelling circus on Sunday, that was pretty fun. We took Melvin and Kari's kids and went with some friends who also volunteer at MIS. It was small, but we enjoyed it. Not often a circus comes to Lesotho! This week so far at MIS has been pretty busy. I'm busy helping Annie with the babies in the morning and I've been working away on the storage room getting everything ready to sell this weekend. We are taking a trip out to a nearby village to sell a bunch of the clothes (we have so many that arent really the greatest) for really cheap, so that we can help the people out there as well as help MIS by getting some more funds in. Hopefully all goes well. The kids are doing great and are growing and developing so fast, I can't imagine what it must be like having your own kids! 3 babies are crawling already since we got here, 1 is walking, some are talking, the list could go on.. and thats in only 3 months!! The smiley baby in my pics is our precious little Roma (Chubb Chubb). Hehehe. He's too sweet, I'm going to really miss that little dork! Can you believe he is going to be 2 in July?? Yupp, he was the one who was very malnutrioned when he came, so he's a little behind. But he's come a long way thats forsure! The little boy in the striped shirt is new at MIS. His mother said if we didnt take him he would throw him in the river. How sick is that? Actually, thats just what some mothers do here to get rid of their babies... very sad. His name is Tyler and hes about 16 months. Hes still pretty shy, but in time that will go away like it always does. The picture with the 3 girls in the blankets are a few of the older girls who dressed up traditionally for a school event they had that day. Face painting, traditional dresses and the Basotho Blanket. Its pretty cool when they get all dressed up like that for school. Well I gotta cut this letter for today, so I'll talk to you again soon. Please continue to pray for MIS staffing/funding, and overall health of the children. Also pray that God will give us the energy to make it through each day. Many thanks, lots of love!

Blog from mwa!

2008-04-17T13:03:00.005-06:00

Hello again from Lesotho. I hope that all is well back home and you are all enjoying some nice spring weather:) Our mornings are quite cool now when we leave for work, usually above zero but below ten somewhere. We layer up and head out! During the days when the sun comes out it still gets pretty nice, maybe around 20 celcius. I had a really bad cold at the start of this week and wasn't feeling so well, but with lots of rest and some yummy tea I am doing much better! Myself, Annie, Wilma and Sylvia are taking some Sesotho Lessons, its pretty fun. The words are so difficult to say and it takes a lot of practice, but we are slowly learning some things. We are learning about progressive pronouns right now, how fun?! hahaha. The children are absolutely loving the new shelter and play there all the time, what a wondeful blessing from the ausi team. Nick (one of the youth volunteers) has just started up a bible study for the older children and it seems to be going so well. Pray that this will be able to continue and that God will use him in each of the lives of these children. Also that when he leaves in July, someone will take over what he has started. We've been having some issues with the staff at MIS - they are not all getting along so well. I think a lot of it happens because we are short staffed and these workers are working all the time and are not taking well scheduled breaks. Please pray for our staffing issue that we can get good staff that will stay long-term at the center, and also that there will be the funds needed to pay each of the staff. We will really be needing volunteers beginning in July - minimum 6 months. If you know of anyone who is interested, please let myself or wilma know. This week I've felt a little homesick - probably partly because I wasn't feeling so well and also we are pretty much at our half way mark right now. It really brings a lot of mixed feelings. Its going to be difficult to leave and I know we will feel empty because we are so used to caring for children and suddenly we won't be. This is one incredible experience to have at such a young age and my view on life will never be exactly as it was before. God has been stretching me here and it isn't always easy, but i know that it is only for my good, shaping me into who he has designed me to be. This is only a portion of God's plan for my life - only the beginning. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future" - Jeremiah 29:11. God is good and although I don't know what the future holds and sometimes it gets frustrating, I know that my life is in His hands and He will always be taking care of me. He only wants good things for us, whether we choose to accept them or not, is our choice.. Thank you for being my support and praying for me.

RATS!

2008-04-02T12:14:00.004-06:00

So how do you all feel about rats???? lol. I'm doing a lot of work in the storage room this week - its a crazy mess and there's so much to do!! (couple photos for you). So yeah, in the meantime a few rats have decided to make this room their home. Lucky me working in there everyday! Today I found one looking right at me only a few feet away. Talk about huge and ugly. Me and a few of the girls working at the center tried to chase it out, then it came running towards us and lets just say a little fear crept out of me! We lost him somewhere in the room and he is still hiding I'm sure. I just keep a nice little shovel beside me in case I need to do some rat killing, haha. Can you picture me with that kinda courage? Yeah, me neither! Well, the Ausi team has finised the Rain Shelter! Its great and the kids really like it. I'll throw up a picture of it. Its so great to have teams come here and do big projects like this. I'm getting a little frustrated with my ringworm - yupp, still got it. Its just incredibly itchy! It's crazy to think we've been here over 2 months already. At first it was hard for me to settle into everything again and I found myself missing home quite a bit. Now each day just gets better and better and I come home each day feeling happy and fulfilled. I'm loving it! It's all in the relationships we are building, God is really blessing me through these people. The young mothers my age that are now working for the centre are so great. Attached is a pic of Annie and I with these young ladies, all in pink today! I love the friendships we are building here:) Thank-you for your support and prayers. God bless!

Lesotho Update!

2008-03-27T13:49:00.003-06:00

Its seems to have been a while since I have written any updates - sorry for that. Life tends to get pretty busy out here sometimes. The kids are just back to school after a nice long week off for Easter. We only took friday off, but had a good Easter weekend with Wilma & Sylvia and Melvin & Kari Peters. While the kids have been home from school, things have been more off schedule - but its been fun. We've spent more time with the older kids just hanging out and building relationships. We have a cook now (PRAISE GOD) after a long period of other workers taking their turn in the kitchen - cooking for 100 children. We have a good amount of care workers at the moment which is going great. Hopefully they will stay. The washing ladies quit yesterday, so maybe pray for that situation. This means much more work for the other ladies, who already have a fair amount. We've been building relationships with a couple young mothers staying at the centre - its so wonderful just to talk with them (sometimes for hours) about anything and everything. There is a team from Austrailia working at the orphanage right now for a couple weeks. They are building a rain shelter which is coming along quite well! I even helped do some painting which i enjoyed. There are many issues going on within the orphanage right now and much prayer is needed! We are starting prayer meetings once a week now for all of the volunteers at MIS - we know that all of the problems we are having is one big spiritual battle and we need to fight against Satan in prayer. That is the only way. So please keep MIS in your prayers! I have ringworm again, in TWO places this time. Annie has it as well. It doesnt suprise me though considering the conditions we are in everyday - we are constantly exposed to it. Luckily we are only getting the fungai ringworm and not the actual worm. Its much easier to treat and way less ichy. I wish these things could just stop, its so frustrating. If its not one child, its the other. Someone always has something, and someone is always sick. Pray for the health of the children and workers. One more thing. My expenses are greater than anticipated, so i am requesting prayer that my financial needs will be met for the remainder of my stay here in Lesotho. Thank you for all your support and prayers. We serve a great God who loves us and cares for us.

Another week gone by..

2008-03-08T03:56:00.004-07:00

Well, things didn't slow down at the orphanage for the rest of the week. We worked very full days without any breaks. It has been quite overwhelming, and I know that it is not our own strength we have been running on. Thank you for praying for us - I honestly think I can feel the power of prayer behind me. Yesterday I felt so worn out, I wanted to just collapse and sleep, but God kept me going! We had a good bible study tuesday night which I found very encouraging in this situation. We talked about how it is important to bring everything to God in prayer as well as to rejoice and praise God in EVERY circumstance. Small little example for you:) Yesterday when the day was coming to an end at the orphanage, one of the babies (and im not kidding) had a poop explosion! hahaha. I know it sounds funny, but at the time I was not impressed. It was so nasty and happened to be everywhere, including on me! It was hard enough to keep myself from vommitting. Being human, my first reaction was me not being very impressed at all, it made me want to be grumpy. But for some odd reason, the bible study came to my mind and I thought "Praise God you are healthy and not constipated"! ha ha ha, gotta look for the joy in everything right? Just thought I would share that short little story with you, hehe. Anyways, 'Me' Ma Danke (the lady in living in the baby room) is back today, so we are really excited about that. She is absolutely great with the children and she works so hard. What a wondeful lady she is! This coming week, since she is back, I will need to get back into the storage rooom as there is still much to do and things are piling up.

Last night, Wendy (the teacher we live with) had some of her IB students over for a movie/fun night. Annie and I really enjoyed this because the ages were 18-22 so we got along really well and got to meet som Basotho people our age. It was a lot of fun! I really enjoy getting in with people of the culture, they are so great.

Blessings,
Michelle

Lesotho Mountain Climb!

2008-03-03T09:22:00.004-07:00

Yesterday I got to climb a mountain in the middle of Maseru, it was incredibe! I went with a few friends and I really enjoyed it. Once to the top, you could see pretty much all of the city, except for areas which were hidden by other mountains. It was so beautiful to stand so high and look down at everything! Although, it was a super hot day (+36 in the sun), drank a lot of water. We had a neat little experience as well as we travelled up - wonder if God had any part in it:) We met this young boy who was shepherding his sheep near the mountain, and he ended up showing us the way up. It turned out there were areas in which us girls could not have made it up the rocks without his hand. Personally I think that was God, just being there when we needed him, through a young shepherd. Neat hey? I'll throw up some pictures here for you forsure, including one of the boy. On our way down we met some boys at a small well where they offered water. From here the women carry water in about 20L buckets on their heads through the mountains to their homes. These women are incredible, i could NEVER do that!

I can definitely feel that things are busier at the orphanage this week already, as expected! With 'Me' Madanke (the lady living in the baby room) being gone for a week, and 'Me' Ma Ktlokleso (the young women also helping in the baby room) helping in the kitchen, it feels a little busy in the baby room. I will add that a few of the babies still are not feeling well - vomitting and diareah, which of course busies things up a little more! Poor little Petrie still has scabies and often just cries and cries because her legs are so itchy. I finally figured out a way to sooth her today, it was pretty cute. She was supposed to be having a nap and kept crying because of the itch. I just started to massage and rub her legs up and down, and she was instantly quiet and in 3 minutes time she was asleep:) Great to discover these simple medicines! We still don't have a cook - continue to keep that in your prayers. And also this past weekend, the lady staying with the junior girls quit. So we are kind of short staffed right now. Please pray for the staffing issue!

And thats my story for now!

Back to Work!

2008-02-27T11:35:00.002-07:00

Well we just got back sunday night from a small trip with the girls to the east coast and have been quite busy since. The trip was good, it was nice to just take some time to relax and enjoy each other. This week is going by really fast so far as things have been busy. I am still working on sorting through donations and cleaning up the storage room. It is very time consuming, but it needs to be done. I seem to be doing less and less in the preschool now as more things are coming up, but I still try to spend time in the afternoon each day playing with the kids. It's pretty cute, I come walking in and they all start chanting my name in excitement, makes me feel pretty special:) I love these kids, they are all so precious! I have been working more in the baby room lately as well. We are trying to give the basotho ladies some time off during the day while we are there, so they can rest. They live there and take care of the babies 24/7 and its important that they rest emotionally and physically. It's great, they now come in singing in the morning they are so much happier!

A couple of the babies haven't been feeling too well lately and are eating less and vomitting. One of the younger babies cries alot right now because she has scabies, so it itches and bothers her. Its so sad, because there is not much we can do for her. We can't put the cream on because her sores are open, so we are now getting an antibiotic to give to her 3 times daily. Hopefully she will get better and that the scabies won't spread too much. These babies are full of sores and stink because they poo everywhere (and its nasty), and sometimes for a split second i start to think "what am i doing here?" .. then i see them smile and laugh and everything else just disappears. All that I can see is a beautiful baby just longing for TLC like any other child. Each of these children are unique and precious in the eyes of God and I have to remember to continually look at these kids through Jesus' eyes and let him be my hands and my heart. When I come in the room in the morning and little Roma smiles at me with that big grin of his, my heart can't help but melt..

A few prayer requests for you:
+ baby boitumelo (petrie)- her scabies and other infections
+ the health of the couple sick babies
+ pray for a cook, as the full-time cook quit
+ pray our health - I got ringworm last week and I am treating it, it is slowly starting to go away. It's so easy to catch things like this working at the orphanage, so if you can pray for continual health for the staff.
+ continue to pray for adoptions to open in Lesotho

Thanks for your prayers and support. God bless.
With Love, Michelle

Baby Bokang

2008-02-18T09:30:00.002-07:00

Hello all. I just wanted to leave a little post to fill you in on the most recent news we got today.. The newest baby(Bokang)that was about 3 weeks old died this weekend. He is the little baby I am holding in my most recent blog. There were some issues with the mother and she was staying at the orphanage taking care of him (well when she was around). He had some pretty bad thresh in his mouth and had a hard time eating. We were given a cream from the clinic to help. You usually had to help him out when he was eating - or he would not eat. He died from dehrydration because he did not drink enough milk. Turns out the mother did not feed him during the night and if he did not want his bottle, she would not keep trying. I don't think the mother was in a clear mental state either and didn't know how to be a mother. It's sad and I wish I could have done something about it, but we didn't know it was that bad.. we thought he had been eating. It's hard to even know what to say. These people are used to death like this, it almost seems as it is a normal occurence. I don't think the baby's death even affected the mother much, we really think something is wrong with her. I guess only God knows. Anyways, if you can, maybe pray for this young lady. She is still living at the orphanage. Also pray for the other children and their health as well.

Another Post

2008-02-16T08:57:00.004-07:00

Hello again to everyone back home. Wow, its starting to feel like the time is going by much quicker now that we are into a routine. We had rainy/cooler weather for a few days, but as of yesterday we are back to the hot 30's!

Yesterday was a fun and interesting day. I've been doing a lot of sorting through clothing donations this past week, and yesterday Annie and I had a little bit of fun with some of the "odd, not so good-looking" clothes! We couldn't resist but to but them on:) I'll put a few pics up for you. Walking home we met a few high school girls that we ended up walking quite a ways with. They spoke english really well and it was enjoyable chatting with them. We might get together with them sometime, I think it's good to get involved with some of the community here.

Another short story for the day - while we were walking downtown through the crowded streets to the taxi stop, some guy approached me and was trying to sell me this wierd sheet/blanket. He was holding it out in his hands and following me around persisting that I buy it. I kept telling him I didn't need it and he wouldnt leave me alone. At one point when he was talking to me trying to sell this thing, he slyly slipped his fingers into my pocket (he was holding the sheet near my waist and his hands were underneath so I couldn't see) to try and steal money. As soon as I felt it, I moved and looked right at him and said "DON'T!" He completely backed off as if he was never talking to me in the first place. In Lesotho, being a theif is probably the worst thing you can be.. unless you don't get caught. So as soon as he realized I knew what he was doing, he acted as if he never talked to me. Interesting hey? I think it's funny because alot of these guys don't expect young white women to confront them like that. I don't know, I guess it just doesn't scare me at all - maybe its just God walking beside me:)

We had the Peters family over for supper last night which was enjoyable, except for the fact that I got sick half way through the evening. I think I caught a small flu bug. But I feel better today already - still not 100%, but better! At least it was just a short little bug.

We got to relax in the sun at the pool this afternoon with friends so that was nice after a busy week at the orphanage. Anyways, until next time!

P.S. Here are a couple prayer items:
-pray that adoptions in Lesotho will open again, there are people waiting to adopt and it seems as though the numbers in orphanages are growing
-pray for our health as we are daily surrounded by minor diseases/bugs
-pray for one of the babies Boitumelo (Petrie). Her mother was raped and hated the baby, and thats why she is at MIS. Mavis is bringing the mother to the orphanage so she can see her little girl and hopefully connect with her and learn to love her. This would be a tremendous blessing as this little girl deserves to be with her mother.
-pray for continuing strength for both Annie and I as we are far from home & family.

MIS days

2008-02-13T10:19:00.003-07:00

Well we are going on 3 weeks now - time is actually starting to go by pretty fast! We got some good relaxing in this past weekend with Wilma & Sylvia as well as with the Peters family.

This week so far I have been in the preschool in the mornings and in the afternoons I am sorting through a bunch of clothing donations in the storage room (the old pig room). Its interesting going through everything. There are boxes and bags and whatnot - the stuff will go from being brand new to being completely ratty and torn which is useless, in this case it goes to the dump. Some of it is dirty and stained as well and im sure hasnt been washed so it gets a little smelly sometimes and can get to the head after a while. It will be nice once I can get everything done and sorted so that it doesnt get moldy sitting there for months. That room really needs a good cleaning as well which I will hopefully get to eventually. It's funny, because as soon as some of the Junior kids are out of school they come running to the door and watch me take out every article of clothing and babble like crazy in Sesotho. Its so funny. They always say things like "abuti" (boy) or "aosie" (girl) or "ME!" when they want it. Oh but its all good fun.

Although I have only been here for a short while, I can definitely feel God stretching me in a few different areas. For example, I'm one who gets grossed out pretty easily by smells, ect. The orphanage doesn't exactly smell like heaven and the baby room can get pretty nasty sometimes. I don't have big problems with loving the kids anyways, but in all honesty - there are times when they are full of open sores filled with flies, food all over, poop and pee pretty much anywhere possible.. these times sometimes involve quite a big push from God. I really do love these kids so much, don't get me wrong - but i just want to be completely honest with you and tell you that it is not always easy.

I think God is also pushing me to put the rest of my heart into this, I don't think its completely here yet.. I am so scared that I will get attached again like last time and it will hurt so much to leave, that I tend to hold back at times to keep from feeling the full attachment. This is something i need to change.. this should never keep me from giving these children/babies my whole heart - all of my love.

So I guess i just gave you a little of my heart today, so if you think of me please pray for me that i can continue to look past some of these issues and fully love these kids with everything that I can give. That is why I am here.

2nd week in Africa

2008-02-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

It's thursday night here now and and another week is almost done. We've been pretty well into a steadier routine now and I've been feeling much more settled in this week. Getting up at 5:45am, at MIS orphanage by 7:30am, and gone by 3:30pm. Annie works in the baby room all day helping the ladies who work there. I help for the first hour or so with getting the babies/preschoolers ready to go for the day. The preschoolers sleep in the same room as the babies.. hopefully they can find away to change that up in the future so these kids don't have to sleep on the floor. It would always make it much more convenient to have the babies/preschoolers seperate. Anyways I help out in the preschool all day for now which I have settled more into alot now.

To be honest, I was a little discouraged at first when things didn't go as planned and I was working in the preschool again. I am not really supposed to teach as thats what the others are being paid for, I am just supposed to help out. I was almost feeling as though i wasn't really making a difference because I wasn't doing a lot (or in my terms i didnt think i was). Anyways, I was actually pretty down about and questioned often throughout the days "God why am I here if I am not making a difference?" A few days ago, I think God gave me a slight tap on the shoulder through a new friend who also works at the orphanage. She just made me see that sometimes what you do doesn't have to be big.. she reminded me that I am building relationships with these children, and that is a very important thing. It was a good little uplift and reminder. I am feeling much happier now that I am reminded that what I do for the Lord doesn't have to be "saving the world", it is as simple as making a difference in one child's life by just being a friend. I know that God wouldn't just send me here for nothing, he has purpose behind everything. As long as I allow Him, He will use me:)

I really do appreciate all your prayers, I can feel the support behind me! I'll update you again soon, Lots of Love!

Transitioning into things..

2008-02-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

Hey to all! Well I finally have a decent amount of time now to sit down and fill you in on whats been happening in my first week back in Lesotho. We arrived safetly to Maseru last friday, the 25th of January and I have to say I'm about done with flying for a while! I got really sick of being cramped in a small plane seat for 8-10 hours at a time not being able to get a decent sleep. We did have a short layover in London though where we were able to get out for a while and see a few sights of London which was really nice! We spent the first couple days here at Wilma and Sylvia's to settle in to the culture a bit first and spend some time with them. Also went to Melvin and Kari's for supper on saturday night which i quite enjoyed:) Last sunday after church we spend a full day at the Maseru Pool with Wilma and Sylvia and a few of their friends. It was fun - but even though we layered on sunscreen, Annie and I both got a pretty nasty burn. The sun is so intense here at this time of the year! We've spend pretty much this whole week at the orphanage already from about 7:30 - 3:00ish. We have to get up at 5:30am though because we have to walk part of the way and also catch a taxi further into town. Taxi rides are pretty interesting though.. they cram at least 20-25 people in a taxi van and it gets extremely hot and stuffy inside! Oh well, its only 3 rand a trip - being $0.40-0.50. Not bad hey? Seeing the orphanage again after two years was interesting and it was exciting to see all of the changes that had taken place in that time being. The preschool is beautiful now, it makes me happy that they have gotten their own space where the younger children can learn and are not just roaming around wherever. Although I have seen some good changes, i can definitely see there is much more that can still be improved. Previously discussed before i arrived I was supposed to be working in the office with wilma, but now things tend to be somewhat unorganized so I am working in the preschool for now helping out with the children. I'm pretty much a "do whatever" person when they need someone for this or that. Things are likely to change though as changes take place within the Centre. I can't believe there is all of 100 children there already! My jetleg is starting to wear off now and I am feeling better than I did when I first arrived. I was feeling completely drained and weak, it was wierd. Although i have only been here a little over a week, I am already missing home, family and friends. It's more difficult being countries away when you cant just jump in your car and go see people when you want to. So as of right now I am still tansitioning into everything and our new routine. Within time I know things will get better and I will be more comfortable where I am. But I know I have the Lord by my side and He keeps me going - with Him I can accomplish anything! Thanks so much for all your prayers, they are a blessing to me!

Africa here i come!

2008-01-18T00:51:00.000-07:00

Only 6 days and I'll be on a plane to africa.. hard to believe this time is actually here now. It's really been settling in now that i have been starting to say my good-byes, it's difficult. 6 months is a long time for me.. but I know that each day God will continue to walk with me and carry me if i need it.. he's always been faithful to me and I trust Him to take care of me. He's the one who has give me life in the first place, and it only makes sense to give of myself back to Him.. I am confident that this is all a part of God's plan for me and I look forward to each day spent in Lesotho:) I have one more day left in GP and then I head home for a bit to spend some time with my family. I have been really procrastinating packing.. probably something i should get on already. Anyways, this is about all I have to say for tonight. Next time you hear from me, I will be writing from africa.. thanks again for all support and prayers.

Almost time to go!

2007-12-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

Well Christmas has come and gone and time has come closer as usual. I enjoyed my time back home with my family and will miss them dearly when I am gone. I will be boarding my plane to Africa in only 26 days! It's starting to be a little more real to me and I am getting pretty excited:) Sounds like Annie and I will be staying with a nice couple from Red Deer only a few streets from Wilma & Sylvia's place. I am looking forward to staying there and getting to know this couple. By the sounds of it, things will be pretty busy when we're out there! We are going to be working hard at re-registering the Children's Home in these coming months. Wilma and Sylvia are doing such wonderful work out there and am excited to be able to work along with them for a short period of time. As for now, I got another 2.5 weeks left of work here in Grande Prairie. I've got pretty much everything in order for the big trip, and received about half of my support. God is good and I trust Him to take care of me as He has already done. Thanks again for all your prayers and support!

63 days in counting!

2007-11-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

Well I'm not so good at keeping up with this whole blog thing, but I plan to keep things more regular once I've left the country. It's hard to believe it's only 2 more months until I leave.. time is creeping up rather fast! Before I know I will have been there and back already!! CrAzY! Things seem to be gradually coming together for my trip and I am full of emotions.. excitement, fear and all! I really look forward to seeing how things have improved at the children's home over the past couple years as well as seeing all the children again:) Right now, things are quite busy for me. I'm still working my two jobs, so I don't always get a whole lot of sleep or regular nutrition. Oh well, I just gotta keep working hard until I leave. At least I enjoy my jobs:) But I guess that's all I got for now!

2007-10-17T10:32:00.000-06:00

Well I guess I am new at this whole blogspot thing, but I'm sure I will get the hang of it sooner or later! Just to fill all of you in, I am currently living in Grande Prairie and have been here for the past year and 5 months. I really enjoy it here. I attend a wonderful church where I am also involved in Children's Ministries. I have a great job and a bunch of awesome friends here. For those of you who don't already know, I will be heading back to Lesotho, Southern Africa in January for 6 months, joining Wilma & Sylvia. I am really looking forward to it and I know the time will arrive quickly! I am super excited to see the children again and also see how things have changed at the children's home since 2006. I pray that God will use me in every way possible. Your prayers as I prepare to go and as I am out there will be greatly appreciated:) I guess thats it for now!