Golden

A Golden Birthday
22 years
February 22, 2009

This year, my birthday was spent here in Romania! It was quite a blessing and joy to spend my golden birthday in such memorable circumstances. Although absent from my friends and family in the US, I am so very grateful for the family and friends that the Lord has placed in my life here.
The first birthday surprise was 2 ginormous packages from home!!! I was so floored to see them, and Rachel and mamma took joy in hiding them and ushering me into my room blindfolded to reveal the suprise packages. They were full of goodies from home- oreos, french vanilla coffee cream, marshmallows, syrup, my retainer (hehee) and gifts for the family here as well. Squeals of excitment, laughter and smiles was the noise coming from my bedroom as I opened the package with Rachel and mamma!! Thank you family for making my birthday here so special, even so far from home- (special thanks especially to Dennis and Renee! love you two!).
Morning of my birthday- Anita decorated the table with american placemates and candles. As I lit each candle we discussed memories from other years of life. It was so nice to reflect and share fun and special memories with her and Rachel! Anita also shared with me that every birthday she chooses a psalm for that year- I loved that idea and have decided to implement it as well! I chose Psalm 92 for various reasons.
The rest of the day held- a delicious lunch, a visit from friends, encouraging messages and cards, phone conversations with everyone in my family, and watching a movie! It was truly a wonderful birthday, and really when it comes down to it, I am thankful for another year- hours, days, months- time, to fully grow in the knowledge and joy of the Lord being my portion and my all!
This a section from Psalm 92, which I chose for the year, that illustrates well my prayer for the remainder of my life, that I may be like a cedar of Lebanon... bearing fruit in old age for His glory.
Psalm 92:12-15

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;

planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.

They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green,

proclaiming, "The LORD is upright;
he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.

Thank you!!

Love and joy,

Lauren

"Don't let the bed bugs bite"

"Good night, sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite!"

I don't know about you, but I have often said this phrase without the faintest clue that bed bugs really and truly do exist! And they are actually called "bed bugs"!

I have had the privilege to encounter these hungry little pests. In the wee hours of the morning, I have actually become their favorite meal! Ahhh!! Yes... imagine now, sleeping the first night after realizing what had biten you, it was so difficult to fall asleep! I am not so sure that it was the best idea to research bed bugs, but now I know all about these creatures :). They are not a result of the lack of cleanliness. Bed bugs actually are an increasing problem in the States, even at 5 star hotels. What happens is they hitch a ride on your clothing and go where you go basically! My thought is that I possibly meet these little dudes when working with the kids, the elderly... but really they could have come from anywhere.

So yesterday, I located some bug killing spray in hopes to terminate my new roommates! I came home and cleaned the whole room- vacuumed, dusted, and sprayed the bed, floor and mattress! It has been quite the experience :) But really, I would appreciate prayers in this area. More so for my sanity, and ability to fall asleep. I realize that this is an anxiety and worry I need to give to the Lord, as silly as it seems! I do not want to be ruled by the fear of things biting me at night. And really, how bad is it?! I mean, its not like they are poisonous or of any health threat! This is just another area where I can ask the Lord for His protection, His peace, and leave it at that :).

Well, this was not a topic I ever imagined writing about,but it just part of the adventure!

Here are two photos, of a much more pleasant sight than the one above! The snow is still falling here, and I can never get over how beautiful it is. Tonight, we were walking home from gospel choir, and sparkling, glittery, large snowflakes were floating gently from the clouds...God's blessings are abundant when a heart is delighted in Him!

Love and joy family and friends!

Firmly Planted

But his delight is in the law of the LORD...

He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,

Which yeilds its fruit in its season...

And its leaf does not whither;

And in whatever he does, he prospers.

Psalm 1:2-3

Saturday, February 7th was my first time hiking in Romania! The day was a perfect day. With the sun shining brightly, and the temperature at nearly 50 degrees, I was comfortable clothed in merely a long sleeve shirt and vest! Myself, along with 5 others made a 41/2 hour trek throughout the hills and forests overlooking the valley of Sighisoara. We were accompanied by one of David's friends, Tibi who was a biologist/ecologist. He was an expert on the land, the inhabitants and the trees and offered a great deal of interesting facts and knowledge! David calls him the "froggie" expert, as that is his specialty! hahaha :) He has conducted a great deal of research on frogs and is one of the most knowledgeable about that species here in Romania! So we were quite well accompanied on this adventure.

As you can see from the pictures, the trees were graceful giants... kings of the fields. The oldest one with which I am pictured at the bottom of the blog is 800 years old. I could only imagine what that tree has "seen" throughout its lifetime.

I just loved hiking, and it was a refreshing time for me to be in God's creation. There were times I just stopped to listen, to breathe, to stoop down and look at a leaf, or touch some moss on a tree.... I realized I had not really taken much time to be in nature over the past few months, and I have greatly missed it. I think it is something I did not realize I missed until I began to experience it again! So I am thankful for my hiking class, and that the Lord knew, yet again, just what I would need during my time here... he is so faithful.

Well, it has been a while since I have last written, for which I apologize! It will be hard for me to update on all that has happened over the past week and a half! But here are some majors..

One of the clubs in which I work with is the kids club. The age group I work with is 7-10. This past week I had the opportunity to lead the lesson time for the week (Monday and Wednesday). I was able to choose any topic I wanted, so I decided on the Golden Rule.

Monday rolled around, and I had prepared a lesson with the aid of a flannel graph, as well as various activities. Well, by the end of the 2 hour time.. I felt quite discouraged. The time definitely did not go as planned! I had gone into the lesson with a certain idea of how it should go, and NOTHING went as hoped! Ahh, so yes, its a good thing my days are so busy, and I was unable to afford myself time for pity and tears :). But looking back, I think I was a little hard on myself, and they are kids... kids can be unpredictable at times! And the Lord, so caring, provided Anita to encourage me when I came home (she is a teacher ;) ). So on Wednesday,with new ideas and some experience under my belt now, the time was quite different! I had them act out the parable of the Good Samaritan, and they each had a part and a prop. They were so precious and enjoyed the time immensely! The activities went well, and I was so thankful!

Its interesting to realize that both the trials and the successes of this experience had much to teach, and I know that there was much to learn from the errors. Through mistakes, there is alot that can be learned!

In regards to my main work with the elderly, this next week will mark the beginning of my involvement in leading groups, activities, and teaching English classes! (little did I know I would have the opportunity to actually teach!) Tomorrow Sandy and I have planned a devotional on the parable of the soil and I have created bingo board with the names of trees, seeds, etc of which we can play! I also was able to find some new and interesting chair exercises to spice up the aerobics time, and hope to soon locate some upbeat music to help get them moving a little more :). Tuesday will be our first English lesson, and this week we will beginning two craft activities- making a calendar and creating cards! I am so thankful for a woman named Morag, who is here from England. She teaches many English classes and has a great amount of resources that I am free to use! It has been such a great help and she is so giving! I am excited to see how these elderly ladies learn and how the class goes.

Well, I also have some prayer requests:

• There is a sweet woman here, who is not a follower of Christ. She is a volunteer and we have had some interesting conversations so far about the Lord and religion, etc. Please pray that the Lord would season my words with truth and grace, and that he would soften her heart to the gospel and salvation through Jesus.
• I listened sermon today, and was truly convicted. It was on Romans 12:11, "Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord" ...it was entitled "Boiling" and given by John Piper. The message was just what I needed to hear. So please pray that for me... pray that I would not be slothful and lazy, but fervent, hardworking and passionately serving for the glory of the Lord!
• Also, I talked with my family and my grandfather's memory continues to worsen. Please pray for my family and for him as they go through this increasingly difficult time... I love my grandfather so much, and he has been such a testimony of service to the Lord. Of all the things he has forgotten, I will never forget playing hymns on the piano in the living room, and him singing along... singing the truths that have been etched on his heart, that he had not forgotten.

Well, before I sign off, here's to some randomness...

• Chocolate Finetti and peanut butter on bread with coffee is my morning ritual... mmmm, yum!
• Almost every day I listen to the song "Your love is strong" by Jon Foreman
• I really miss playing the piano.
• I have been having alot of dreams lately.
• When Ceausescus was the dictator- "often needed blood transfusions. To this purpose he selected healthy young boys from villages, had blood taken from them, and then had them killed." (From Hole in the Flag a book about the Revolution which I am currently reading) This is just one of the many horrible things he did during his time as dictator..
• It has been strange for me not to have classes all throughout the day!
• Everyone roller blades here :)
• Today I sat in the dining room and watched a shepherd and his sheep on the hill across the way for nearly 30 min.... it was intriguing. I learned more about being a sheep ;)
• I am in a gospel choir here! Its fun to be a part of a choir again...
• The instant coffee here is delicious.
• Toilet paper is scented here- it smells fruity! :)

Well, as we say here "o seara buna" ! (have a good evening)

Blessings and Joy,

Lauren

Nothing by chance.

Let's begin today with an interesting, new found discovery I have made..

I love oranges! 

Insignificant information? Well, let me explain :)

Before coming to Romania- I greatly disliked eating oranges... I loved orange juice, but could live quite comfortably without going through the "trouble" of peeling an orange! hahaha

Fast forward to today... oranges have become, hmmm... turkish delight to my taste-buds! I crave them, and furthermore, they have been my lifeline in helping me fight these little bugs of sickness!

I did not know what I was missing!

Some other interesting discoveries/ observations:

• European chocolate is much better than any American chocolate, I am in chocolate paradise here!
• The pace of life here is very relaxed. I operate now on a schedule called- "Romanian Time"... flexible and laid back
• The majority of Europeans know multiple languages. Hungarian, German, Romanian, English, and Spanish have been some I encounter here daily. It has motivated me to learn more languages.
• I can do without a shower for 3-4 days! haha :)
• I have talked more about Obama here in Romania, than in the states.
• Baby powder is a grease buster.
• Romanians have amazing bread, and eat alot of it.
• A smile is universal :)   (Of which I am so grateful!)
• Observation is a valuable way to learn!

Well, this is my second week here working with the elderly programs and kids club. I have a rough schedule of my weeks- although it is always liable to be changing and adapting with the flow of things! I have found it to be quite a rigorous schedule- some days about 9 hours long! 

I had my first Romanian lessons yesterday (Tuesday) and will have 3 lessons a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday). There is another student in the class with me, of which I am so grateful! The other student is named Richard and he is from Germany. I do not know much about him quite yet, but he is a volunteer here in Sighisoara. It is nice to have someone else to learn with in the class.  The Lord has provided many people for me to interact with and new people to befriend. The teacher is very sweet, and she is from Moldova and has a sister who lives in Ukraine and my mom is from Ukraine, so that was a fun connection. So much cultural diversity! People have said that I am learning Romanian quickly, another area in which to thank the Lord. But I am excited to see how future lessons go, and would appreciate continued prayers in this area!

I think something that has most certainly blown my socks off these past few days, I have come to realize during the solitude of my evening devotions and time of reflection and prayer. Proverbs 16:9 says, 

"The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps."

So few words, "nothing is by chance", yet so profound.

 I have come to realize this in a fuller sense here in Romania.

Yesterday, as I was leaving my Romanian lesson, Dorothy was coming out of the office. She asked me where I was going. I shared with her that I was about to make my long trek out to the apartments where one of the elderly clubs is located. She asked if I would rather like to get a cup of coffee with her and then she could drive me to the club. Hard decision of course, so I "reluctantly" agreed... its like pulling teeth to get me to agree to a cup of coffee!! hahaha ;)

Over coffee, Dorothy prefaced the time with "I have some news that I think will excite you." She placed on the small table a yellow sticky note that had a name and number jotted down. "This is the number of a horse therapy program located in a village about 20 min. from here." Dorothy has shared that she likes to "tailor" the experience for a student according to their likes and needs. "Sometimes this happens in more specific ways than others!" She shared how she thought I may enjoy going out there once a week to volunteer. And not only was this program 20 min away, it is in a village where she has access to a "getaway" cottage, or a place to relax. She said she would be willing to take me out there weekly to visit, and she would go to the cottage to get some much needed rest! "But the Lord directs His steps...."

The Lord is most certainly directing and leading me in ways I never imagined. This past fall I never imagined to be offered to opportunity to work with a horse therapy program after graduation. Yet through various situations, it has become a reality. Then I come to Romania, where little is known about horse therapy... yet 20 min away, resides a horse therapy program! 

Dorothy, myself, and Kim (a peace corps volunteer who works with Veritas) headed out to the village Rondula. The horse program was started by a German couple, who welcomed us into their home when arrived. They live in the German church parish. Dorothy is fluent in German, and as they welcomed us to sit at their table, conversation began. The wife lit the candles and served us coffee, while their almost 2 year old daughter looked across the table with those curious beautiful little eyes. She was adorable, and decided to befriend me as soon as we stepped outside to visit the animals! The couple is a strong Christian couple who is living daily relying on the Lord's grace and provision. A struggle, the husband shared, as he is used to providing with his own hands and resources. Last year they had a fire which burned much of thier buildings, and he also suffered from an injury that has limited his working ability. Currently, they are in a limbo period, waiting till spring to begin any riding programs, as well as in need of much financial support and aid. Yet, they welcomed me to come whenever I would like, and Dorothy and I have discussed a once a week outing. Another thought is to somehow get the children in the Veritas program connected with this couple, thus networking the children in need of this type of therapy, as well as providing people for the couple to work with!! 

This opportunity is so amazingly exciting for me, and I wish I could share it with each one of you, in person! Maybe to give you a picture- a big smile, sporadic clapping of the hands, expressive hand motions, jumping up and down, the WOW type expressions that accompanies any excitement, and lots of joy! So much is lost in just typing this all out here in the blog! But, this is most surely just beginning and a new adventure! For it is the Lord who guides and directs our steps... I give Him all the praise and glory, for every good and perfect gift is from above. I find such peace in the knowledge that He knows the depths of our hearts. In all of this, Philippians has greatly encouraged me this week in all situations as I look to set my heart and mind on things above, on Christ. I want to leave you with this part of scripture...

More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. 

Philippians 3:8

Please pray that I will set earnestly my heart and mind on things above, and that I will press on towards the goal daily in knowing and walking humbly with Him. 

Love and joy friends and family!

 

Prayer...

Loving Lord and Heavenly Father,

I offer up today all that I am, all that I have, all that I do, and

all that I suffer, to be yours today and yours forever.

Give me grace, Lord to do all that I know of Your holy will.

Purify my heart, sanctify my thinking, correct my desires.

Teach me,

in all of today's work and trouble and joy to respond with

honest praise, simple trust, and instant obedience,

that my life may be in truth a living sacrifice,

by the power of Your Holy Spirit and

in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ,

my Master and my All.

Amen

~Elizabeth Ellilot~

Pics, Pics, Pics :)

Here a just a few of the many photos I have taken in the past week.

Because of the lengthy time it takes to upload, there are only a couple

If you would like to see more, I have 2 albums on my facebook of the trip so far :)

Here is a link:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=2084871&id=208702167

Welcome to Sighisoara- House on the Rock where there is an international cafe, offices, and where my classes will be held!


The beautiful town of Sibiu.

The Huntington group and I picture with the ice cream man!

My favorite little car, perfect size, with the perfect adornment- cappuccino!

One of the churches in Sibiu.

Two shepherds on the roadside, sporting traditional shepherd wear!

Me on the grounds of a fortified church, on the way home from Sibiu.

Melissa with a woman who is working on a hand crafted curtain- it will take 6 months to complete!

Two sweet, energetic children and I playing :) Love them..

On our way to Sinia- we stopped at a roadside market and bought mittens!

Pushing "Vern the Van" up the mountain side!! Melissa and I named him ;)

The monastery in Sinia.

The gorgeous fairy-tale castle!

Look at that view!

The final group picture with Huntington and Sandy and I below..wonderful people!

But God...

Sickness has returned, with a vengeance this time around! Alas, it must be the "bugs" here in Romania are not the same as in the Sates! It has been unseasonably warm here in Sighisoara. Two days ago, I was strolling town without the need of my winter jacket! I was walking with David, the man with whom I will be working under during my internship with the elderly programs, and was commenting, "Wow, what a nice day this is!" and his reply was, "Nice for who? All the bacteria comes alive now, talking, dancing, and infecting people!" Haha, he has quite the humor, and I just laughed with him, thinking I was invincible to this, and just enjoying the day. Well, guess what, the next day rolls around and at least 4 people are sick on the Veritas staff, and then myself! haha.. oh the party bacteria is having in my body right now!

Last night I found myself quite homesick. There is just something about wanting to be home when one feels awful and ill. I have not been sick in so long, and now within the past month, this is the second time! Before bed, the combination of being sick- not just physically, but also homesick, brought quite the waterfall of tears. I was in need of comfort and consolation. I am so thankful for this family here, and they have taken great care of me, but I needed comfort for my soul.. and who knows my soul better than my Lord?!

So, I would like to share a story now. I had waited to do my devotions till bedtime. As I curled up under the covers with tissues at hand, I opened up the devotional I am reading by Amy Carmichael. My heart skipped a beat as I read the scripture it was focusing on for that devotional- Psalm 73. Now, this is not just any Psalm for me, this has been a Psalm that is special and close to my heart. I was amazed yet again at how the Lord was ministering to my heart, my soul... his comfort was tangible, a soothing balm for my pain. Though my flesh and my heart may fail, God is the strength of my heart, and my portion FOREVER! Forever, now when I am sick, now when I am lonely, now when I am joyful in His comfort, now as I realize I can be content, no matter what the situation, because he is my portion- forever!

Here is the devotional, I would like to share with you, in hopes you may find encouragement as well :)

Psalm 73:26- But God.

These words have been like strong hands lifting up, bearing up, countless thousands of souls. "My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever." Many who will read this note are well and strong and joyful in their work, thank god for that. Sooner or later, however, to most who follow the Crucified, there comes a time when flesh and heart fail, and if it were not for that "But God", we should go under. Will those, to whom they are not the needed words to-day, take them and store them safely in the wonderful storehouse which God has given to us all-memory? And when they are needed they will rise up and speak.
That failing flesh and heart belongs to the time when "there be many that say, Who will show us any good?" Feelings and fears can be like a torrent of rough water and we see no way to cross it. "But God" makes all the difference then, "for Thou, Lord, has never failed them that seek Thee."

So friends, may we seek Him who does provide, in quite tangible and consoling ways. May we tell of His deeds and testify of His goodness and faithfulness morning and night!
"But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works."- Psalm 73:28

Here are some highlights from this past week, in case any are interested! It might be lengthy, but it is Saturday, which provides time to do some much needed updating! I just wanted to forewarn :)

I can't remember where I left off, so I will start with Tuesday!

Tuesday, January 20

• Trip to Sinia- Students from Huntington headed back home today. We woke up in the morning, and I tagged along with them for the first leg of the trip. The van took us to a beautiful town called Sinai, which is home of a gorgeous German castle, nestled at the foot of breath-taking mountains. The drive there was about 3 hours, and we stopped at a roadside market on the way. When we arrived in Sinia, our first thing on the agenda was to drive to the top of the mountain for a picturesque view. However, the road up was icy, so icy poor Vern the Van could not make it up. Vern actually got stuck halfway up, on a patch of ice! Problem solving time-So here we were, stuck halfway up the mountain, 9 women... option one- back down the steep hill..hmmm, not the best idea. Option two- get out an push...a better idea! Finding this situation quite comical, we got out and pushed. We were quite the sight! But we were able to push up the van to a place where we could turn it around, and head back down to safety!
• Monastery- we then visited briefly a beautiful monastery. We walked into the church and the sound of singing monks greeted my ears. The inside was adorned in gold, intricate sculpting, and magnificent paintings. It was beautiful, but breath-taking beautiful was also awaiting us...
• The Castle- we walked from the monastery to the castle on a cobble stone old carriage path. It was intriguing to think of the carriages that had traveled that very path, and who the passengers must have been! The path opened up to the view of a fairytale sight- the castle. But the location of the castle was most resplendent- mountains, trees, amazingness!! It was lovely.
• Dinner- we then ate dinner at a restaurant near the castle and enjoyed a traditional meal with soup, and some form of meat. It was delicious.
• Train ride- The time for goodbyes had now arrived, and Sandy, my new friend and translator from Sighisoara, and I gave hugs and bid our farewells as we boarded the train. Bittersweet times.

Wednesday, January 21

• On the job-My second day on the job was quite full. There are a total of three elderly programs that I will be involved in. The first is every morning, Monday-Friday, from 10:00-12:00. It is held in a Nazarene church, and they play games and converse. The second program is held in the basement of the Veritas Director- Dorothy. Now, this is not just any basement. There is a separate entryway, which you walk through and are greeted by a room full of overstuffed-comfortable chairs, and a comfy ambiance. It is warm and welcoming. This group of elderly is all females, and they are fairly better off than the first group of elderly. The third group meets in an apartment that is owned by the Nazarene church. This group is also all women!
• After the morning time- I went to the Family Center, where I will be eating all of my lunches. These dedicated cooks serve food for the staff, elderly, and all the kids clubs that come. And the food is delicious!
• Little children-Following lunch I went to kids club, which is the second program that I will be working with. I will be with the 7-8 year old children, which is a good change of pace for me, and will give me the necessary variety while I am here!
• Teens-I also went to the teen club afterwards to get an idea of what they do, and how the program is run. However, I found this to be the most difficult for me as it was hard to communicate and they were not as accepting. But it was good to observe and have the experience.

Thursday, January 22

• Elderly club- 10:00 AM I opened the door to the church that has become quite familiar now, and sat down to work on a puzzle with a woman. I was slightly discouraged this morning again with the language barrier, and my lack of "ability" to encourage. But I was wrong at doubting, and not trusting the Lord to use me in spite of the language barrier. For after this time, I went with David on a home visit.
• The home visit- David and I walked a short distance, through a gate, to a small house where an elderly woman lived. She is struggling as her body is full of liquid, and she can barely move. She has already had 9 surgeries and has sold many of her things in order to pay medical bills. Not only is she dealing with this illness, but her mother just died last week and she was unable to attend the funeral. She also shared that her daughter passed away a couple of weeks ago, due to epilepsy and other medical issues. However, as I sat on her bed with this woman, she held my hand and told me through tears, her stories. I found that no matter what the language, physical presence, holding her hand and scratching her back, and mourning with her, the Lord can draw people together. Near the end of our time, she prayed for me, she prayed for ME!! Seriously, in the midst of her limitations, her sorrow and her pain, she thought of me and brought me to the Lord in prayer. I left there dumbfounded, humbled and inspired.

Friday, January 23

• An earlier morning for me- I rolled out of bed and prepared for the day in about 15 min... I am getting better at it! Tata (papa) and I headed to the Veritas staff meeting, located at House on the Rock. We read Psalm 25 and had time to reflect on the passage. Then, the group shared parts and aspects of the scripture that impacted and taught them something. I am looking forward to this time we will have every Friday morning together.
• Elderly club- Today I played more games and drank tea and played the piano a bit for the elderly. There is a woman in the group who knows a bit of English and I have enjoyed getting to know her better. She has two grandsons who live in the States, and she has learned English from talking with them! You are never too young to learn :)
• Meeting with Dorothy- Dorothy is very sick as well, but we took time to meet and go over my learning contract. I am excited to have some direction now and a better idea of what this next semester will look like. She shared with me that my arrival is timely, and even more so providential that I am interested in working with the elderly programs as it is time for some new program developments and such. I am excited to learn more about the needs of this elderly community!
• Apartment gathering- Dorothy then drove me to the apartment where the 3rd group of elderly meet. It is quite a ways from the other programs (7 min drive and 30 min walk from the Citadel). I walked in and was greeted by a quaint and nice apartment with three rooms, 2 bathrooms and a kitchen. The women were all squeezed into one of the rooms (about 20 of them). David introduced me to the group and they were so sweet. One of the ladies however asked how can I help them if I can not talk with them? This was a concern I knew they would present and can imagine how ridiculous it must appear to have someone come to help them who can not communicate. However, I know that this is where the Lord has me, and for a reason. I am not discouraged as I have already learned much from observing, and the Lord confirming my time here by His helping me in learning quickly, and granting creative ideas in how to help. I knew this would be one of the most challenging programs to be involved in, but I am most excited with this challenge in seeing how the Lord works.
• Long walk home- after this elderly club, I had an hour walk home, by far my farthest walk home! I had never taken this way, and after the first half, David had to go his way home, and I was left to navigate on my own!! hahaha, it was exciting, and I thank the Lord for giving me a sense of direction. I had no problems, and actually found the walk to be a great time to think and pray and reflect on the day, and the weather was still warm and comfortable. I truly enjoy all the walking that I am doing here!!

Sorry this was so long, but I hope it provides details and information that better helps my friends and family know what I am doing here. I long to remain connected and supply information for any curiosity one might have as to the happenings here. I love to hear back from you all as well, and how the Lord is working and sustaining in each of your lives.

Thank you again for your encouragement, especially during my time of sickness, and your prayers. I have seen the Lord answer prayer, and my heart is full of His joy..

But God...

Is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever..

JoY