Today, the last day of the year, is a day when most people stop and take time to reflect upon the events of year. Even the news media has been showing us clips of world events, funniest videos, best pictures, etc. For the past couple of days, I have been doing the same for my life. I have made new friends, strengthened relationships with old friends, continued to work and have more than I need. I had surgery on both of my knees, was frustrated with family at times and was blessed with a grand-daughter, Dylan Paige. I enjoyed 4 trips....a baseball bonanza for a week with my Dad; a mission trip to Ghana Africa; a mission trip to Guatemala; and went to the 4th game of the World Series between the Texas Rangers and the SF Giants. But the most important thing of the year was that the LORD was with me through it all!
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, REJOICE! Philippians 4:4
Friday, December 31, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
..... time for everything. Ecclesiastes 3
The time difference between Oklahoma and Ghana is 6 hours with Ghana being ahead. This becomes important when you want to communicate. During my trip to Ghana in August, many of the wonderful friends and brief acquaintances I made would ask for my phone number. This really interested me as I really could not imagine them ever calling me. How wrong I was! I receive at least one to two calls each week from my Ghanaian friends. You see, relationships are very important to them. When they call me, it is not to ask for anything or to give me some juicy gossip. The conversation is usually just about them wanting to hear my voice, tell me they are thinking about me and to wish me God's blessings. The call only lasts a couple of minutes, but it seems important to them. Usually I receive these calls between 11am and 2pm, which means they are calling me at the end of their day. What an honor to be thought of and receive such a special call from people across the ocean who I have really only spent a hand full of hours with.
I can not think of one time when I have ever called someone I barely know even if they just lived across town or someone I see at work or at church. There are many times when a reason presents itself and I SHOULD call...when I hear about a hardship someone at work is enduring, a church family has a special celebration, or a neighbor down the way is in need of help.
Many of us are busy with our own lives and even though we know we could make a difference with a simple phone call or hand-written note, we just don't seem to find the few minutes it would take. Why is that? Shouldn't relationships, "people", be more important than that weekly TV show, or playing a game on the computer/Wii?
I must admit I am so guilty of not making relationships a priority. As a matter of fact, just this past Friday night at 1am....the middle of MY sleep, my cell phone rang. I am like
sooooooo grumpy when my sleep gets interrupted...but, you know, it might be an emergency. I get up and look at the calling number.....are you kidding me? It is a call from Ghana! Well, you know what I did! I just clicked that phone off and went back to bed. I know, it is 7am in Ghana, so someone must have just forgotten about the time change...but, really, don't call in the middle of the night just to say "Hi". It took me a little while to get back to sleep and the I'm up at 5am to get ready for work. I did think about that call and wonder who it was, but only for a few minutes before my busy day really got going.
Well, guess what. Saturday night at 2am in the middle of MY sleep, the phone rings and it is again from Ghana! I hesitated for a second and then I answered the phone. On the other end of that phone was the bright, cheerful, smiling voice of a young lady I met at the school. She starting her day by calling me to say hello and to hear my voice. Her excitement is clearly heard in her voice. She wishes me a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. She tells me she is so happy to talk to me and is anxious for me to come see her. The call lasted less than 4 minutes.
I have thought a lot about that short call today. I probably spent less than a total of 2
hours with this young lady over a 4 day period of time and yet, she remembers me, takes the time to call (several times) just to say hello. She is honoring me with a relationship of friendship. And, I owe her the respect of answering her call. The sound of her joyous voice told me how important it was to her that I answer the phone and that she be able to hear my voice. I will always answer my phone when someone calls if it is at all possible. My time is NOT more important than that of the person who is taking the time to call me.
Matthew 13:34. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
I can not think of one time when I have ever called someone I barely know even if they just lived across town or someone I see at work or at church. There are many times when a reason presents itself and I SHOULD call...when I hear about a hardship someone at work is enduring, a church family has a special celebration, or a neighbor down the way is in need of help.
Many of us are busy with our own lives and even though we know we could make a difference with a simple phone call or hand-written note, we just don't seem to find the few minutes it would take. Why is that? Shouldn't relationships, "people", be more important than that weekly TV show, or playing a game on the computer/Wii?
I must admit I am so guilty of not making relationships a priority. As a matter of fact, just this past Friday night at 1am....the middle of MY sleep, my cell phone rang. I am like
sooooooo grumpy when my sleep gets interrupted...but, you know, it might be an emergency. I get up and look at the calling number.....are you kidding me? It is a call from Ghana! Well, you know what I did! I just clicked that phone off and went back to bed. I know, it is 7am in Ghana, so someone must have just forgotten about the time change...but, really, don't call in the middle of the night just to say "Hi". It took me a little while to get back to sleep and the I'm up at 5am to get ready for work. I did think about that call and wonder who it was, but only for a few minutes before my busy day really got going.
Well, guess what. Saturday night at 2am in the middle of MY sleep, the phone rings and it is again from Ghana! I hesitated for a second and then I answered the phone. On the other end of that phone was the bright, cheerful, smiling voice of a young lady I met at the school. She starting her day by calling me to say hello and to hear my voice. Her excitement is clearly heard in her voice. She wishes me a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. She tells me she is so happy to talk to me and is anxious for me to come see her. The call lasted less than 4 minutes.
I have thought a lot about that short call today. I probably spent less than a total of 2
hours with this young lady over a 4 day period of time and yet, she remembers me, takes the time to call (several times) just to say hello. She is honoring me with a relationship of friendship. And, I owe her the respect of answering her call. The sound of her joyous voice told me how important it was to her that I answer the phone and that she be able to hear my voice. I will always answer my phone when someone calls if it is at all possible. My time is NOT more important than that of the person who is taking the time to call me.
Matthew 13:34. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
So much to do, so little time!
It is so hard to explain all that is going on in my head each day. There are so many things that I do not yet know and time is quickly moving on! One of the missions people at church told me I should have a psychological profile performed before leaving, so I started that process this week. I had a meeting with a psychologist for an hour. Next I need to complete about an hour and a half of "testing", followed by another one hour meeting. Good thing I called for the appointment last month or I might not have been able to get this done before I leave.
I also need to find out about international insurance and health insurance. I may need a physical for this, so better attack this soon! It is only about 75 days until I plan to leave..but then again......
I am so EXCITED!, because I received a call from IHCF today. This is the foundation I referred to in my previous note which has 2 clinics in Ghana. There is a possibility that I will be allowed to go visit their clinics in mid-February!
I have not heard from Dan recently. The OAVI school will get out next week for a month. They go to school for 3 months and then have a month off. This is truly a year-round school. Anyway, I will need to talk with him in the next couple of weeks to find out about my visa needs. Dan has applied to the Embassy for me to be granted temporary residency, so that I do not have to go through renewing a visa every 3 months. However, I will need to start the visa process around the first of January if I wind up leaving in February.
Wow...lots to do....lots to learn...so exciting!
Matthew 19:28. Jesus looked at them and said "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
I also need to find out about international insurance and health insurance. I may need a physical for this, so better attack this soon! It is only about 75 days until I plan to leave..but then again......
I am so EXCITED!, because I received a call from IHCF today. This is the foundation I referred to in my previous note which has 2 clinics in Ghana. There is a possibility that I will be allowed to go visit their clinics in mid-February!
I have not heard from Dan recently. The OAVI school will get out next week for a month. They go to school for 3 months and then have a month off. This is truly a year-round school. Anyway, I will need to talk with him in the next couple of weeks to find out about my visa needs. Dan has applied to the Embassy for me to be granted temporary residency, so that I do not have to go through renewing a visa every 3 months. However, I will need to start the visa process around the first of January if I wind up leaving in February.
Wow...lots to do....lots to learn...so exciting!
Matthew 19:28. Jesus looked at them and said "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Seeking high, low and in-between
Well the decision to go is probably the easiest thing I will do. It really did seem to be an easy decision to make, although when I tell people what I am going to do I hear one of the following comments.
1) WHAT!? Are you CRAZY!? Or 2) Have you lost your mind?
I want you to all know I have neither gone crazy or lost my mind. I am praying daily for God to guide me on the path he wants me to take in order to be a servant of his.
Information and contacts are two of the items I am hunting for now. I have been on the Internet researching facts about Ghana and the availability of medical care. Malaria is one of the top 5 death related diseases which is sad because the medicine to treat malaria only costs about $10. Ghanaians make less than $2 per day on average. I learned about an organization called "Malaria No More". Perhaps you have heard of it too. It seems that George and Laura Bush are involved in this work. This organization provides treated mosquito nets, malaria meds, mosquito spray and education to areas with high incidences malaria. I have written them asking to be trained in prevention and treatment of malaria, so I will be successful in helping the Ghanaians in decreasing the deaths related to malaria in the area which I will be working. I am waiting to hear back.
I read a book titled "Jantsen's Gift" by Pam Cope. Wow, what a powerful book. It is a story of a woman searching for a worthy cause to become involved in To honor her son who died at a young age. If you are looking for a great book to read.....this one is the one! It was an
Oprah pick! Anyway, she mentions a place called "Village of Hope" (VOH) which is an orphanage in Ghana about a 3 hour drive from where I am going. Many of my church family go to VOH each year, so I began talking to everyone who would listen (not that I really give anyone a choice). I learned about a young woman, Chelsea Jones, who is at VOH teaching. I began writing to her asking for information. She has a blog which is very informative, www.chelseainghana.blogspot.com. I have also requested to visit VOH for 2-3 weeks in April to see their clinic and learn from them.
Many of you know that I have been going to Guatemala with an HTI (Health Talents International). This organization has two wonderful clinics and a does a wonderful work. It is my goal to begin a work similar to that in Takoradi. I will travel to Searcy, Arknsas at
the end of this month to meet with Rick Harper in the HTI office where I hope to learn much. I learned a lot from the Lisa, Kimmel and Sheri who are my missionary friends in Guatemala.
One other organization I have learned about is IHCF (International Health Care Foundation). IHCF currently has two clinics in Ghana. These clinics are north of where I will be. IHCF will host a seminar in Ft. worth in January for medical missionaries which I plan to attend. I have also written to IHCF asking to visit one of their clinics
I have much to learn! I am sure that I will be seeking high, low and in-between for many months to come. I will remember that I am but the servant, God is the author. I will seek information and assistance where he leads me.
Matthew 9:35. Jesus went throughout all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and healing every disease and sickness.
1) WHAT!? Are you CRAZY!? Or 2) Have you lost your mind?
I want you to all know I have neither gone crazy or lost my mind. I am praying daily for God to guide me on the path he wants me to take in order to be a servant of his.
Information and contacts are two of the items I am hunting for now. I have been on the Internet researching facts about Ghana and the availability of medical care. Malaria is one of the top 5 death related diseases which is sad because the medicine to treat malaria only costs about $10. Ghanaians make less than $2 per day on average. I learned about an organization called "Malaria No More". Perhaps you have heard of it too. It seems that George and Laura Bush are involved in this work. This organization provides treated mosquito nets, malaria meds, mosquito spray and education to areas with high incidences malaria. I have written them asking to be trained in prevention and treatment of malaria, so I will be successful in helping the Ghanaians in decreasing the deaths related to malaria in the area which I will be working. I am waiting to hear back.
I read a book titled "Jantsen's Gift" by Pam Cope. Wow, what a powerful book. It is a story of a woman searching for a worthy cause to become involved in To honor her son who died at a young age. If you are looking for a great book to read.....this one is the one! It was an
Oprah pick! Anyway, she mentions a place called "Village of Hope" (VOH) which is an orphanage in Ghana about a 3 hour drive from where I am going. Many of my church family go to VOH each year, so I began talking to everyone who would listen (not that I really give anyone a choice). I learned about a young woman, Chelsea Jones, who is at VOH teaching. I began writing to her asking for information. She has a blog which is very informative, www.chelseainghana.blogspot.com. I have also requested to visit VOH for 2-3 weeks in April to see their clinic and learn from them.
Many of you know that I have been going to Guatemala with an HTI (Health Talents International). This organization has two wonderful clinics and a does a wonderful work. It is my goal to begin a work similar to that in Takoradi. I will travel to Searcy, Arknsas at
the end of this month to meet with Rick Harper in the HTI office where I hope to learn much. I learned a lot from the Lisa, Kimmel and Sheri who are my missionary friends in Guatemala.
One other organization I have learned about is IHCF (International Health Care Foundation). IHCF currently has two clinics in Ghana. These clinics are north of where I will be. IHCF will host a seminar in Ft. worth in January for medical missionaries which I plan to attend. I have also written to IHCF asking to visit one of their clinics
I have much to learn! I am sure that I will be seeking high, low and in-between for many months to come. I will remember that I am but the servant, God is the author. I will seek information and assistance where he leads me.
Matthew 9:35. Jesus went throughout all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and healing every disease and sickness.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Beginning - 29:1
The true beginning was years ago, so we will begin with my first trip to Ghana. I have been going on medical mission trips with HTI to Guatemala every year for the past 7 years. I loved going on these trips for so many reasons, but most of all to help God's children in another part of the world with the gifts God blessed me with. However, this year I decided I would not go on any mission trips. I thought I wanted to take a year off, take a vacation for my own enjoyment and then next year go to Tanzania, Africa for an extended mission trip. God had another plan.
In May, I received a call from a man who attended another church of Christ in my area who needed a nurse to go on a trip with a small group to Ghana in August. Some one I knew told someone he knew that I was a nurse who liked to go on mission trips. My immediate response was "I don't think so" because as you know, I had other plans. Well, the request continued to be on my mind for days, so I prayed and tried to listen. I called this man back a few days later and agreed to go.
In August, I left for Ghana with 3 other people who I had never met before. This is where The BEGINNING of my Journey started. It was amazing to meet so many new people who immediately felt like long-time friends. It is hard to truly explain how welcoming and hospitable
Ghanaians are. The biggest impact on me was made by the students at OAVI (Outreach Africa Vocational Institute). This school is in Takoradi and is totally free to those who are accepted. It is supported by churches of Christ in both the US and Ghana. I was privileged to be invited to spend an afternoon with the students, hold a health screening for them and then attend their graduation. What an amazing time!
The director of the school, Dan Asiamah, informed me that the next goal was to have a clinic at the school by 2012. He wanted me to ask around when I got home to see if I could find someone who would be interested in assisting with starting a clinic. Are you kidding? Is this why I was pointed to this trip? Could this be the plan?
Well, after much prayer, I am now making my plans for moving in March next year! I put my home up for sale and it sold in 2 weeks! I have sold all my "stuff" by word of mouth and in a garage sale. I am living with my parents in order to save money and have time to research ways to raise money, purchase supplies/equipment, and make contacts who can assist me in this journey.
Matthew 4:23. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people
In May, I received a call from a man who attended another church of Christ in my area who needed a nurse to go on a trip with a small group to Ghana in August. Some one I knew told someone he knew that I was a nurse who liked to go on mission trips. My immediate response was "I don't think so" because as you know, I had other plans. Well, the request continued to be on my mind for days, so I prayed and tried to listen. I called this man back a few days later and agreed to go.
In August, I left for Ghana with 3 other people who I had never met before. This is where The BEGINNING of my Journey started. It was amazing to meet so many new people who immediately felt like long-time friends. It is hard to truly explain how welcoming and hospitable
Ghanaians are. The biggest impact on me was made by the students at OAVI (Outreach Africa Vocational Institute). This school is in Takoradi and is totally free to those who are accepted. It is supported by churches of Christ in both the US and Ghana. I was privileged to be invited to spend an afternoon with the students, hold a health screening for them and then attend their graduation. What an amazing time!
The director of the school, Dan Asiamah, informed me that the next goal was to have a clinic at the school by 2012. He wanted me to ask around when I got home to see if I could find someone who would be interested in assisting with starting a clinic. Are you kidding? Is this why I was pointed to this trip? Could this be the plan?
Well, after much prayer, I am now making my plans for moving in March next year! I put my home up for sale and it sold in 2 weeks! I have sold all my "stuff" by word of mouth and in a garage sale. I am living with my parents in order to save money and have time to research ways to raise money, purchase supplies/equipment, and make contacts who can assist me in this journey.
Matthew 4:23. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people
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