July 30, 2009
It official! I'm going to Tanzania from September through December! I'm awaiting specific paperwork and some email addresses from other volunteers on site, and I'm really excited! I found out all volunteers stay in a house near the orphanage and that a cook, housekeeper, and guard are provided. There is dial up Internet access in the house, so I should be able to keep in touch with everyone back home through my blog.
August will be extremely busy, but very exciting. Rebecca and I are meeting again next week to finalize plans for her to move in with me. I would really like to be back home before her baby is born around January 19, but I will see what happens.
Of course, we'll need to celebrate Christmas and some birthdays before I leave. Tickets will be at lease $2000, so money is a concern. I have a really good feeling about Angel House Orphanage. I'm excited to be in service in Africa. I pray this time will allow me to simplify my life and learn to treasure each moment of my life. Please continue to pray for this mission, especially for the forty or so children who live at Angel House Orphanage.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Possible Destination
July 25, 2009
Yesterday, I received initial information about Angel House Orphanage in Tanzania. My paperwork has already been sent to the US director by my VIM trainer, Nancy Eubanks. The orphanage currently has 40 children and has maintained a favorable relationship with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries for several years. One team is leaving the site in about a week, and a married couple is scheduled to arrive in January. Who will be there in the lapse I'm not sure. When Nancy told me there was a need at an orphanage, my heart pounded. Working in an orphanage was one of my childhood dreams. I pray I'm not too old to be patient and open to the needs of forty children, although in my younger years I've worked with many more at a time on a daily basis. There's always room for a grandma. right? At any rate, I'm anxiously awaiting more information.
Meanwhile, I'm making arrangements for having a roommate move into my home. She will be taking care of my dog, LaRussa, as well as the house while I am away. I'm really excited about the fact that my home will be welcoming a sweet baby sometime in January, because Rebecca is expecting. I've often wrestled with the stewardship aspects of living by myself. The decision to open my home to someone who needs a place to stay is just another lesson in radical hospitality.
I'm learning so much about being patient and waiting for God's timing. I keep trying to pace myself, holding back and trying not to run ahead of God's direction. My prayers are being answered in God's time, and I believe His timing is perfect. (Lord, help thou my unbelief!)
Yesterday, I received initial information about Angel House Orphanage in Tanzania. My paperwork has already been sent to the US director by my VIM trainer, Nancy Eubanks. The orphanage currently has 40 children and has maintained a favorable relationship with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries for several years. One team is leaving the site in about a week, and a married couple is scheduled to arrive in January. Who will be there in the lapse I'm not sure. When Nancy told me there was a need at an orphanage, my heart pounded. Working in an orphanage was one of my childhood dreams. I pray I'm not too old to be patient and open to the needs of forty children, although in my younger years I've worked with many more at a time on a daily basis. There's always room for a grandma. right? At any rate, I'm anxiously awaiting more information.
Meanwhile, I'm making arrangements for having a roommate move into my home. She will be taking care of my dog, LaRussa, as well as the house while I am away. I'm really excited about the fact that my home will be welcoming a sweet baby sometime in January, because Rebecca is expecting. I've often wrestled with the stewardship aspects of living by myself. The decision to open my home to someone who needs a place to stay is just another lesson in radical hospitality.
I'm learning so much about being patient and waiting for God's timing. I keep trying to pace myself, holding back and trying not to run ahead of God's direction. My prayers are being answered in God's time, and I believe His timing is perfect. (Lord, help thou my unbelief!)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Ready to Go..Where?
July 23, 2009
A year ago when I retired from teaching, I focused all my attention on getting healthy. Now, entering my second year of retirement, I am seeking variety. I'm so grateful for all the blessings that fill my life. I wouldn't give up anything - not even the hard times. They've made me who I am today. Everything has worked for good, and I'm ready to give back.
I've completed Volunteer in Mission training, and up until a week ago, I planned to start teaching in South Korea. Then the site I had selected was removed from the recommended VIM list. Now I'm not certain where I'll serve. I'm making arrangements for a house/dog sitter and waiting for an assignment. I'm learning to be more comfortable during the in-between times, a lesson that's been a hard-won battle.
A year ago when I retired from teaching, I focused all my attention on getting healthy. Now, entering my second year of retirement, I am seeking variety. I'm so grateful for all the blessings that fill my life. I wouldn't give up anything - not even the hard times. They've made me who I am today. Everything has worked for good, and I'm ready to give back.
I've completed Volunteer in Mission training, and up until a week ago, I planned to start teaching in South Korea. Then the site I had selected was removed from the recommended VIM list. Now I'm not certain where I'll serve. I'm making arrangements for a house/dog sitter and waiting for an assignment. I'm learning to be more comfortable during the in-between times, a lesson that's been a hard-won battle.
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