We never know what life will throw us.
I found out last week that a dear friend in PEI is in the hospital with some psychiatric issues. Please pray for her healing! Barbie is one of my closest friends and we've traveled a journey together since June 07. We have a special bond and it was very difficult on both of us when I left. I know God is in control and He will heal her!
Just this past weekend, a precious woman in my life passed away from a short, but aggressive form of cancer. Karen Harris, in Vancouver, was called Home and we'll celebrate her life this Saturday. It was her daughter, Becky, who traveled with me across North America. This family is so very precious to me and took me in as one of theirs 10 years ago. I will write more about Mom Karen at a later date...It is all surreal for me. Please pray for the family and friends at this time. All were trying to adjust to the news of the cancer and death came so soon. She was diagnosed when Becky and I were on the road. Becky found out the day she got home and Mom Karen called me the next day. She had been undergoing chemo and radiation for just 2 weeks. Death is such an ugly thing, but praise God that we have victory in Jesus!
If there's one thing that God is teaching me it is that LIFE IS SHORT AND FRAGILE! We can't take anything for granted. I could not imagine going through this time without the Lord. How do folks cope without Him? If you are reading this and you've not made Jesus the Lord of your life and accepted His forgiveness for your sins, so you can spend eternity with Him in Heaven, I pray you will! Life won't be perfect, but God will be with you each step of the way!
I'll be in Vancouver from Friday-Monday. Pray that it will be a sweet time with the family and friends and that I'll grieve as I need to.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Back in Alberta
Thanks to all of you who prayed for me during my immigration process and my time at home in Mississippi. I was at a point in my life that I had not been in before--totally not knowing what was going to happen. Now, I know that God is control, but when I thought I had it all figured out, I felt like my whole world was turned upside down--to a degree. I had no idea how long the process would take, but praise the Lord that the document I needed came in just over 2 1/2 weeks. God always goes before us and He knew that I needed that break. I had been running full steam since June and really was not ready to learn the ropes of a new job. Once something is behind you, you see what God was doing. I had a great time with my family and even ended up getting to take a beach trip with my sister and her crew. We had a blast and it was so relaxing.
I arrived in Calgary on September 26 and had no problems getting my work permit for two years. God is good! I was in training for just over 2 weeks and have been on the job 'by myself' for a week now. It is a huge transition for me, but I know that in due time that I will get used to things and make this ministry my own. I am working with a wonderful group of people and look forward to developing even more friendships. For whatever reason that God doesn't allow me to be closer to family in the States, He is allowing me to be back in the place that had become home to me after 5 1/2 years. I am thankful that this is not a totally new place for me and I know folks already. I was wanting to live in Cochrane, where the Convention office is, but I'm in Calgary, about 20 minutes from work. I've got a nice little basement suite with a kitchenette in the home of a couple who works at the Convention. It is a blessing and very reasonable rent.
The most challenging things for me are a more "structured" life and handling the finance part of my job. When I am frustrated with numbers, etc, I have to tell myself that we need money to advance the Kingdom, so keeping track of it is very important! I love the missions side of things--reading the stories from the field, getting things together for our International Mission Offering prayer guide. In conjunction with the material that the International Mission Board distribute, we do a Canadian guide/poster as well. We will focus on those Canadians on the field, whether they are directly with our Convention or have connections with Canada in some way. I look forward to seeing it all come together. I'm glad that there is another person who can design the prayer guide because that is not my area! I just provide the information and give my ideas! This will be my first big project, so you can pray for that. We'll get those ready for mailing out the first week of November.
It is wonderful to be in the Rocky Mountains again! Last week while driving to work, I had the moon in front of me, the mountains beside me, and the gorgeous sunrise colored sky behind me!! I spent most of last weekend in the mountains and it was just breathtaking. Oh, I also have the mountains in the distance at work! Who could not look at it all and say there's not a God?!
When you want to come visit, just let me know. I love taking folks to the mountains!
I arrived in Calgary on September 26 and had no problems getting my work permit for two years. God is good! I was in training for just over 2 weeks and have been on the job 'by myself' for a week now. It is a huge transition for me, but I know that in due time that I will get used to things and make this ministry my own. I am working with a wonderful group of people and look forward to developing even more friendships. For whatever reason that God doesn't allow me to be closer to family in the States, He is allowing me to be back in the place that had become home to me after 5 1/2 years. I am thankful that this is not a totally new place for me and I know folks already. I was wanting to live in Cochrane, where the Convention office is, but I'm in Calgary, about 20 minutes from work. I've got a nice little basement suite with a kitchenette in the home of a couple who works at the Convention. It is a blessing and very reasonable rent.
The most challenging things for me are a more "structured" life and handling the finance part of my job. When I am frustrated with numbers, etc, I have to tell myself that we need money to advance the Kingdom, so keeping track of it is very important! I love the missions side of things--reading the stories from the field, getting things together for our International Mission Offering prayer guide. In conjunction with the material that the International Mission Board distribute, we do a Canadian guide/poster as well. We will focus on those Canadians on the field, whether they are directly with our Convention or have connections with Canada in some way. I look forward to seeing it all come together. I'm glad that there is another person who can design the prayer guide because that is not my area! I just provide the information and give my ideas! This will be my first big project, so you can pray for that. We'll get those ready for mailing out the first week of November.
It is wonderful to be in the Rocky Mountains again! Last week while driving to work, I had the moon in front of me, the mountains beside me, and the gorgeous sunrise colored sky behind me!! I spent most of last weekend in the mountains and it was just breathtaking. Oh, I also have the mountains in the distance at work! Who could not look at it all and say there's not a God?!
When you want to come visit, just let me know. I love taking folks to the mountains!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
The Latest with Me
There is much to tell you about what is going on in my life.
I think that most of you know that I have left Prince Edward Island and Community Baptist on August 14. A couple months ago, I was approached about a position at our Canadian National Baptist Convention (formerly the Canadian Convention of Southern Baptists) to replace the gal serving as the missions ministry leader/administrative assistant to the SEND team. I wondered what in the world God was doing, but after much prayer and more, I felt God leading me to accept the position and that my time at Community Baptist was coming to a close after 18 months. It was difficult to leave my wonderful friends there, but I knew I was suppose to move back to Cochrane, Alberta. My dear friend, Becky from Vancouver, flew out to PEI and we drove across North America in 10 days! It was a crazy adventure and one I will write more about on here. Thank you to those of you who have been praying me through the decision process and during our travels. I/we could feel your prayers!
In order for me to work at the Convention and get paid, I have to have a work visa. Long story short, I am in Mississippi until the visa issue gets sorted out...
When Becky and I stopped at the border to re-enter Canada, it was by the grace of God that I was let in. I was missing one piece of paper proving that the Convention has tried to hire a Canadian, could not find one, so therefore offered me the job. That paperwork has now been done and received into the immigration office. It's just a waiting game and could take weeks or months! Thankfully, my friend had a flight back to Vancouver last Sunday and I had already scheduled to be at a conference in Atlanta for Tuesday. It was these two things that 'saved' us. Needless to say, my parents came and got me in Atlanta! (They had already planned to come and visit with me anyway.)
I can say that I am definitely at a point in my life that I have never been in before. I know that God is in control and we never know what will come our way. I am trusting in His perfect timing. Satan tries to throw doubts my way, but I know that God has called me to this position---educating our Canadian churches about missions, connecting with our international missionaries, coordinating aspects of the missions offerings, and much more! Under the SEND team falls student ministry, volunteers, and international missionaries, and every aspect of missions. Children are my passion, with missions a close second!
I feel this visa issue is probably God's way of getting me to rest. I have been going full steam since at least mid-June and am emotionally and mentally drained and get exhausted at times! Also, I didn't think I'd be home til Christmas, so this is a nice 'surprise' visit with my family and friends in the South!
With the Convention paid position, means that I am no longer a Mission Service Corps missionary with the North American Mission Board. I thank each and every one of you who have supported me through the past 4 years in that area. You have been such a blessing!
As I write, the Gulf Coast and surrounding areas are preparing for Hurricane Gustav. We saw what Katrina did and are taking no chances! I was home on summer vacation when Katrina hit...God was with us through that time and I know He will watch over us during this storm. My family is 2-3 hours from the Gulf Coast of MS and New Orleans, but the Katrina damage was extensive even here. As we were driving today, I noticed trees that were ripped in half by that storm 3 years ago and continue to be reminded of how that storm impacted so many lives.
Here's how I ask you to pray:
for my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health
for the immigration process
for a restful time while I am home
if needed, that God will provide just the job I need while I am home
for the Canadian National Baptist Convention and its churches
that Hurricane Gustav will weaken and anxieties will be settled
You are such a blessing and I pray that you are experiencing God's love in a special way!
I think that most of you know that I have left Prince Edward Island and Community Baptist on August 14. A couple months ago, I was approached about a position at our Canadian National Baptist Convention (formerly the Canadian Convention of Southern Baptists) to replace the gal serving as the missions ministry leader/administrative assistant to the SEND team. I wondered what in the world God was doing, but after much prayer and more, I felt God leading me to accept the position and that my time at Community Baptist was coming to a close after 18 months. It was difficult to leave my wonderful friends there, but I knew I was suppose to move back to Cochrane, Alberta. My dear friend, Becky from Vancouver, flew out to PEI and we drove across North America in 10 days! It was a crazy adventure and one I will write more about on here. Thank you to those of you who have been praying me through the decision process and during our travels. I/we could feel your prayers!
In order for me to work at the Convention and get paid, I have to have a work visa. Long story short, I am in Mississippi until the visa issue gets sorted out...
When Becky and I stopped at the border to re-enter Canada, it was by the grace of God that I was let in. I was missing one piece of paper proving that the Convention has tried to hire a Canadian, could not find one, so therefore offered me the job. That paperwork has now been done and received into the immigration office. It's just a waiting game and could take weeks or months! Thankfully, my friend had a flight back to Vancouver last Sunday and I had already scheduled to be at a conference in Atlanta for Tuesday. It was these two things that 'saved' us. Needless to say, my parents came and got me in Atlanta! (They had already planned to come and visit with me anyway.)
I can say that I am definitely at a point in my life that I have never been in before. I know that God is in control and we never know what will come our way. I am trusting in His perfect timing. Satan tries to throw doubts my way, but I know that God has called me to this position---educating our Canadian churches about missions, connecting with our international missionaries, coordinating aspects of the missions offerings, and much more! Under the SEND team falls student ministry, volunteers, and international missionaries, and every aspect of missions. Children are my passion, with missions a close second!
I feel this visa issue is probably God's way of getting me to rest. I have been going full steam since at least mid-June and am emotionally and mentally drained and get exhausted at times! Also, I didn't think I'd be home til Christmas, so this is a nice 'surprise' visit with my family and friends in the South!
With the Convention paid position, means that I am no longer a Mission Service Corps missionary with the North American Mission Board. I thank each and every one of you who have supported me through the past 4 years in that area. You have been such a blessing!
As I write, the Gulf Coast and surrounding areas are preparing for Hurricane Gustav. We saw what Katrina did and are taking no chances! I was home on summer vacation when Katrina hit...God was with us through that time and I know He will watch over us during this storm. My family is 2-3 hours from the Gulf Coast of MS and New Orleans, but the Katrina damage was extensive even here. As we were driving today, I noticed trees that were ripped in half by that storm 3 years ago and continue to be reminded of how that storm impacted so many lives.
Here's how I ask you to pray:
for my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health
for the immigration process
for a restful time while I am home
if needed, that God will provide just the job I need while I am home
for the Canadian National Baptist Convention and its churches
that Hurricane Gustav will weaken and anxieties will be settled
You are such a blessing and I pray that you are experiencing God's love in a special way!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Our Trek Across North America
Well, my dear friend Becky, and I are writing from Kalamooza, Michigan. Yes, there is really a place called 'Kalamooza'! For those of you who don't know, I have accepted a position with our Canadian National Baptist Convention (formerly the Canadian Convention of Southern Baptists) as the missions ministry leader and administrative assistant to the SEND team. We left Charlottetown a week ago and could write a book on our adventures so far. We feel your prayers and ask you to continue to do that! It has been incredible to see more of the great nation of Canada, including old Quebec City, Parliament Hill in Ottawa, city of Toronto, and Niagara Falls. Becky hasn't seen much of the US, so this is a treat for her. We will be driving through some parts that I haven't seen. We have many miles to still go, but we feel we can make good time the next two days. Becky has a flight back to Vancouver on Sunday morning, so pray all goes well the next 3 days and especially with getting back into Canada and me needing to get my work visa! No problems getting into the US. We crossed over Lake Huron and how pretty it was!
With the busyness of the move, I still haven't gotten a newsletter out to really fill all in on the changes in my life. This will have to be sufficient for now...
Until we write again....
With the busyness of the move, I still haven't gotten a newsletter out to really fill all in on the changes in my life. This will have to be sufficient for now...
Until we write again....
Monday, July 7, 2008
Convention has come and gone...
The annual Canadian Convention of Southern Baptists' Annual Convention was held in Charlottetown and hosted by my church last week...and we have survived! Word is that it was the best Convention meeting ever and we are encouraged by that. I was the children's ministry coordinator and I don't think I've ever had such a physically and mentally draining week! Man, oh man....but God gave strength and met needs in only the ways He does in our times of need. He brought just the workers that were needed to serve some of the best children in the world! The World Changers and CCSB parents plus others were great. It was wonderful to see old friends and make new ones. What a joy to be part of the CCSB family...which is now known as the Canadian National Baptist Convention! It will be wierd saying 'CNBC' instead of 'CCSB'...
Thanks to those of you who prayed for this special time in the life of our Convention! Your prayers were felt.
To view Convention sessions, go to www.ccsb.ca.
Some ladies of our church were God-sends in getting snacks ready for the children. We bought for 80 children, including 400 juice boxes as there were 5 sessions of snack times! Not quite that many children were there, so we have tons of snacks leftover! What a sight to see the grocery cart!
Our church hosted a Lobster Supper for over 300 people (in 3 different settings)! It went really well. Here folks are getting ready to start the Lobster Supper of rolls, mussels, lobster (or ham or hot dogs), salads, and cheesecake. What a blessing the World Changers and CCSB staff and Community folks were!
This family is farely new to our church. April and Oliver are precious kids!
Kids enjoy playing games during Convention sessions. Majority of the Convention was held on the University of Prince Edward Island campus.
Mission Service Corps missionary and dear friend, Mary Bryant, comes to speak to the children about the ministry that she and her husband (and dog) do across Canada
Ellen and Ellen ~ I met young Ellen while in Calgary and what a joy to see her again! We are kindred spirits! Her dad is a pastor at one of our churches and her grandparents were my seminary professors. I look I little tired from the week, eh?!
The flowers the Convention family gave me. What a nice surprise!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Two Neat "Sightings"
My dear friend, Shelly Webb, and her mother are on a cruise right now. Yesterday, they were docked in Charlottetown! She now lives in Boston, doing campus ministry at MIT and serving as an MSC missionary like me. They left from Boston to Bar Harbor, Maine, and then were in Nova Scotia for a day before traveling here. Shelly and I went for breakfast and I brought her by the church and my little apartment. She and her mom went on the Anne of Green Gables tour in the afternoon, before their ship left last night. They will depart in Montreal, Quebec, and drive back to Boston, but not before more sight-seeing! How neat that God allowed me to go to Boston last fall for a missions conference (see older post) and get to visit with Shelly and now she got to come here and experience just a bit of my world! I LOVE YOU, SHELLY!
Oh, the neat sighting was seeing the cruise ship docked! It's a neat sight to see along the harbor and as you drive over the bridge to the town of Stratford and back.
I had an appointment in Stratford yesterday afternoon. Until driving there, I didn't realize that Tour de PEI (women's cycling competition) would be there later in the day. Tour de PEI had started earlier in the week by the cyclists crossing the 12 mile Confederation Bridge that links New Brunswick and PEI. The race went through the countryside of PEI, Stratford, and ending today in downtown Charlottetown. Right up from where I was parked, the folks were setting up for the end of the race, so I got to see the "Finish Line", awards podium, fencing, and signs (300m, 200m, 100m, etc) that are put up. It was neat to see it all coming together. One of the dear ladies, Marjorie, from our church lives right where it was going to take place. After my appointment, I walked up to her place and had a lovely lunch and visit. If I had not had other things going on yesterday and last night, I would have stayed and watched the race with her. I'm sure it would have been a neat experience!
Oh, the neat sighting was seeing the cruise ship docked! It's a neat sight to see along the harbor and as you drive over the bridge to the town of Stratford and back.
I had an appointment in Stratford yesterday afternoon. Until driving there, I didn't realize that Tour de PEI (women's cycling competition) would be there later in the day. Tour de PEI had started earlier in the week by the cyclists crossing the 12 mile Confederation Bridge that links New Brunswick and PEI. The race went through the countryside of PEI, Stratford, and ending today in downtown Charlottetown. Right up from where I was parked, the folks were setting up for the end of the race, so I got to see the "Finish Line", awards podium, fencing, and signs (300m, 200m, 100m, etc) that are put up. It was neat to see it all coming together. One of the dear ladies, Marjorie, from our church lives right where it was going to take place. After my appointment, I walked up to her place and had a lovely lunch and visit. If I had not had other things going on yesterday and last night, I would have stayed and watched the race with her. I'm sure it would have been a neat experience!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
What a joy!
What a joy to finally meet and hold my little nephew! He is just precious! When I first saw him, I knew who his daddy was as he sure favors Nathan! Knox will be 6 weeks old tomorrow and is a bundle of joy. He mainly sleeps and eats and poops, but is very alert when he is awake. His little blue eyes are sure looking at something. I know, it's his Aunt Ellen! He has the sweetest little cries and loves to be held! I am so thankful to have this time with him, as I missed out on this early stage of the girls' lives. I met both of them when each were around 3 months old.
Speaking of the girls, I am having the best time with Rosalyn and Katie! Rosalyn loves dress-up, books, princesses, coloring, and taking pictures with my digital. Katie loves books and to be held. She is talking so much more than when I saw her 8 weeks ago. It is so fun to just watch their little personalities. Watching them interact makes me wonder how my sister and I were at that age. They are 2 years apart, while there's 3 between my younger sister and me.
Rosalyn is definitely the bigger sister because she likes to tell Katie what to do and will get a bit frustated as Katie doesn't understand how to do things as she does. Katie is a very sensitive child, so her feelings get hurt easily. She is full of smiles, though! Both girls already have a sense of humor and seem to be just fine hanging out. They aren't always playing with their toys and such. Both the girls seem to be doing quite well with their baby brother.
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