Destination: Swaziland

Poor, 

the word that brings homeless people, food stamps, and free health care to mind.

If only some were fortunate to be just poor.

Poverty

the word of third-world countries, orphaned children, disease ravaged bodies.

This is the majority of Swaziland; a country loosing it's active members of society to disease, leaving the elderly to take care of the children, and children to take care of babies. A population going into extinction. 

Goal:

Education to prevent transmission of HIV and Medicine to extend the lives and increase the quality of living for those with HIV.

January 2011 I am flying to Swaziland, Africa to work with The Luke Commission, a faith-based organization that uses compassionate medical to build relationship, save lives, and share the Gospel of Jesus with a country in need of HOPE! 

My title will be that of a full-time nurse, realistically my role will be to help wherever I'm needed. 

YOU:

What are you doing to help the poverty-stricken population?

Support TLC http://www.lukecommission.org 

What Heights of Love, Depths of Peace

In an effort to maintain sanity, I threw back the monotony of sleeping, and woke up early to make the most of my day off. Some of the efforts of my day involve a chiro appt, reading Evidenced-based nursing practice articles on a database, drinking tea and coffee, an hour long phone discussion, visiting PCS's elementary to assist : ), and delving into the depths of morality as defined by the Bible.


On days that I have time to ponder, and muse, I know it can be a dangerous activity. Often thoughts can roam to our "I wish" list easily forgetting and fooling ourselves into thinking that what we want is exactly God's will. With a disciplined mind, one can look through the shallowness of "I wish", and return to the peace found in "I know". Knowing that God knows. Knowing that I can hold on to His promises. Knowing that He is directing my life and that there is peace in my knowing that where I'm at, and what I'm doing is for His Glory. Gone are the thrills of I wish, and present is the satisfaction of I KNOW!


Be still and know that I am God. Psalm  46:10

-the above is a sermon to self, therefore you may or may not understand.

Mind over Pain

A lady I had the opportunity to take care of was in excessive pain. 

She wanted more pain pills but I had maxed her out; Meds were not an options.

So I taught her coping mechanisms.

First I had her to think of something inspiring she memorized when she was young.
Hymns came to mind.
As I had her sing a little of each song, she became noticeably more calm.


Then we talked about unnecessary stress.
What you can't change at that time, don't dwell on.
We talked about how stress eats at your body and doesn't allow healing.
I had her leave behind the stressors and go back to her hymns.


After 20 minutes of working together, the pain was no longer unbearable,
the writhing was gone, and sleep actually a possibility. 

God invented our minds so intricately that they can focus on something so intently
that the body doesn't feel physical pain.


SUFFERING-->Perseverance-->Character-->HOPE
Eph 5

The Best Rewards, are from the Battles Hardest Fought

Ruth.

She gave up everything

Expecting nothing,

and God honored her.*

One of my heros is Ruth. 

Ruth became the daughter in law of Rahab- a prostitute, 

 She became the great-grandmother of a King. 

She left her wealthy family,

 to stay with her poor mother-in-law.

She honored, obeyed, and loved her mother-in-law,

to the point of marrying a man to give her mother-in-law a descendent.

Ruth has taught me much:

-not to think so highly of myself

-commitments are life-long

-respect the people God has put in my life 

-trusting God starts with fear, pain, separation from what we love and ends with peace, joy, , patience, kindness, inner strength and loving beyond our own ability. 

*excerpt from Ruth by Francine Rivers

Mindless or Mindful?

Last night a coworker ask me if I was hot with my fleece on while working. Instantly I replied negatively. After thinking about her question, I realized I was warmer than usual (although usual happens to be icey). She asked if I think before I answer or if I say the first thing that comes to mind.

How often do I, or do you just answer? Without thinking, processing, wisely considering?

Often, no harm no foul.

Sometimes; damage is done. Often due to careless words. 

Wisdom is not in the speediness of the answer, but in the thought---the careful preparation of words.