Not really an evening to remember, but one I surely want to forget!!! Here's the deal folks. My crappy day began at only noon yesterday, so it was not a total washout; however, it ended with a "bang"-- but more literally -- a "POP!" Then nothing. You see, I was eating a piece of hard candy when all of a sudden the left side of my jaw popped out of its socket. OUCH!!! Oh the tears!!! But then the jaw got numb, so I thought it had corrected itself. NOT!!! Therefore (and here comes the icky part), as a way to try to avoid the ER -- I tried to jam it back into place. Okay, yeah, I know -- "What the hell was I thinking?!!!" Well, I really wasn't thinking because A) my jaw was throbing with pain, and B) . . . well, mostly A. I finished the day at work, walked back to Town Center about a mile away, then caught my bus home. When I walked into my closet of a room, my jaw was in such pain that I was getting dizzy.
Now here comes the one SMART thing I did today. I called our former trainer and now good friend, Ruth (you remember Ruth from earlier blogs), to see if she could drive me to the ER, since I had NO CLUE as to where the hospital was located. Well, she was stuck in traffic over towards London on her way home from work, so I did the next best thing. I caught a bus and headed towards town since I knew that the hospital was "that way." The extremely nice and compassionate busdriver, let me off the bus as close as he could to there, then guided me to the Royal Berkshire Hospital. When I arrived at the hospital, I honestly thought I was lookeing at a musium or a huge library. I'm looking at it through teary eyes asking myself if I heard the busdriver correctly? UMMM . . . that's a yes! Go check it out on-line. Then, I could not find the damn ER, which was way around the otherside of the building!!!!!!! I hope most of you are laughiung at this point because if I didn't laugh at it, my pain would have been much worse.
Once inside the ER (7:00pm), the wait was on. You should have seen this hospital ER -- looked like I was in from a little hick town in the hills of WV. O.M.G!!!! The "not-so-friendly" women behind the reception desk had the patients stand there (one kid was double-over in pain) and YELL through a glass panel on "Why are you here?" Well, you idiot, let me scream it to you so everyone can hear. Where the hell in the confidentiality around here?!!! Since I could bearly talk at this time, I MADE her give ma a piece of paper so I could write down my issue. That took care of the confidentiality issue -- so I thought. After typing all my inforamtion, she YELLS it back to me just so she could check if it was right. Folks, I started laughing again because this was "actually was happening to me." Then, I had to wait again.. . . . . . . .
And wait (8:00pm) . . .
And wait (8:45pm) . . .
Until finally at 9:07pm, I was taken into the back and seated in a cubicle while the RN (or whatever they call them over here), took my blood pressure, my pulse, and my temperature. Good thing this was an ER where the critical jpatients come for treatment. Oh yeah, you bet I was pissed at this time!!! After the blood pressure thingy, they had me (and the rest of the ones they brought back) "sit in the gray chairs" until we could be seen by a doctor. I was living a nightmare!!! By now, my face is totally swollen on the left side, my throat was sore because my face was SO swollen, and the kid next to me was SCREAMING SO LOAD that it gave me a splitting headache!!! I hope you are still laughing because at this point, I was not. At this point, I wanted to chokle the next attendant who walked by and did not stop to help anyone. I think the doctor took a lunch break or something.
Anyway, HAD ME WALK to the xray room where they took an xray; and low-and-behold; the left jawbone was out of the socket. Holy crap, they could just have looked at my face to know that. I know, I know, hospital procedure. At this time, I must pause to commend the xray staff on their quickness and efficiency, since they seemed to be the only department doing anything that might resemble an ER. Okee-dokey!!! Then, once back in "hell," the doctor comes into the "stall"/ "cubical"/ "closet" and tells me that he is going to "snap" (yup, he used the word "snap") my jawbone back into place. Good thing I already knew this or I would have fainted there. But, NO!!! I fainted when I heard AND FELT the "POP!!!!!!!!!!!" Yup, a "POP!!!" Then nothing. I passed out. Thank you, God , for having mercy on me to let me faint at this point.
Once I regained consciousness, the doctor gave me IBUPROFEN to take for pain. WHAT?!!!!!! I asked him point blank, got anything stronger, maybe like Tylenol with codine, vicadan, anything????? He told me that the drugs over here are different than in the US. NO SHIT SHERLOCK, but I know you have stronger stuff than ibuprofen. Nope -- I was sent away with the instructions to take two tablets four times a day. I waited . . . and waited. . . and waited for the doctor to do this??? I could have just had a person punch me before I went in and it would have had the same effect.
Oh yeah, another thing. You ARE permitted to use your cell phones in the ER. Who wudda thunk it??? I called my now savior, Ruth, to come pick me up and take me home because I was in such pain. Bless her heart, Ruth picked me up, then started LAUGHING at my story. Okay Miss Irish Eyes, I'm in pain and you're laughing at me!!! Well, so was I. When I started to unravel the events of the day, I could not believe what I was saying!!! Also, her laugh is so contagious and infectious that one could not help but to laugh. SHEEZ!!! Ruth dropped me off back at my closet, I entered it reluctantly, then collapsed on the bed. OMG, I had to tell someone, so I decided to write my blog last night, which you all know turned out "crappy." Therefore, I called a friend at home (thank you, and you know who you are), so I could get someone to feel for me. Once again, thank you my friend for having SOME compassion for me.
Well, just when you thought the story was over; it wasn't. There was the final act of trying to fall asleep in thriving pain while the baby screamed in the next room. Remember that folks? JMJ (Jesus, Mary & Joseph)!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where's the gun?????? As I lay there trying to fall asleep, my jaw hurt sooooooooooo much that I had to something cold on it. That idiot doctor didn't even give me an icepack. And, we do nothing like ice cubes or frozen veggies or the like -- the fridge is the size of a college dorm fridge. So, I did the next best thing. I pulled a frozen French-bread pizza out of the freezer and used that. It worked!!! Don't knock it folks. Once that dough melts a bit, you should see how well it forms to your face. There should be a label on there stating that it's a "multi-purpose" product. Honestly and sadly, this all did happen. And, if it were not for Ruth having a part of this whole experience to back up most of my words, then I would have thought this was just a nightmare -- which I was, and still am.
This morning, I shot an email to another friend, who is probably in hyterics and tears at this point -- along with the rest of you -- just to let someone else know. hen I jthought, this MUST go on my blog page or no one would believe it actually happened. I am still in MUCH pain; however, it is less than yersterday. Plus, the swelling has gone down so the French-bread pizza idea is something to think about the next time you shopping. You may need a back-up plan someday. Hey, they come in twos. As you can tell from this blog that all is well, so to speak, and I'm headed out he door soon to do some shopping for my new house next week. I have migraine medicine that I will use for the pain right now until I see the General Practitioner (GP) on Tuesday. God, let's pray he's better than the doctor in the ER. Thanks for listening to my "crappy" day yesterday and laughing with me this morning friends and family. If you call, then I will have to talk and that's going to hurt.
My apologies top those of you who are from the UK, but this is what I'm experiencing over here and I will only tell the truth on this page. I believe I was just a in the middle of a bad luck-of-the-draw. Sometimes you draw four Aces . . . then the next time you draw "naught" (zeros). Please pray that my day goes a bit better today. And please, I really do want to hear your comments on this entry. I know ther will be some dosies!!! A night to remember . . . or not. Cheers folks.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Friday, March 05, 2010
Another crappy day
Yes, it was a crappy day, but it got even MORE crappier when I just deleted the long blog page I just typed for about 45 mintues. Needless to say, this will have to wait until tomorrow since I am very tired and cranky. See you later over the weekend, folks. Have a great night. WHEW!!! "What a week I'm having." If you can guess what movie this line is from, I will be very impressed; however, no immediate family member are permitted to say. Good night, Folks. See you here tomorrow.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
MY NEW HOME!!!
I am caught up on my postings at this time. I did not write anything yesterday because I was very sick. I beleive that I'm just exhausted from this whole experience and my body just became too vulnerable for germs. I also have stuffy sinuses. It was not a good night last night, so I will spare you the details -- thank you very much.
I forgot to mention in my eariler blog posting that I have been looking in the evenings at flats (apartments) and houses to let (rent) so I can get out of this place. Well, I finally have a new HOME!!! It is so beautiful and I am very excited to move in; however, as many of you know by now (since I emailed most of you with my new address of which I am not going to pos), I cannot move in to my new place until next Saturday, March 13th. You see, the landlord is just finishing up refurbushing (sp?) this lovely, little "attached" house (which would be the same as a "row" house in the states). Not like "row, row, row your boat." More like, I saw a "row" of people standing outside the theater. BTW, that kind of "row" over here would be called a "queue." And you wonder why people say the the US and the UK are "two countries divided by a common language."
Sorry, I went off on a tangent there. Back to the house. First of all, as most of you know, the neighborhood is very safe and my neighbors are doing well in their professions -- a fireman (Sweet!!!), a university professor, a buisnessman with the BBC. I know that one has a "Beemer" and one has an Audi which they park on the street. My new street is a dead end -- they really do not have cul-de-sacs here. The roads just end. Anyway, I am near the end of the road (I believe three houses down from the end). These houses were built back in the early 1930's when Reading was the thriving business place known for it's exports of the "3B's" -- biscuits, bread, and beer!!! BTW, that's the answer to the trivia question to your right.
Okay, back to the house again. Here's the tour. When you walk in the front door, you enter a small hallway and about five paces up and to the right is a small room with a working fireplace. This will serve as a reading room for me. The entire house has hardwood floors which have been stripped and restored to the original wood. The walls and ceilings have been painted an off-white color. The whole kitchen was gutted so the landlord could place a new tile floor, a tile backsplash, and new appliances.
Once again, back through the tour of the house. If you walk straight without turning into the small front room, you will come to the staircase which leads to the upstairs bedrooms and bathroom. However, just past the staircase, the room opens up into a small living area -- also with a working fireplace (not wood, but gas). Off to the right a bit and looking forward, there is a door which leads to the backyard. Under the staircase is a small walk-in storage closet (which is a bit smaller than the one I'm living in now :-) This is where the electric panel and hot-water tank are located. Walking straight through the living area when entering this space from the front hallway (to your left is just the adjoining wall to my BBC neighbor and his wife) lies the kitchen, and, as I stated earlier, is all new; however, it "looks" like an older kitchen -- I've seen some pictures.
I have an oven, microwave, washer, dryer, new cupboard doors, new floors, and a new granite countertop. I'm telling you folks, this is a real gem!!! What a find!!! When you walk into the kitchen (which is also small but not too small), off to your right is another door leading to the backyard. So I have two doors that lead there. As for the backyard, it is a straight lot of grass that is about 25 - 30 yards long and about 10 -15 yards wide, with a little wooden storage shed in the back. I intend to have a small garden in the back to grow some vegetables of my own. As many of you know, I LOVE to do work outside!!! Can you tell I love this place?
Okay, back inside. Remember the staircase? Well, the stairs are steep going up and small when you step. When you get to the top, there is a wall. You either need to turn right or left. Off to the right is the larger bedroom. This looks out onto the front street. Got the picture in your head? This, too, has a working fireplace. It also has a walk-in closet (still a bit smaller than the one I'm living in now). This will be my room, of course. If you turn left, you step into a small landing area and walk straight into the bathroom -- which also has a fireplace. I'm not if this one works or not??? Anyway, the bathroom is painted a powder blue and the fixtures are all white. This has a small window which looks out into the backyard. The bathroom is big, I must say. Oh yeah, he put new tile on the floor and around the shower/bathtub. Don't worry folks, I did check the water pressure and it's fine.
Back to the top of the stairs. When you turn left onto the landing and turn left again, you walk down a hallway which then turns right down another hallway that leads to the other bedroom. You must step down into this room and the ceiling is slanted on the one side because it's the roof. This looks into the backyard as well. From this window, you can see much of the Reading area since there is a hillside leading down towards more attached house below. It's a very nice view.
So that's the tour folks. I hope you liked it because I sure do!!! Don't worry, you will see planty of pictues of this house. Like I said, it's not big or modern; but it's small and quaint and PERFECT FOR ME!!! I think God have given this to me since I feel like I'm doing penance (sp?) in this closet. It's not furnished, so I can decoate it to my taste, which will be old funiture to match the originality of the house. This house truly has character. I hope some of you will come over to sit with me by my fireplace, drink some tea, and talk until we cannot talk any longer. Right now, I think I found my heaven. Cheers!
I forgot to mention in my eariler blog posting that I have been looking in the evenings at flats (apartments) and houses to let (rent) so I can get out of this place. Well, I finally have a new HOME!!! It is so beautiful and I am very excited to move in; however, as many of you know by now (since I emailed most of you with my new address of which I am not going to pos), I cannot move in to my new place until next Saturday, March 13th. You see, the landlord is just finishing up refurbushing (sp?) this lovely, little "attached" house (which would be the same as a "row" house in the states). Not like "row, row, row your boat." More like, I saw a "row" of people standing outside the theater. BTW, that kind of "row" over here would be called a "queue." And you wonder why people say the the US and the UK are "two countries divided by a common language."
Sorry, I went off on a tangent there. Back to the house. First of all, as most of you know, the neighborhood is very safe and my neighbors are doing well in their professions -- a fireman (Sweet!!!), a university professor, a buisnessman with the BBC. I know that one has a "Beemer" and one has an Audi which they park on the street. My new street is a dead end -- they really do not have cul-de-sacs here. The roads just end. Anyway, I am near the end of the road (I believe three houses down from the end). These houses were built back in the early 1930's when Reading was the thriving business place known for it's exports of the "3B's" -- biscuits, bread, and beer!!! BTW, that's the answer to the trivia question to your right.
Okay, back to the house again. Here's the tour. When you walk in the front door, you enter a small hallway and about five paces up and to the right is a small room with a working fireplace. This will serve as a reading room for me. The entire house has hardwood floors which have been stripped and restored to the original wood. The walls and ceilings have been painted an off-white color. The whole kitchen was gutted so the landlord could place a new tile floor, a tile backsplash, and new appliances.
Once again, back through the tour of the house. If you walk straight without turning into the small front room, you will come to the staircase which leads to the upstairs bedrooms and bathroom. However, just past the staircase, the room opens up into a small living area -- also with a working fireplace (not wood, but gas). Off to the right a bit and looking forward, there is a door which leads to the backyard. Under the staircase is a small walk-in storage closet (which is a bit smaller than the one I'm living in now :-) This is where the electric panel and hot-water tank are located. Walking straight through the living area when entering this space from the front hallway (to your left is just the adjoining wall to my BBC neighbor and his wife) lies the kitchen, and, as I stated earlier, is all new; however, it "looks" like an older kitchen -- I've seen some pictures.
I have an oven, microwave, washer, dryer, new cupboard doors, new floors, and a new granite countertop. I'm telling you folks, this is a real gem!!! What a find!!! When you walk into the kitchen (which is also small but not too small), off to your right is another door leading to the backyard. So I have two doors that lead there. As for the backyard, it is a straight lot of grass that is about 25 - 30 yards long and about 10 -15 yards wide, with a little wooden storage shed in the back. I intend to have a small garden in the back to grow some vegetables of my own. As many of you know, I LOVE to do work outside!!! Can you tell I love this place?
Okay, back inside. Remember the staircase? Well, the stairs are steep going up and small when you step. When you get to the top, there is a wall. You either need to turn right or left. Off to the right is the larger bedroom. This looks out onto the front street. Got the picture in your head? This, too, has a working fireplace. It also has a walk-in closet (still a bit smaller than the one I'm living in now). This will be my room, of course. If you turn left, you step into a small landing area and walk straight into the bathroom -- which also has a fireplace. I'm not if this one works or not??? Anyway, the bathroom is painted a powder blue and the fixtures are all white. This has a small window which looks out into the backyard. The bathroom is big, I must say. Oh yeah, he put new tile on the floor and around the shower/bathtub. Don't worry folks, I did check the water pressure and it's fine.
Back to the top of the stairs. When you turn left onto the landing and turn left again, you walk down a hallway which then turns right down another hallway that leads to the other bedroom. You must step down into this room and the ceiling is slanted on the one side because it's the roof. This looks into the backyard as well. From this window, you can see much of the Reading area since there is a hillside leading down towards more attached house below. It's a very nice view.
So that's the tour folks. I hope you liked it because I sure do!!! Don't worry, you will see planty of pictues of this house. Like I said, it's not big or modern; but it's small and quaint and PERFECT FOR ME!!! I think God have given this to me since I feel like I'm doing penance (sp?) in this closet. It's not furnished, so I can decoate it to my taste, which will be old funiture to match the originality of the house. This house truly has character. I hope some of you will come over to sit with me by my fireplace, drink some tea, and talk until we cannot talk any longer. Right now, I think I found my heaven. Cheers!
Tuesday woes . . .
See Monday's entry below (March 1st) before you read this one.
It has been a terrible night and I must say that, if it were not for a mighty and wonderful friend back in the states, I might have "jumped off Big Ben" last night. You see, the one man renting a room in the same house where I am staying brought his wife over from India to stay for awhile. Well, you see, they did not tell anyone that his 6-month-old daughter was coming as well. OMG, she cried all night!!! I just wanted to bash my head off the wall. I only got 3 hours of sleep last night. I just cannot believe that I am living in this closet with a screaming baby in the room next to me. Holy crap, I didn't sign up for this!!! Needless to say, I'm a bit cranky tonight and I want to apologize to the awesome friend back home who listened to my b___h last night.
As for my workday . . . more of the same as yesterday. Weeding through files "online" and seeing very little paperwork. I must say that this "paperless" system is just NOT the way to run a child protection department. Documents need to be "stand alone" files so people can access the documents and information easily. This is sooooooooo hard to look at a computer screen all day and try to make some sense out of a case while clicking in & out of various windows. It's actually a scarey thing because these kids lives depend on us getting ALL the information we need to protect them. And by clicking in & out of screens on the computer, one is most definately going to miss something important. I just hope the consequenses are not too harmful to the children.
Okay, I think I complained enough for today. There was a tiny little bright spot in the day -- I got to see the sun all day and the folks in Pittsburgh did not. HA HA HA!! I know that's going to come back and bite me in the butt later this year. But it's fun now.
It has been a terrible night and I must say that, if it were not for a mighty and wonderful friend back in the states, I might have "jumped off Big Ben" last night. You see, the one man renting a room in the same house where I am staying brought his wife over from India to stay for awhile. Well, you see, they did not tell anyone that his 6-month-old daughter was coming as well. OMG, she cried all night!!! I just wanted to bash my head off the wall. I only got 3 hours of sleep last night. I just cannot believe that I am living in this closet with a screaming baby in the room next to me. Holy crap, I didn't sign up for this!!! Needless to say, I'm a bit cranky tonight and I want to apologize to the awesome friend back home who listened to my b___h last night.
As for my workday . . . more of the same as yesterday. Weeding through files "online" and seeing very little paperwork. I must say that this "paperless" system is just NOT the way to run a child protection department. Documents need to be "stand alone" files so people can access the documents and information easily. This is sooooooooo hard to look at a computer screen all day and try to make some sense out of a case while clicking in & out of various windows. It's actually a scarey thing because these kids lives depend on us getting ALL the information we need to protect them. And by clicking in & out of screens on the computer, one is most definately going to miss something important. I just hope the consequenses are not too harmful to the children.
Okay, I think I complained enough for today. There was a tiny little bright spot in the day -- I got to see the sun all day and the folks in Pittsburgh did not. HA HA HA!! I know that's going to come back and bite me in the butt later this year. But it's fun now.
Mondays . . what else can I say?
Start Here: I must start these blogs by saying that I wrote them on the days which are in the titles, but I did not get a chance to post them until now. So, I did not forget you. I have been just a bit distracted.
Well, my first day of work was quite uneventful, which was probably a good thing since my brain was "mush" after the two weeks of training. I have so many acronyms to learn and documents to figure out; I just cannot wrap my brain around it all. I KNOW this will take a while to understand. My co-workers are AWESOME -- for now, of course; and there is no reason to think otherwise. My office partner, Rob, is such a nice person and it shows because so many people come to see him. The office is actually an old home which once was a residential home for girls. Originally, it was someone's home. My desk faces out the front windows on the second floor (which is called the "first floor" over here ). When the sun is high in the afternoons, it shines right in my window. How great is HTAT!!! Actually, nobody has a bad view since it was a home originally and we all look nout onto green grass (which is currently brown, but this just temporary). It's kinda cool because the has three meeting rooms which are on the third floor (called the "second floor" here). It super cool to be sitting in the attic space of this home and looking out the windows up on the roof. I will take pictures of it so you will have a visual.
Well, not much more to say since it was my first day at work and all I did was call the IS Dept to get my password -- they forgot to issue me one -- and read the files on the cases which will be handed over to me later. I think I have 12 young persons on my caseload. Not too bad seeing that the caseworkers back in the 'Burgh usually have about 20 - 25 "families" on their caseloads. It may be higher than that now. So, therefore, I consider myself blessed.
Oops, I forgot to mention that I am inheriting a case in which the teen's placement is in Northern Wales and I MUST visit him every two weeks. Oh well, someone must take a train ride across the English countryside to see him; it might as well be me. Yeah for me!!! Like I said earlier, not much more to say other than . . . it's Monday.
Cheers!
Well, my first day of work was quite uneventful, which was probably a good thing since my brain was "mush" after the two weeks of training. I have so many acronyms to learn and documents to figure out; I just cannot wrap my brain around it all. I KNOW this will take a while to understand. My co-workers are AWESOME -- for now, of course; and there is no reason to think otherwise. My office partner, Rob, is such a nice person and it shows because so many people come to see him. The office is actually an old home which once was a residential home for girls. Originally, it was someone's home. My desk faces out the front windows on the second floor (which is called the "first floor" over here ). When the sun is high in the afternoons, it shines right in my window. How great is HTAT!!! Actually, nobody has a bad view since it was a home originally and we all look nout onto green grass (which is currently brown, but this just temporary). It's kinda cool because the has three meeting rooms which are on the third floor (called the "second floor" here). It super cool to be sitting in the attic space of this home and looking out the windows up on the roof. I will take pictures of it so you will have a visual.
Well, not much more to say since it was my first day at work and all I did was call the IS Dept to get my password -- they forgot to issue me one -- and read the files on the cases which will be handed over to me later. I think I have 12 young persons on my caseload. Not too bad seeing that the caseworkers back in the 'Burgh usually have about 20 - 25 "families" on their caseloads. It may be higher than that now. So, therefore, I consider myself blessed.
Oops, I forgot to mention that I am inheriting a case in which the teen's placement is in Northern Wales and I MUST visit him every two weeks. Oh well, someone must take a train ride across the English countryside to see him; it might as well be me. Yeah for me!!! Like I said earlier, not much more to say other than . . . it's Monday.
Cheers!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Reflection Sunday: Weeks 1 & 2
It has been a very busy and chaotic two weeks of uprooting myself from my home in Pittsburgh and placing myself in an unfamiliar country without knowing anyone here. I had no idea what was on the other side of this doorway which God called me through; however, I trust His larger plan for me. Here is what I have come to know through my reflections.
When we walk through any doorway, literally or figuratively, there is no way of knowing what we will encounter on the other side; yet we walk through these doorways every day. We must decide whether or not we want to get out of bed in the morning, or choose to be kind to the person on the other end of a phonecall, or take time to listen to a friend's hardships. These are just some of the doorways which we walk through on a daily basis. Then there are the doorways which usually come around only once in our lifetime, like accepting a job in a foreign country, or making a committment to a spouse, or letting go of a loved one who is about to leave. We may think we know what is through that doorway, but it is only God who knows what we are about to encounter.
I mentioned to a friend this past week that I now have some understand how it must feel when a child is uprooted from his/her family and placed into strange and unfamiliar surroundings. Maybe that is why God has called me to England to help these children find safety and comfort in the midst of a chaotic and unstable homelife. Who knows? Not me. However, I do take comfort in the fact that "God knows." And, with the love, support, and comfort of my family and friends back in the US, I will continue to walk along the pathway which God has guided me on -- so far. I knew that this would not be an easy or mapped-out journey, but I did know that God would be right beside me every step of the way.
I hope you continue to follow me throughout this next week of unknowing expereinces and challenge yourself to recognize the doorways which you are asked to step through each day. Even these small reflections on your "doorways" may lead you to some understanding of what God has in store for you. It may; or it may not. Just take time to reflect -- on whatever is in your heart today. Thank you all for your support and kindness throughout these past two weeks. I promise to try and blog as much as possible and return your comments more frequently. Please let me know if you like this "Reflection Sunday." I would love to hear from you, especially on your reflections; however, that is your "doorway" to step through, not mine.
Good night.
When we walk through any doorway, literally or figuratively, there is no way of knowing what we will encounter on the other side; yet we walk through these doorways every day. We must decide whether or not we want to get out of bed in the morning, or choose to be kind to the person on the other end of a phonecall, or take time to listen to a friend's hardships. These are just some of the doorways which we walk through on a daily basis. Then there are the doorways which usually come around only once in our lifetime, like accepting a job in a foreign country, or making a committment to a spouse, or letting go of a loved one who is about to leave. We may think we know what is through that doorway, but it is only God who knows what we are about to encounter.
I mentioned to a friend this past week that I now have some understand how it must feel when a child is uprooted from his/her family and placed into strange and unfamiliar surroundings. Maybe that is why God has called me to England to help these children find safety and comfort in the midst of a chaotic and unstable homelife. Who knows? Not me. However, I do take comfort in the fact that "God knows." And, with the love, support, and comfort of my family and friends back in the US, I will continue to walk along the pathway which God has guided me on -- so far. I knew that this would not be an easy or mapped-out journey, but I did know that God would be right beside me every step of the way.
I hope you continue to follow me throughout this next week of unknowing expereinces and challenge yourself to recognize the doorways which you are asked to step through each day. Even these small reflections on your "doorways" may lead you to some understanding of what God has in store for you. It may; or it may not. Just take time to reflect -- on whatever is in your heart today. Thank you all for your support and kindness throughout these past two weeks. I promise to try and blog as much as possible and return your comments more frequently. Please let me know if you like this "Reflection Sunday." I would love to hear from you, especially on your reflections; however, that is your "doorway" to step through, not mine.
Good night.
Scottish Ceilidh
I went to see the Reading Scottish Pipe & Drum Corps play at Town Hall today and it was something AWESOME to witness. I stated earlier that I would take video and place it on my blog; however, videotaping and pictures were not permitted. Well, it really doesn't matter because videotaping would not have done this "ceilidh" any justice. BTW, a ceilidh is a traditional Gaelic social event, usually dance and music, originating in Ireland and Scottland. It had to be attended to enjoy all the music, dance and singing. Picture this -- 18 bagpipers, 8 snare drummers, and one bass drummer -- all in their Scottish kilts and sporrans (that's the horsehair drape around the front of the kilt). They marched into the Town Hall concert area and the music just vibrated in your chest. Once up front, the lead bagpiper went to the center and played "Amazing Grace" like I've never heard it before. Oh, you bet I had to wipe the tears in my eyes -- it was BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Along with the Scottish Pipe & Drum Corps, there were Irish dancers, Scottish folk singers and other types of Scottish and Irish music. What an afternoon!!! Reading's Scottish Pipe & Drum Corps are going to play at the 2010 Royal Edinburg Military Tattoo in Edinburg, Scottland thisAugust. This was just a pre-performance as they warm up for the grandure of playing at Edinburg Castle. Needless to say, I had a very fun afternoon. This certainly made up for the crappy week I had. I guess that's just the ebb & flow of this wonderful journey. I am going to experience as much of the UK culture as possible and see the magnificent history of the UK.
Along with the Scottish Pipe & Drum Corps, there were Irish dancers, Scottish folk singers and other types of Scottish and Irish music. What an afternoon!!! Reading's Scottish Pipe & Drum Corps are going to play at the 2010 Royal Edinburg Military Tattoo in Edinburg, Scottland thisAugust. This was just a pre-performance as they warm up for the grandure of playing at Edinburg Castle. Needless to say, I had a very fun afternoon. This certainly made up for the crappy week I had. I guess that's just the ebb & flow of this wonderful journey. I am going to experience as much of the UK culture as possible and see the magnificent history of the UK.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)