Well folks, it's the weekend again and tonight was Happy Hour for the small group of people from the US, Canada and Jamacia (i.e. my awesome new friends!!!). However, let me fill you in on what happened in between Wednesday evening and Happy Hour. Yesterday, I had to get caught up on a ton of paperwork; of which I have no idea how to fill out because no one in the office cared to show me. Therefore, I just fill in the documents as best I can and if they have a problem with it, then they need toshow me how it's done. Can you tell I'm a bit frustrated? Well, I'm not the only one. It seems that this is a major issue with everyone -- not just me. This morning on the BBC radio & tv, they were talking about two girls who were repeatedly raped by their father for 20+ years and bore him 8 children. The girls tried to tell social services, the police, and their doctors; however, no one did anything to protect them. Now the children have birth defects, social services is getting "hammered," and WE are at the other end of the tongue-lashings. It's pretty bad over here. Like all of us were saying, in the states, we would have removed the kids and asked questions later. Here, they keep them with their parents until they can find proof. It's SHITTY work and SHITTY laws, and if they don't change them, then all of us who are new will probably be fired for procecting kids without folowing the "procedures." Yep, that's me!!! I'll be damned if I am going to let a kid suffer because it's "not procedure" to keep that childsafe. BULLSHIT!!! Sorry about the language there folks, but it's THAT CRAPPY over here. BTW, the father is serving a life sentance, but those poor girls. My heart just aches for them. I have a case similar to that one; however, my child is safe from anymore harm from his parents; however, I cannot talk about it here, so just pray for all the kids in social services.
Well, that was Thursday -- all day -- so I just went to my hotel and caught up on some letter-writing. Today, we had training with the eduactional staff for child services. They were extremely helpful and explained things very well. Their educational system is very different over here and complicated. They had to explain it to us several times just so we could grasp the concept. I'm not going to even try to explain it since I'm still a bit confused about it. After lunch, I went to visit two more children on my caseload just to introduce myself. The two girls I went to see are very sweet and they giggled and laughed at my accent. It was so cute. They asked me questions about the United States and were amazed at my answers like how big the US is, how hot and cold it can get, and how much time the kids have off during summer break. They are living in the home where they will be adopted, so I just have to monitor them while the adoption process is happening. I like these kind of cases.
At the end of the workday, it was time to head into town to meet the others for HAPPY HOUR(S)!!! I met up with the crew from the other office, since they were already at Dogma (an awesome pub). Before I walked in, I took time to call a wonderful friend back in Bridgeville -- hi L. As the others trickled in, including Ruth (she's part of the crew now), we talked and complained and talked and complained and talked; during which we laughed, danced, and drank!!! What a GREAT TIME all of us had. It was a welcomed break after the past two weeks of work. How fun!!! Some of us made plans to go to Edinburgh, Scottland over the Easter weekend since we have four days off. We are going up there by train and go to church services at St. George's (St. George is the patron saint of Scottland) for Easter services. We will tour the Edinburgh Castle, cross the Firth of Fourth Bridge, and do other wonderful sight-seeing. All of the crew are so amazed at how well we all get along -- 10 people from all parts of North America. How amazing and wonderfful is that!!!! God has blessed us so well and I am extremely thankful to Him for letting me be a part of all this. I DO NOT and WILL NOT regret my decision to come to England to work by protecting God's children. I just pray that I can carry out this task on which He is guiding me.
It's now time for bed and I am to move into my house tomorrow. I am sooooooooooo looking forward to being in "my own place" without having to live out of a suitcase for the past four weeks. This is worse than when I was in Uganda, Africa. Dear God, I cannot wait until I move tomorrow. I am looking forward to having my friends and family over to be with me in my house. I will cook and clean and light a fire and talk and talk and talk. I think I will even have a barbeque in the summer. All I need now is for the landlord to call me to pick up the keys. Praise God!!!!! Get me home!!! Okay everyone, let's pray this goes smooothly tomorrow. I will catch up with you then. Good night.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Northern Wales
Wow, what a beautiful drive I had when I visited my client in Northern Wales, near the area of Snowden -- a national park. Okay, I hope I can explain this to you, so you will get a mental picture of the sights I saw. I went up there with the Reviewing Officer, who is about the same age as me, and she's been a social worker for 20+ years here in the UK. First, I had to catch a bus into Town Center only then catch a bus out to a place called Charvil, at the Wee Waif Pub (I like this name). She wanted me there "no later than" 8:00am. WELL, she was late and I was standing there freezing my butt off!!! Wow, it was cold out! After she picked me up, we headed out on our 5 hour drive to Snowden, Wales. The "carriageways" were not so crowded; however, right around Birmingham, the A6 got really busy. No stops though, which she said was very uncommon for this area. Usually it is stop-&-go on the A6 around here, but today, God was sitting in the back seat, so "no traffic."
The countryside driving up to Birmingham reminded me about Ohio and Kentucky. There were some rolling hills, but not too hilly, and there were great distances between fences. After Birmingham, the hills got steeper, the grass got browner, and the sheep multiplied. Holy SHEEP!!! Just like the funny YouTube commercial some of us watched. The sheep were spray-painted with different numbers in different colors. Melanie said that was to determine which ones got shaved, at what time of the year, and which ones would wind up on someone's plate. I think I'll pass on the lamb right now. Anyway, the landscape was absolutely beautiful! She pointed out that the buildings (houses, barns, etc.) were made from different stones as we passed from England into Wales. She's absolutely right. I can only describe it like this -- in England, the stones are lighter and fatter and the stones in Wales are darker and flat. I really don't know how to explain it any better, but get a book from the library or Google it and you will see what I mean.
As we got closer to Snowden, the hills became rocky and steeper. I felt like I was in a movie or something. We drove on this little, windy road with walls made of stone, hills all around us and sheep EVERYWHERE. This was the most beautiful scenery I have experience over here; and nothing like I've seen in the states. I made sure I saw everything and imprinted it in my memory so I can revisit this place all the time. We turned onto an even smaller road which took us up to an old farmhouse. This is where the young man was residing. And the SHEEP!!!!! The meeting was okay and the young man is very sweet. That's all I can say on that subject. We stayed for a snack because we could not just go up there, meet, then leave. This young man cooked us snacks, so we stayed for a bite to eat.
About 4:00pm, we started for home and I watched the whole scenery again. I must come up here every 4-6 weeks by law, so I will have regular trips to Wales and see this beautiful scenery over and over again. See, God IS great, ALL the time! Yes, this means I must start driving soon, which actually does not look that difficult now that I am accustomed to the traffic patterns. The drive became LONG around 7:00pm. We stopped for a rest around this time, and did not get back to the Reading area until 8:30pm. Melanie dropped me off closer to town, but I still had to catch a bus back to Town Center. I got into town at 9:00pm -- the end of a 15-hour workday. Yeah, very long, yet extremely beautiful. I can store these extra hours and take comp time within the next few weeks, so it all works out in the end.
Once in Town Center, I walked to my bus stop, but realized that the bus I needed to take did not run at this time of night. I had no way home other than to walk. It was only a two mile walk, so it was do-able, but I was so tired, it seemed like 10 miles. I'm back in the hotel and my mind can only see the extrordinarily beautiful countryside of Engaland and Wales. If anyone needs a place to visit for a vacation, try Snowden, Wales. The people at the facility told me about the skiing, rock climbing, walking trails, and so much more. The scenery alone is worth the trip. I found heaven . . . again; and I'm sure I will witness many more "heavens" throughout my journey here in the UK. I look forward to the next time I get to see heaven for I know that God is showing me His glory and His almighty grace which He has bestowed upon me. I will go to sleep tonight dreaming of my heaven. Sweet dreams everyone.
The countryside driving up to Birmingham reminded me about Ohio and Kentucky. There were some rolling hills, but not too hilly, and there were great distances between fences. After Birmingham, the hills got steeper, the grass got browner, and the sheep multiplied. Holy SHEEP!!! Just like the funny YouTube commercial some of us watched. The sheep were spray-painted with different numbers in different colors. Melanie said that was to determine which ones got shaved, at what time of the year, and which ones would wind up on someone's plate. I think I'll pass on the lamb right now. Anyway, the landscape was absolutely beautiful! She pointed out that the buildings (houses, barns, etc.) were made from different stones as we passed from England into Wales. She's absolutely right. I can only describe it like this -- in England, the stones are lighter and fatter and the stones in Wales are darker and flat. I really don't know how to explain it any better, but get a book from the library or Google it and you will see what I mean.
As we got closer to Snowden, the hills became rocky and steeper. I felt like I was in a movie or something. We drove on this little, windy road with walls made of stone, hills all around us and sheep EVERYWHERE. This was the most beautiful scenery I have experience over here; and nothing like I've seen in the states. I made sure I saw everything and imprinted it in my memory so I can revisit this place all the time. We turned onto an even smaller road which took us up to an old farmhouse. This is where the young man was residing. And the SHEEP!!!!! The meeting was okay and the young man is very sweet. That's all I can say on that subject. We stayed for a snack because we could not just go up there, meet, then leave. This young man cooked us snacks, so we stayed for a bite to eat.
About 4:00pm, we started for home and I watched the whole scenery again. I must come up here every 4-6 weeks by law, so I will have regular trips to Wales and see this beautiful scenery over and over again. See, God IS great, ALL the time! Yes, this means I must start driving soon, which actually does not look that difficult now that I am accustomed to the traffic patterns. The drive became LONG around 7:00pm. We stopped for a rest around this time, and did not get back to the Reading area until 8:30pm. Melanie dropped me off closer to town, but I still had to catch a bus back to Town Center. I got into town at 9:00pm -- the end of a 15-hour workday. Yeah, very long, yet extremely beautiful. I can store these extra hours and take comp time within the next few weeks, so it all works out in the end.
Once in Town Center, I walked to my bus stop, but realized that the bus I needed to take did not run at this time of night. I had no way home other than to walk. It was only a two mile walk, so it was do-able, but I was so tired, it seemed like 10 miles. I'm back in the hotel and my mind can only see the extrordinarily beautiful countryside of Engaland and Wales. If anyone needs a place to visit for a vacation, try Snowden, Wales. The people at the facility told me about the skiing, rock climbing, walking trails, and so much more. The scenery alone is worth the trip. I found heaven . . . again; and I'm sure I will witness many more "heavens" throughout my journey here in the UK. I look forward to the next time I get to see heaven for I know that God is showing me His glory and His almighty grace which He has bestowed upon me. I will go to sleep tonight dreaming of my heaven. Sweet dreams everyone.
A good night's sleep
Sorry folks but I got a little busy there, but I'm back. Well, as you can read from the title, I finally got some GREAT rest over the past couple of days. Even though the paperwork has been mounting at work, I am well. Actually, they do much more paperwork (computer work) than I did back in the states. However, I have met several of my clients, and they are just wonderful kids who have gone through some hellatious situations. I am blessed to have them as clients!!! No, not because they are clients, but because God chose them to put in my life so I may learn from them. I hope to bring them stability as their social worker, compassion and kindness as a human being, and love which God gives them through me. I just hope I can deliver.
Today there was not much that happened, so this will be a short blog. I did manage to go shopping for some slacks & jeans since I have no laundry to wash my clothes. I am NOT going to a laundry mat here because they are crappy. I bought some jeans & slacks on sale at the GAP to make it to Saturday, when I move into my humble abode. I have a washer & dryer there, so laundry will be tops on the list of things to do. Other than that, not much occurred. I went to sleep early because I had to get up early to head up to Northern Wales. Look forward to writing about it. Take care and see you here soon.
Today there was not much that happened, so this will be a short blog. I did manage to go shopping for some slacks & jeans since I have no laundry to wash my clothes. I am NOT going to a laundry mat here because they are crappy. I bought some jeans & slacks on sale at the GAP to make it to Saturday, when I move into my humble abode. I have a washer & dryer there, so laundry will be tops on the list of things to do. Other than that, not much occurred. I went to sleep early because I had to get up early to head up to Northern Wales. Look forward to writing about it. Take care and see you here soon.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Reflection Sunday: Week 3
Caveat: I have tried to write this Sunday's Reflection with an open heart; however, this was very hard to achieve. I wanted to post a blog NOT effected by my emotions; hpowever, this was not possible today. Know that I cannot separate my emotions from my writings. All I do here is for God, and, it is He alone to whom I acknowledge my feelings.
My journey this week has taken me over hills and through valleys. One of these hills has been finding my new home. I am so blessed for God to grant me this simple gift, and I praise Him daily for this and many other gifts He has given to me. One of these valleys has been the evening at the ER with a dislocated jaw. Wow, that still sounds painful even after the fact. BTW, today (Monday) my pain is way down and so is the swelling. Thank you all for your prayers for quick healing. With both of these and several other hills and valleys, I have learned so much this past week.
The hills came in many forms this week like finding my new home, finishing my first week of work, writing emails and letters to loved ones, and finally, moving into a hotel to get some much needed rest. It was only through persistant determination and stubbornness that reached the tops of these hills. The more I worked last week and got to know my cases, the more adamant I became in their safety, protection, and well-being. The children in Reading have so much with which to contend -- just as much as any large city in the US, Canada, Europe, and so on. But I am here in Reading and it is only here that I can fulfill God's call to help and to protect. I know that I cannot save the world, England, London or all of Reading; however, I can help one or two or more children stay safe and encourage them to succeed with their life goals.
I have also learned that I must concentrate on what I am doing here in Reading and leave Pittsburgh behind me for now. I live here, work here, and rest here. This is now my home. Although I can keep in touch with my family and friends in the US, I must build friendships here for support and guidance. As I mentioned in an earlier blog -- I cannot finish this journey without the help of others. I have no misgivings about admitting this to anyone since everyone, including Jesus, needed help and assistance from others. Jesus asked His twelve apostles to spread His word to others after He was gone. They did so, and now, through their determination and strong will, we know about God's glory and all His wonderful gifts which He has bestowed upon us. I know that the work I do here will not reach too many others outside of those who read this blog, but I know and God knows what I do here, and that's all that truly matters. Many of you know that I find the most joy in my life through helping others in distress. This has not changed for me (nor do I think it ever will). Once again, I thank God for this.
Now for the valleys. It has been extremely difficult to climb our these valleys because my physical and emotional well-being has been in such pain. I will not go into the physical pain of my jaw since that was so recent. However, I will reflect on the emotional pain with which I have been struggling. After walking through that doorway and leaving myself vulnerable and exposed to the elements of this world, I knew I would encounter several disappoiontments and negative experiences. This is with both the people whom I love and the children with whom I work. These children are as vulnerable and exposed as I am today and I will do all I can to help them find safety and stability in their lives. I was able to "walk" through my doorway, but these children have been "pushed" through theirs -- and that, my friends, is totally wrong and unfair. Now, I know that all of you think "well, Patty, life is not fair?" That's correct, life is not fair; however, this does not mean that one can not help to change the course of this "fairness" to benefit these children. That is what I am here to do -- change the course of their valleys to level ground again. Then, hopefully, guide them to their pathways to their mountaintops.
My heart pours out tears for all children who are suffering and harmed by another human being. It is very difficult for me to hear how much money things will cost when a child's life is at stake, especially when gold crowns and splendid jewels are sitting behind glass and doing nothing in London. How wrong is this?!!! How can any amount of gold or jewels compare in price to the life of a human being -- especially a child. It is with this heavy heart and angry disposition that I find strength to succeed on my jouney to which God has led me. Although I feel hurt and anger, I also feel hope and joy and happiness in that God has guided ME here to help. And, as I will state again, it is in helping others where I find the most joy and happiness in my life. How ironic that I am drawn to the weak and defenseless only to find strength and happiness.
The sum of all these experiences this past week is this: God has given me the opportunity to use the faith and hope in Him to find a way into these children's hearts -- if not while I am with them; then when they stand before Him. I know this in my heart and there is no reason to believe otherwise. I have followed God's call for me to various places and experiences in this world. I will never stop believeing in His endless love and grace in me. With God as my guide, my comforter and my strength, there is no way in which I can fail Him. I do all things for Him and it is His call for me to be here in the UK to help His smallest children.
While I am here, I know I will grow in faith, love and peace as well. I love the fact that many of you are reading my blog and commenting on my experiences. I pray that through these blogs you too will find the strength you need to make the journey which God has prepared for you. The hills and valleys which I crossed this past week helped to build my faith in God stronger. There were several people back home who did not believe that I would succeed over here, but they did not know that this was a call from God. And I know that "all things are possible with God." I hope you will come to this as well, so that when you encounter your valleys, you will know that God will be there to lend His hand to climb out and to guide you to the mountaintop. May you all find peace this week iinb knowing that God makes ALL things possible and through His unconditional love, your valleys will turn to mountaintops.
Be at peace.
My journey this week has taken me over hills and through valleys. One of these hills has been finding my new home. I am so blessed for God to grant me this simple gift, and I praise Him daily for this and many other gifts He has given to me. One of these valleys has been the evening at the ER with a dislocated jaw. Wow, that still sounds painful even after the fact. BTW, today (Monday) my pain is way down and so is the swelling. Thank you all for your prayers for quick healing. With both of these and several other hills and valleys, I have learned so much this past week.
The hills came in many forms this week like finding my new home, finishing my first week of work, writing emails and letters to loved ones, and finally, moving into a hotel to get some much needed rest. It was only through persistant determination and stubbornness that reached the tops of these hills. The more I worked last week and got to know my cases, the more adamant I became in their safety, protection, and well-being. The children in Reading have so much with which to contend -- just as much as any large city in the US, Canada, Europe, and so on. But I am here in Reading and it is only here that I can fulfill God's call to help and to protect. I know that I cannot save the world, England, London or all of Reading; however, I can help one or two or more children stay safe and encourage them to succeed with their life goals.
I have also learned that I must concentrate on what I am doing here in Reading and leave Pittsburgh behind me for now. I live here, work here, and rest here. This is now my home. Although I can keep in touch with my family and friends in the US, I must build friendships here for support and guidance. As I mentioned in an earlier blog -- I cannot finish this journey without the help of others. I have no misgivings about admitting this to anyone since everyone, including Jesus, needed help and assistance from others. Jesus asked His twelve apostles to spread His word to others after He was gone. They did so, and now, through their determination and strong will, we know about God's glory and all His wonderful gifts which He has bestowed upon us. I know that the work I do here will not reach too many others outside of those who read this blog, but I know and God knows what I do here, and that's all that truly matters. Many of you know that I find the most joy in my life through helping others in distress. This has not changed for me (nor do I think it ever will). Once again, I thank God for this.
Now for the valleys. It has been extremely difficult to climb our these valleys because my physical and emotional well-being has been in such pain. I will not go into the physical pain of my jaw since that was so recent. However, I will reflect on the emotional pain with which I have been struggling. After walking through that doorway and leaving myself vulnerable and exposed to the elements of this world, I knew I would encounter several disappoiontments and negative experiences. This is with both the people whom I love and the children with whom I work. These children are as vulnerable and exposed as I am today and I will do all I can to help them find safety and stability in their lives. I was able to "walk" through my doorway, but these children have been "pushed" through theirs -- and that, my friends, is totally wrong and unfair. Now, I know that all of you think "well, Patty, life is not fair?" That's correct, life is not fair; however, this does not mean that one can not help to change the course of this "fairness" to benefit these children. That is what I am here to do -- change the course of their valleys to level ground again. Then, hopefully, guide them to their pathways to their mountaintops.
My heart pours out tears for all children who are suffering and harmed by another human being. It is very difficult for me to hear how much money things will cost when a child's life is at stake, especially when gold crowns and splendid jewels are sitting behind glass and doing nothing in London. How wrong is this?!!! How can any amount of gold or jewels compare in price to the life of a human being -- especially a child. It is with this heavy heart and angry disposition that I find strength to succeed on my jouney to which God has led me. Although I feel hurt and anger, I also feel hope and joy and happiness in that God has guided ME here to help. And, as I will state again, it is in helping others where I find the most joy and happiness in my life. How ironic that I am drawn to the weak and defenseless only to find strength and happiness.
The sum of all these experiences this past week is this: God has given me the opportunity to use the faith and hope in Him to find a way into these children's hearts -- if not while I am with them; then when they stand before Him. I know this in my heart and there is no reason to believe otherwise. I have followed God's call for me to various places and experiences in this world. I will never stop believeing in His endless love and grace in me. With God as my guide, my comforter and my strength, there is no way in which I can fail Him. I do all things for Him and it is His call for me to be here in the UK to help His smallest children.
While I am here, I know I will grow in faith, love and peace as well. I love the fact that many of you are reading my blog and commenting on my experiences. I pray that through these blogs you too will find the strength you need to make the journey which God has prepared for you. The hills and valleys which I crossed this past week helped to build my faith in God stronger. There were several people back home who did not believe that I would succeed over here, but they did not know that this was a call from God. And I know that "all things are possible with God." I hope you will come to this as well, so that when you encounter your valleys, you will know that God will be there to lend His hand to climb out and to guide you to the mountaintop. May you all find peace this week iinb knowing that God makes ALL things possible and through His unconditional love, your valleys will turn to mountaintops.
Be at peace.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
A "Not-so-chaotic" Saturday
Well, folks, I hope you enjoyed my experience yesterday as much as I did typing it. You're so right -- how funny was that!!! My jaw still hurts today but it's not so intense now (6:45 pm). After last evening, I decided to check into a hotel just to get some MUCH NEEDED sleep. The hotel in which I'm staying is called The Bath Hotel on Bath Road. Wow, not very "luxurious" as most but it is an old mansion built in the 1800s and extremly nice. I found the very old and "rich" part of Reading Borough -- it's out the Bath Road area!!!! Finally, I can get some sleep tonight -- I hope. Not much more to say about today, other than, I am doing much better, Dad, so don't too much. Trust me, I really am okay.
Went shopping for an ironing board, iron, inflatible matterss, 2 lamps, a couple of night lights, and sheets for the mattress. I brought my own pillow from home -- oh God, I just LOVE my pillow. Nothing like a personal pillow to make one feel right at home. On Monday, I will be making arrangements to get my electric turned on, my mail to be forwarded to my new address, and the like. As I mentioned above, not much happened today, other than the move. I am going to park myself in front of my TV tonight and fall asleep now. Look for my "Reflection Sunday" series to continue tomorrow. Not sure what no responses means, but I guess "no news is good news." I'll continue the Reflection Sundays until Easter Sunday, then if no responses, I will take them off my blog page. Cheerio and "how about those Pens!!!!" Have an awesome week everyone.
Went shopping for an ironing board, iron, inflatible matterss, 2 lamps, a couple of night lights, and sheets for the mattress. I brought my own pillow from home -- oh God, I just LOVE my pillow. Nothing like a personal pillow to make one feel right at home. On Monday, I will be making arrangements to get my electric turned on, my mail to be forwarded to my new address, and the like. As I mentioned above, not much happened today, other than the move. I am going to park myself in front of my TV tonight and fall asleep now. Look for my "Reflection Sunday" series to continue tomorrow. Not sure what no responses means, but I guess "no news is good news." I'll continue the Reflection Sundays until Easter Sunday, then if no responses, I will take them off my blog page. Cheerio and "how about those Pens!!!!" Have an awesome week everyone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)