I must tell you about something amazing that may be happening in Reading, England later this year. And I DO NOT apologize for my enthusiasm about this wonderful opportunity which may become a reality for the young teens of this area. You see, back in Pittsburgh at Christ Church at Grove Farm (CCGF), I went to a meeting about a Christian volunteer service for young women who have children. The program is called YoungLives, which brings Christian mentors to young teens who have (or are going to have) children of their own for whom to care. The mentors are all different ages; some who have children and some who do not, but all who have a passion for young teens and their children.
I have already told you about the fact that Reading Borough has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in the whole UK, and for that matter, the entire Eurpoean Union. An extremely sad label for this area. Since there are not many resources for these young teen women, I contacted some friends at CCGF who run the YoungLives program there to see if there was something I could do for these women. They put me in contact with the Missionwide YoungLives Director out in San Diego, Jen Byard, who contacted me via email. She informed me that they do not have any international programs; HOWEVER, they are currently in the process of looking to start one internationally. Well, God intervened with His glorious timing on this idea!!! I said that I would love to see this well-established program begin in the Reading area, and would help in any way I can. Folks, I think this will actually become a reality -- God willing!!!
Can you believe that I could begin a Christian volunteer service which helps young teen moms and their children in the Reading area? ME??? A person who likes to be "behind-the-scenes" in my work and in my personal life? What the heck am I thinking? Don't I have enough things happening in my llife already? God doesn't think so and He knows what He is doing with me. I TRUST HIM!!! There is just such need for a program like this in this area of England that I could not help myself to try to do something about it. Many of us have great ideas to help and care for others; however, how many of us actually DO somehting about it? How many of us tell another person about our ideas hoping that THEY will begin something? Very many I suspect. Well, I am not about to be in a position where I CAN help but not DO anything about it. That is just not an option for me.
Folks, I ask that you keep me in your prayers as I talk to Jen next week about beginning this program over here. I also ask to keep the Reading Borough Council in your prayers as I tell them about the YoungLives program in the US and show them how this could impact the area teens. This has been my excitement since Thursday afternoon. I even contacted one of the women at CCGF who has given me the courage and wisdom to know when God is using me for His greater purpose. She knows who she is!!! I want to publically thank her for all the spiritual strength and courage which she had instilled in me to follow God's greater plan for me. If it were not for her persistance, I would not be in England nor would I be in a position to help these young women.
Although nothing has been solidified and nothing has been promised, the simple idea of YoungLives starting in this area has brought me HOPE for the young teens in Reading. They need something, and I pray that I can help in any way possible -- large or small. And, if this program does not begin here, then so be it; however, I hope God chooses me to help in another way. Friends and family, I will not give up on helping others -- ever!!! If God asks me to perform a small task for HIm -- I WILL. If He decides that I am to take on a large project -- THEN I WILL. And, if God shows me where I am needed next -- THEN I WILL GO. I am here for God and anything He asks of me, I will do. Many people, including some family and friends, tell me that I cannot do all these things, but I will always tell them that I do these things not for me, but for God. I will NEVER tell God "NO" anymore. I am alive today because He wants me to be here -- and that is THE only reason I am able to blog to you today.
I ask that you visit the web page listed below which has my favorite scripture passage. This just about sums up me and who I am. I hope you will all agree.
http://my.homewithgod.com/mkcathy/inspirational/eagle.html
I will post this on my home blog page.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Time in Coventry, England
I had the most beautiful day today!!! But first, let me get you caught up from Monday and Tuesday. Both days were uneventful other than getting bogged down in paperwork. Man, there is just so much computer work in this job and it's extremely difficult to "click" my way through various documents to investigate what has already happened in the lives of my children. I got so frustrated yesterday that I started swearing at my machine and started spouting off nasties to it. My office partner, Rob, busted out laughing at this. He said he loves the way I sound when I begin to "get smart" with my computer. I guess I do sound funny. I had to laugh as well because I was curing a machine. Well, that's much better than swearing at another person -- I guess. That was the last two days, but now on to today.
I went up to Coventry, England today to visit two young teenages whom I just inheristed on my caseload. Covenrty is north of Reading close to Nottingham and Derby -- a two-plus hours drive north. I went there for a review meeting for two young children I have not yet met. After their review meeting, I stayed to wait until these two children came home from school. I was told by their former social worker that the young girl will not look me in the face and the young boy has cerebral palsey and will not enter the room because he walks with a limp. When they came home from school, they knew that I, along with their former social worker, would be there to greet them. Of course they were reluctant to see me, but after they came in the living room, I started talking to them and their eyes lit up. It was THE most wonderful thing I have seen in a child who is within the childcare services. Both children began to ask me where I was from and what it is like in the US. The young girl looked me in the face and the young boy was just as excited that he got up and walked me over to see the new room the faster parents were building for him so he could have friends over. He cannot walk the stairs. I know it is because I am "different" from the other social workers they have had that they connected with me.
Both said that they like my accent very much and want me to keep talking. The two children were SO cute and SO innocent and I just wanted to pick them up and take them home with me. However, they are fortunately in a very nurturing and loving home and they are truely getting their needs met. Both said they want to stay with this foster family and the foster family wants to keep them until they are 18 years old. The foster family will give the children an option to be adopted if they choose to do so. This is a welcome change to my caseload of other placements which are breaking apart. What an extremely pleasant day!!!
I rode up to Coventry with their former her social worker and the drive was so beautiful across the countryside again. We talked about many things, however, talking about God and religion was the best part of the trip. You see, this worker is a recent Christian after being a life-long member of the JahovahWitness community. She asked me about knowing God on a personal level and asking me how I pray. I was able to witness to this person and we formed a bond which we intend to nurture. She mentioned that she would like to learn more about the Bible. I'm not sure if I told you this earlier, but I was talking to one of the new overseas social workers about beginning a bible study at our office, and when I told this woman about my idea, she jumped at the chance to say that she would come. I am just in awe on how much God has played a part in my work here in the UK. Next week, when I get in the office, I am going to send out an email to the whole office asking if anyone would be interested in joining a bible study at work (every other Wed at lunchtime). For some reason, I think I may get many takers on this -- which will solidify the fact that God is working through me to spread His word. I am glorified by this fact and I find comfort in the fact that He is always with me.
I can now see that I am not here -- in Reading, UK -- just for the children, but also for those who long to hear God's word and want to know Him better. I was nervous about bringing up God at all, since not many people talk of God in their daily lives over here. It's actually a bit sad, but I feel that God has brought me here to undo this fact, and bring God into their hearts and conversations. I have absolutely no problem in talking to God or about God to others since I know Him so personally. It is through Him that I am alive today to carry out His plan for me and ofr others.
You see, everyone, why my day was so wonderful? I had two young children connect with me through the fact of being "different" from others. Being different is where I can connect with all my children to comfort and ease their insecurities. Then, to be a witness for a new Christian in our world has been my most joyful time in being a Christian here in Reading. I give so much glory and thanks to God for guiding me on this journey to the UK, and into the lives and hearts of those who need to hear His Word. I am thankful to God that He chose me to spread his word. Me, who cursed and hated Him ten years ago, is now His messanger for others to know His glory, mercy, tenderness and undying love for all His children. I am humbled by His willingness to use me for His glory.
What a wonderful day indeed!!!
I went up to Coventry, England today to visit two young teenages whom I just inheristed on my caseload. Covenrty is north of Reading close to Nottingham and Derby -- a two-plus hours drive north. I went there for a review meeting for two young children I have not yet met. After their review meeting, I stayed to wait until these two children came home from school. I was told by their former social worker that the young girl will not look me in the face and the young boy has cerebral palsey and will not enter the room because he walks with a limp. When they came home from school, they knew that I, along with their former social worker, would be there to greet them. Of course they were reluctant to see me, but after they came in the living room, I started talking to them and their eyes lit up. It was THE most wonderful thing I have seen in a child who is within the childcare services. Both children began to ask me where I was from and what it is like in the US. The young girl looked me in the face and the young boy was just as excited that he got up and walked me over to see the new room the faster parents were building for him so he could have friends over. He cannot walk the stairs. I know it is because I am "different" from the other social workers they have had that they connected with me.
Both said that they like my accent very much and want me to keep talking. The two children were SO cute and SO innocent and I just wanted to pick them up and take them home with me. However, they are fortunately in a very nurturing and loving home and they are truely getting their needs met. Both said they want to stay with this foster family and the foster family wants to keep them until they are 18 years old. The foster family will give the children an option to be adopted if they choose to do so. This is a welcome change to my caseload of other placements which are breaking apart. What an extremely pleasant day!!!
I rode up to Coventry with their former her social worker and the drive was so beautiful across the countryside again. We talked about many things, however, talking about God and religion was the best part of the trip. You see, this worker is a recent Christian after being a life-long member of the JahovahWitness community. She asked me about knowing God on a personal level and asking me how I pray. I was able to witness to this person and we formed a bond which we intend to nurture. She mentioned that she would like to learn more about the Bible. I'm not sure if I told you this earlier, but I was talking to one of the new overseas social workers about beginning a bible study at our office, and when I told this woman about my idea, she jumped at the chance to say that she would come. I am just in awe on how much God has played a part in my work here in the UK. Next week, when I get in the office, I am going to send out an email to the whole office asking if anyone would be interested in joining a bible study at work (every other Wed at lunchtime). For some reason, I think I may get many takers on this -- which will solidify the fact that God is working through me to spread His word. I am glorified by this fact and I find comfort in the fact that He is always with me.
I can now see that I am not here -- in Reading, UK -- just for the children, but also for those who long to hear God's word and want to know Him better. I was nervous about bringing up God at all, since not many people talk of God in their daily lives over here. It's actually a bit sad, but I feel that God has brought me here to undo this fact, and bring God into their hearts and conversations. I have absolutely no problem in talking to God or about God to others since I know Him so personally. It is through Him that I am alive today to carry out His plan for me and ofr others.
You see, everyone, why my day was so wonderful? I had two young children connect with me through the fact of being "different" from others. Being different is where I can connect with all my children to comfort and ease their insecurities. Then, to be a witness for a new Christian in our world has been my most joyful time in being a Christian here in Reading. I give so much glory and thanks to God for guiding me on this journey to the UK, and into the lives and hearts of those who need to hear His Word. I am thankful to God that He chose me to spread his word. Me, who cursed and hated Him ten years ago, is now His messanger for others to know His glory, mercy, tenderness and undying love for all His children. I am humbled by His willingness to use me for His glory.
What a wonderful day indeed!!!
Reflection Sunday: Week 4
Okay folks, sorry I have been late on these posts, but the job has been getting a bit hectic. I have been writing these posts at home, then cutting and pasting them to my blog page. I hope to get the Internet in my home soon, but until then, the postings may be late.
This past week has been an up-and-down journey, just like the last week. As I reflect on this past week, I think about the word "home." This word "home" has different meanings to many poeple. In Websters Dictionary, home is defined as;
1 : one's place of residence : domicile : house
2 : the social unit formed by a family living together
3 : a familiar or usual setting : congenial environment : the focus of one's domestic attention
4 : a place of origin : one's own country.
"Home" to me is all of the above rolled into one. My home is simply anywhere I feel loved and safe and cared for. With this personal definition of the word"home," I feel that I am "at home" here in Reading, England with people who care for me, who know me, and with whom I feel safe. I also have another home in Pittsburgh, PA with those of whom I love and feel safe around and care for. How lucky I feel that I have two homes -- one in the United States and one in England. But it does not stop there!!! No folks, I have another home. This home is not of this world, but of heaven with my Father. At this home, I will feel all that I have mentioned above and much, much more. How blessed and wonderful I am to have THREE homes in my life -- so far. So why the focus on the word "home?"
You see, I am working with children who do not have "homes" where they feel loved or safe or cared for. By the time children get to my department, they are looking for a long-term placement away from one or both parents. Their families are split apart and they are in very unfamiliar places. They have no sense of belonging to a family unit. As their social worker, I want to give these children a sense of "belonging" by staying with them until they are adopted into a family who loves them, or they are accepted by their foster families for a long-term placement. These children have had several social workers in their lives and they cannot relate to anyone with regularity. I would like to be that person with whom they are comfortable around until they have a family or "home" to call their own.
Growing up in a family of six, I know what it is like to get lost in the shuffle of things. I am sure my siblings felt the same at some time during their times in our house. How can one not feel that way in a large family? But I was fortunate to know that I was loved -- at least some of time when I wasn't getting punished -- and cared for and safe. It is very sad to see the distance in these children's eyes when they meet me. However, I have one advantage going for me with these children. I have a different accent and they know that I am "different" from all the other people from Reading or elsewhere in the UK. The look at me as though they can understand what it feels like to be different and in strange surroundings. When I finally get to talk to these children 1:1, they ask me many questions about what it's like to live in the United States. When I tell them, I get to ask them what it's like to be in a different household or placement? It is through this similarity of being "different" that they find comfort, ease, and a sense of safety. How ironic is this?
I have talked to all my children about God and who they think God is? Most of them know that God is "God of all the universe;" however, most do not know that God is always with them and that He can protect them in times of trouble. None of them know "how to pray." Although this makes me sad, it also makes me excited that I may be able to show these children who Our Father is. All but one of my children (16 in all) would like for me to tell them more about God and/or show them how to pray. Since God is the One who brought me to the UK, it is through God that I will show these children love, care and safety, and find their "home" in Him. This way, when I am out of their lives, they will be able to turn to the One who can help them the most. So ladies and gents, on this Sunday, my reflection on the word "home" brings me a question I pose to you: WHERE IS YOUR "HOME" AND WHO IS THERE WAITING FOR YOU?
From my HOME to your HOME, have a safe week.
This past week has been an up-and-down journey, just like the last week. As I reflect on this past week, I think about the word "home." This word "home" has different meanings to many poeple. In Websters Dictionary, home is defined as;
1 : one's place of residence : domicile : house
2 : the social unit formed by a family living together
3 : a familiar or usual setting : congenial environment : the focus of one's domestic attention
4 : a place of origin : one's own country.
"Home" to me is all of the above rolled into one. My home is simply anywhere I feel loved and safe and cared for. With this personal definition of the word"home," I feel that I am "at home" here in Reading, England with people who care for me, who know me, and with whom I feel safe. I also have another home in Pittsburgh, PA with those of whom I love and feel safe around and care for. How lucky I feel that I have two homes -- one in the United States and one in England. But it does not stop there!!! No folks, I have another home. This home is not of this world, but of heaven with my Father. At this home, I will feel all that I have mentioned above and much, much more. How blessed and wonderful I am to have THREE homes in my life -- so far. So why the focus on the word "home?"
You see, I am working with children who do not have "homes" where they feel loved or safe or cared for. By the time children get to my department, they are looking for a long-term placement away from one or both parents. Their families are split apart and they are in very unfamiliar places. They have no sense of belonging to a family unit. As their social worker, I want to give these children a sense of "belonging" by staying with them until they are adopted into a family who loves them, or they are accepted by their foster families for a long-term placement. These children have had several social workers in their lives and they cannot relate to anyone with regularity. I would like to be that person with whom they are comfortable around until they have a family or "home" to call their own.
Growing up in a family of six, I know what it is like to get lost in the shuffle of things. I am sure my siblings felt the same at some time during their times in our house. How can one not feel that way in a large family? But I was fortunate to know that I was loved -- at least some of time when I wasn't getting punished -- and cared for and safe. It is very sad to see the distance in these children's eyes when they meet me. However, I have one advantage going for me with these children. I have a different accent and they know that I am "different" from all the other people from Reading or elsewhere in the UK. The look at me as though they can understand what it feels like to be different and in strange surroundings. When I finally get to talk to these children 1:1, they ask me many questions about what it's like to live in the United States. When I tell them, I get to ask them what it's like to be in a different household or placement? It is through this similarity of being "different" that they find comfort, ease, and a sense of safety. How ironic is this?
I have talked to all my children about God and who they think God is? Most of them know that God is "God of all the universe;" however, most do not know that God is always with them and that He can protect them in times of trouble. None of them know "how to pray." Although this makes me sad, it also makes me excited that I may be able to show these children who Our Father is. All but one of my children (16 in all) would like for me to tell them more about God and/or show them how to pray. Since God is the One who brought me to the UK, it is through God that I will show these children love, care and safety, and find their "home" in Him. This way, when I am out of their lives, they will be able to turn to the One who can help them the most. So ladies and gents, on this Sunday, my reflection on the word "home" brings me a question I pose to you: WHERE IS YOUR "HOME" AND WHO IS THERE WAITING FOR YOU?
From my HOME to your HOME, have a safe week.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Answer to Poll
Two people chose 200,000 for the population of Reading Borough, which is the correct answer. Reading Borough has one of the fastest growing populations in the UK, apart from London. Since Reading is a large city and is so close and accessable to London, many young persons are leaving London and settling in Reading. This is giving Reading Borough the not-so-good listing of the highest percentage of teenage preganacies in the whole UK. It is amazing just how many kids are having kids here, and their only desire is to get a free house from the government. The crimes here are more upon the children of Reading, and not against adults except for racist crimes. The melting pot of people who reside here do not get along at all. I was caught in a dispute with a homeless British man and two Asian teenage kids. It was going to get ugly soon, but the police were near by and they came to break up this escalating arguement. Thank God!!!
The crimes against the children of Reading are multiple rapes -- many by family members, neglect, sex trafficing, and robbery for the family to sell possions. Drug abuse is high, but it is not like it is in the states. The most horrific crimes against the childeren are the multiple rapes by family members and the parents are still part of the community. I just do not get the laws in this country. They are to be "family oriented" but what the hell are they thinking in The House of Commons? They are just as bad as those who sit on Capital Hill, yet the resources are not established here as they are in the states. well, that is all I'm going to say on this subject. Look for a new poll soon.
The crimes against the children of Reading are multiple rapes -- many by family members, neglect, sex trafficing, and robbery for the family to sell possions. Drug abuse is high, but it is not like it is in the states. The most horrific crimes against the childeren are the multiple rapes by family members and the parents are still part of the community. I just do not get the laws in this country. They are to be "family oriented" but what the hell are they thinking in The House of Commons? They are just as bad as those who sit on Capital Hill, yet the resources are not established here as they are in the states. well, that is all I'm going to say on this subject. Look for a new poll soon.
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