Yesterday, Wednesday (31st March), I was physically assaulted at my place of work by a man who is familiar to this office and has a recent past of aggressive bahaviors. I will not spell out the details since this is extremely fresh for me, and I want to wait until I hear more from the police and my supervisors. I am physically okay; however, emotionally I am not doing well at all. This aggressive assault triggered memories of a past physical attack on me. I have informed my family and my closest friends who are supporting me and praying for me. I am just asking for your prayers to get me through this difficult time so I can continue to do God's work.
I know that with time, counseling and prayers, I will be okay and back to being "Patty" again. But for now, I feel like a victim again -- which I am. I will process through this and be well again. I cannot put a timeframe on this process, but I will tell you this will NOT take as long as the last time. I have too many family and friends to support me this time. Also, my supervisors have been very supportive and understanding. I thank God for placing me in the presence of wonderful, caring and compassionate people (no matter how much I have criticized their system or not). Thank you for your prayers. Be well.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
A Day of Firsts!!!
Beginning Sunday morning and continuing through today, I have been feeling extremely sick (headache, nausea, tired) so bear with me everyone.
The reason for the title of this blog, "A Day of Firsts!" is due to the fact that I saw a couple of "firsts" in my lifetime and I wanted to let you know just how wonderful it was to see these things. You see, I had to visit another new client today for this young person's educational review and he/she lives in a small resort town on the shores of Kent called, Herne Bay. What a very quaint little town. This is the type of seaside town where many people visit during the summer and I can see why. This part of the English shorline is very pretty and, since Great Britian is an island, I am sure there are many more beautiful coastlines like this one. Well, this is just my thought, but remember, I have only been in this country for 7 weeks, so my thoughts don't hold much clout.
My first FIRST is something a bit comical; but nonetheless, a first for me. As my "partner in crime," Jan, was driving us to this educational review (she is the virtual head of Children in Care for Reading), I was admiring the southeast countryside of England out of my passanger-side window. Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light . . . (no wait, that's a song. Name that tune?). No really; up ahead in the distance, I noticed a few black animals on a hillside. I could not make out what type of animal these were, but as we drove closer, they looked like some little type of horses with fur. I was having a hard time adjusting my eyes because it was raining almost the whole time and the spray from the lorries were making it hard to see. As I stared at these creatures I tried to make out what the heck I was seeing; but to no avail. I had to wait until we got closer. I was going to ask Jan, but was weary of sounding "stupid" if these were common creatures to the English countryside. I began to get nervous as I still could not figure out what these animals were and they were going to be behind me soon. Then, it hit me we passed them at 70 mph . . . BAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!! BLACK SHEEP!!!! As far as my feable mind can recall, I have never seen a black sheep before in my life. And there were so many of them. I know; sounds ridiculous, but these were the cutest sheep I have ever seen!!!
As I turned to Jan with 'sheer' excitement, I told her that these were my first "black sheep" sighting!!! She busted out laughing amazed that I have never seen real live 'black' sheep!!! I started laughing as well, but only because I was so excited to see black sheep. You see folks, it really doesn't take much to make me happy any longer. I revel in the delight of all things new!!! Sure, everyone reading this post who has seen black sheep before may be thinking "How lame!" But not me, I am like a kid in a candy store when seeing such beautiful creatures for the first time. Okay, so they may stink and have really bad attitudes, but from the window of the car, they were beautiful!!! Jan, who is from Scotland, told me that black sheep have very soft wool and clothing made from black wool can be very expensive. I can see why.
[And, just on a side note about these black creatures, some of you already know just how much I love my black animals -- especially my kitties!!! I miss them so much!!!]
Now for the second FIRST. Jan, God love her, is my personal tour guide for England. Since she has been driving me to various parts of Ssuthern England on educational reviews, she has been pointing out many places to me and talking about the history and current happenings at these places. Everything from the crops grown in the area to the history of a church or the people to the current state of the economy in the region. Jan is a wealth of knowledge and I pick her brain all the time. Anyways, as Jan and I talked the rest of the way down to Herne Bay, the "three-hour tour" seemed to fly by me. Just as Jan mentionad to me that we were almost to Herne Bay, she quickly pointed out the front window and exclaimed; "Look, a windmill!!!" My first REAL old-fashioned windmill!!! Once again -- How awesome is that!!! Sure, I've seen the new, white-towered windmills that dot the countrysides of the US, England, and other countries. But this, my friends, was an honset-to-goodness, Don Quixote windmill!!! The blades were not turning, but it looked so magnificent sitting on top of this knoll/hill. My thoughts immediately shifted to medieval times of knights, chivalry and romance. Nice storybook thinking, I know, but that's where my mind wandered. I'm just being honest with you folks -- embarrassing or not -- it's the truth. As Jan, once again, talked about windmills in this area, I knew that when I returned to this part of England in three weeks, I would visit the windmill to see more of its history.
It is just so refreshing to see new things with an open mind. Each day God gives us on this earth is a new beginning for amazing wonders and beautiful sights for everyone to capture with their heart and soul. Tomorrow, when you walk into the same office or workplace and mumble under your breath how everything is: "ho-hum" or "business as usual," remember that this is a brand new day and nothing is ever the same. These days, I am seeing the world through God-centered eyes; and that makes all things wonderful and beautiful and blessed -- even if it is removing an infant from his/her mother to protect him/her from harm. I know that God feels sad when people hurt or are hurt, but He also brings to all of us the HOPE of a better and brighter future. Even if that future is years away, His promise of eternal life, love and salvation for us should be enough for everyone to smile and wonder at all things!!! Even black sheep and windmills.
Once again, I ask each one of you to think about what wonderful and beautiful things have captured your heart and soul today. If you cannot think of anything, then I pose a challenge to you. Tomorrow, as you go through your day -- rain or shine; snow or sleet; warm or cold -- look at something familiar with a new pair of God-centered eyes and notice how you feel. Are you excited? Amazed? Awe-struck? If you are not, then look again. If you are all those, then praise God for being an intimate part of your day!!! This is Holy Week folks; a time when God and Jesus should be the center of your thoughts and prayerss. Use this time to capture an amazing view of the world around you. Notice the black sheep and windmills in your life -- and laugh.
IT IS AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL!!!
The reason for the title of this blog, "A Day of Firsts!" is due to the fact that I saw a couple of "firsts" in my lifetime and I wanted to let you know just how wonderful it was to see these things. You see, I had to visit another new client today for this young person's educational review and he/she lives in a small resort town on the shores of Kent called, Herne Bay. What a very quaint little town. This is the type of seaside town where many people visit during the summer and I can see why. This part of the English shorline is very pretty and, since Great Britian is an island, I am sure there are many more beautiful coastlines like this one. Well, this is just my thought, but remember, I have only been in this country for 7 weeks, so my thoughts don't hold much clout.
My first FIRST is something a bit comical; but nonetheless, a first for me. As my "partner in crime," Jan, was driving us to this educational review (she is the virtual head of Children in Care for Reading), I was admiring the southeast countryside of England out of my passanger-side window. Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light . . . (no wait, that's a song. Name that tune?). No really; up ahead in the distance, I noticed a few black animals on a hillside. I could not make out what type of animal these were, but as we drove closer, they looked like some little type of horses with fur. I was having a hard time adjusting my eyes because it was raining almost the whole time and the spray from the lorries were making it hard to see. As I stared at these creatures I tried to make out what the heck I was seeing; but to no avail. I had to wait until we got closer. I was going to ask Jan, but was weary of sounding "stupid" if these were common creatures to the English countryside. I began to get nervous as I still could not figure out what these animals were and they were going to be behind me soon. Then, it hit me we passed them at 70 mph . . . BAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!! BLACK SHEEP!!!! As far as my feable mind can recall, I have never seen a black sheep before in my life. And there were so many of them. I know; sounds ridiculous, but these were the cutest sheep I have ever seen!!!
As I turned to Jan with 'sheer' excitement, I told her that these were my first "black sheep" sighting!!! She busted out laughing amazed that I have never seen real live 'black' sheep!!! I started laughing as well, but only because I was so excited to see black sheep. You see folks, it really doesn't take much to make me happy any longer. I revel in the delight of all things new!!! Sure, everyone reading this post who has seen black sheep before may be thinking "How lame!" But not me, I am like a kid in a candy store when seeing such beautiful creatures for the first time. Okay, so they may stink and have really bad attitudes, but from the window of the car, they were beautiful!!! Jan, who is from Scotland, told me that black sheep have very soft wool and clothing made from black wool can be very expensive. I can see why.
[And, just on a side note about these black creatures, some of you already know just how much I love my black animals -- especially my kitties!!! I miss them so much!!!]
Now for the second FIRST. Jan, God love her, is my personal tour guide for England. Since she has been driving me to various parts of Ssuthern England on educational reviews, she has been pointing out many places to me and talking about the history and current happenings at these places. Everything from the crops grown in the area to the history of a church or the people to the current state of the economy in the region. Jan is a wealth of knowledge and I pick her brain all the time. Anyways, as Jan and I talked the rest of the way down to Herne Bay, the "three-hour tour" seemed to fly by me. Just as Jan mentionad to me that we were almost to Herne Bay, she quickly pointed out the front window and exclaimed; "Look, a windmill!!!" My first REAL old-fashioned windmill!!! Once again -- How awesome is that!!! Sure, I've seen the new, white-towered windmills that dot the countrysides of the US, England, and other countries. But this, my friends, was an honset-to-goodness, Don Quixote windmill!!! The blades were not turning, but it looked so magnificent sitting on top of this knoll/hill. My thoughts immediately shifted to medieval times of knights, chivalry and romance. Nice storybook thinking, I know, but that's where my mind wandered. I'm just being honest with you folks -- embarrassing or not -- it's the truth. As Jan, once again, talked about windmills in this area, I knew that when I returned to this part of England in three weeks, I would visit the windmill to see more of its history.
It is just so refreshing to see new things with an open mind. Each day God gives us on this earth is a new beginning for amazing wonders and beautiful sights for everyone to capture with their heart and soul. Tomorrow, when you walk into the same office or workplace and mumble under your breath how everything is: "ho-hum" or "business as usual," remember that this is a brand new day and nothing is ever the same. These days, I am seeing the world through God-centered eyes; and that makes all things wonderful and beautiful and blessed -- even if it is removing an infant from his/her mother to protect him/her from harm. I know that God feels sad when people hurt or are hurt, but He also brings to all of us the HOPE of a better and brighter future. Even if that future is years away, His promise of eternal life, love and salvation for us should be enough for everyone to smile and wonder at all things!!! Even black sheep and windmills.
Once again, I ask each one of you to think about what wonderful and beautiful things have captured your heart and soul today. If you cannot think of anything, then I pose a challenge to you. Tomorrow, as you go through your day -- rain or shine; snow or sleet; warm or cold -- look at something familiar with a new pair of God-centered eyes and notice how you feel. Are you excited? Amazed? Awe-struck? If you are not, then look again. If you are all those, then praise God for being an intimate part of your day!!! This is Holy Week folks; a time when God and Jesus should be the center of your thoughts and prayerss. Use this time to capture an amazing view of the world around you. Notice the black sheep and windmills in your life -- and laugh.
IT IS AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL!!!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Reflection Sunday: Week 5
PALM SUNDAY: This is my absolute favorite time of the year -- HOLY WEEK!!! This week of the Christian calendar is what being "Christian" is all about: Jesus entering Jerusalem, breaking bread with His disciples, suffering at the hands of the Jews, dying on the Cross, then rising in three days to conquer sin and death. This entire week shows Jesus' unconditional love of everyone. Such beauty can never be surpassed or reproduced. Hallelujah!!!
Last week, I was confronted with the one of the worst parts of my job in the child protection field. As you know, I will be removing a newborn from his/her teen mother once he/she is delivered. This has not occurred yet, but it will very soon. When I reitereated this plan to the young teen mom, she began to plead with me to stop this from happening. All I could do was tell her was that this decision was already made, and although I could let others know of her pleas; I could not be the one to change this decision. I can empathise with how horrible it must feel to see your son or daughter taken away from you with the possibility of never knowing him or her.
Then, I also experienced the enthusiastic and excited anticipation of the possibility that a wonderful program like YoungLives, a Christian program for young teen moms, may find its beginnings in the UK in the city of Reading. Once again, I tell you that I am in awe that something which I am trying to make into a reality has the possibility of actually happenning!!! Sacrey, yet exciting!!! God knows that Reading, and other parts of the UK, could sure use this program here. I just pray that the Reading Borough Council and/or other persons who can make YoungLives a reality here realize the benefits a program like this can bring to the teenagers of Reading and Berkshire county.
In both of the situations mentioned above, I know that I am simply God's messanger through my words and actions. My feelings and emotions hit total opposites: from the saddest and most heart-wrentching situation to the most hopeful and joyous possibility for helping teenage moms in the Reading area. How can this be? Well, I believe that this is all part of God's plan for me. I have come through many struggles and trials throughout my life, and I feel that God is showing me why He brought me to this place at this time. He is showing me that I came through those darker times in my life to shine brightly when tough times arise again. God provides strength to us through our struggles and sufferings. We are filled with the strength of the Holy Spirit when we turn to God and ask for His help. This is the message I hope to relay to those whom I help and minister. If God's grace and mercy are not shown through my actions or words, then I have strayed from the pathway which God has guided me to walk. I use these "Reflection Sundays" as a compass to see whether or not I have strayed from the pathway which God directed me to follow when answering "YES" to His call.
Folks, I ask that during this upcoming Holy Week you reflect on whether you are following the pathway where God has directed YOU!!! If you can answer, "yes, this is where God is guiding me," then pray to God that He continue to keep your eyes focused forward. If you answer, "no, this is not right," then pray for God to reposition you to where He needs you to go. If you answer "I really don't know," then pray to God to open you heart so you can hear Him give you directions on where to go next. God is always talking to us,. We just need to make sure we take time to stop and listen to His voice. My guess is that the message you receive from Him will be the most beautiful words you have ever heard in your life -- because they will be from the voice of Our Loving Father -- GOD!!!
I LOVE HOLY WEEK!!!! This is who I am!!!
Last week, I was confronted with the one of the worst parts of my job in the child protection field. As you know, I will be removing a newborn from his/her teen mother once he/she is delivered. This has not occurred yet, but it will very soon. When I reitereated this plan to the young teen mom, she began to plead with me to stop this from happening. All I could do was tell her was that this decision was already made, and although I could let others know of her pleas; I could not be the one to change this decision. I can empathise with how horrible it must feel to see your son or daughter taken away from you with the possibility of never knowing him or her.
Then, I also experienced the enthusiastic and excited anticipation of the possibility that a wonderful program like YoungLives, a Christian program for young teen moms, may find its beginnings in the UK in the city of Reading. Once again, I tell you that I am in awe that something which I am trying to make into a reality has the possibility of actually happenning!!! Sacrey, yet exciting!!! God knows that Reading, and other parts of the UK, could sure use this program here. I just pray that the Reading Borough Council and/or other persons who can make YoungLives a reality here realize the benefits a program like this can bring to the teenagers of Reading and Berkshire county.
In both of the situations mentioned above, I know that I am simply God's messanger through my words and actions. My feelings and emotions hit total opposites: from the saddest and most heart-wrentching situation to the most hopeful and joyous possibility for helping teenage moms in the Reading area. How can this be? Well, I believe that this is all part of God's plan for me. I have come through many struggles and trials throughout my life, and I feel that God is showing me why He brought me to this place at this time. He is showing me that I came through those darker times in my life to shine brightly when tough times arise again. God provides strength to us through our struggles and sufferings. We are filled with the strength of the Holy Spirit when we turn to God and ask for His help. This is the message I hope to relay to those whom I help and minister. If God's grace and mercy are not shown through my actions or words, then I have strayed from the pathway which God has guided me to walk. I use these "Reflection Sundays" as a compass to see whether or not I have strayed from the pathway which God directed me to follow when answering "YES" to His call.
Folks, I ask that during this upcoming Holy Week you reflect on whether you are following the pathway where God has directed YOU!!! If you can answer, "yes, this is where God is guiding me," then pray to God that He continue to keep your eyes focused forward. If you answer, "no, this is not right," then pray for God to reposition you to where He needs you to go. If you answer "I really don't know," then pray to God to open you heart so you can hear Him give you directions on where to go next. God is always talking to us,. We just need to make sure we take time to stop and listen to His voice. My guess is that the message you receive from Him will be the most beautiful words you have ever heard in your life -- because they will be from the voice of Our Loving Father -- GOD!!!
I LOVE HOLY WEEK!!!! This is who I am!!!
Qnswer to Trivia Question: An Ape!!!
Once again, I would like to thank everyone who tried "unsuccessfully" to guess this past week's trivia question. The ghost which inhabits a castle in Dorchester is an ape. The history surronding the ghost of Athelhampton is of an Ape, which belonged to the Martyn family in the sixteenth century. The ape is also the emblem on their coat of arms on the stained glass of the Great Hall. The ape is rumoured to to roam the house looking for its new owner, finding four daughters. The haunting heard is said to be the Ape attempting to escape from the stairways and cellar it became trapped in.
Most of Athelhampton house has been in place for over five hundred years, the history of which, and its related families dates back over a thousand years. Numerous owners have carried out works on the building to make it what it is today. The site was inhabited from 1086 and built on in 1485 was the Great hall, Solar and Buttery. In 1485 a 160 acre deer park was established with the Gatehouse and West Wing being built in 1550. The building to the back of house was split into four seperate house holds.
In 1862 the Church of St. John is built and the Gatehouse demolished. Restoration to the gardens and creation of formal gardens took place in 1891. Also in 1920-1 the north wing at the back of the house was built.
Thank you for trying to guess this piece of trivia. Now, try your luck with next week's question. I hope you have fun!!!
Most of Athelhampton house has been in place for over five hundred years, the history of which, and its related families dates back over a thousand years. Numerous owners have carried out works on the building to make it what it is today. The site was inhabited from 1086 and built on in 1485 was the Great hall, Solar and Buttery. In 1485 a 160 acre deer park was established with the Gatehouse and West Wing being built in 1550. The building to the back of house was split into four seperate house holds.
In 1862 the Church of St. John is built and the Gatehouse demolished. Restoration to the gardens and creation of formal gardens took place in 1891. Also in 1920-1 the north wing at the back of the house was built.
Thank you for trying to guess this piece of trivia. Now, try your luck with next week's question. I hope you have fun!!!
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