So, it's April 24th (I think) and it looks like December outside! AND it's supposed to snow overnight and into the morning. Apparently it's supposed to warm up Friday afternoon and into the weekend, but that's what 'they' said at the beginning of the week!
I can't wait until I can return to Brazil! January won't come soon enough:)
Snow, snow go away, come again when I don't live in Canada!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Dengue Outbreak
This is scary stuff. I'm thankful I didn't get dengue fever. Right now it's the rainy season in Brazil, so that's why there is an epidemic.
April 15, 2008Dengue Outbreak Sweeps Through Rio By MERY GALANTERNICK and ALEXEI BARRIONUEVORIO DE JANEIRO -
Heavy rains over the past month have created a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes carrying the dengue fever virus, deepening a crisis that has claimed at least 80 lives in Rio State.
The dengue strain ravaging this tropical city is now believed to be stronger and more lethal than the virus responsible for an epidemic in 2002, considered the worst in recent history in Brazil, according to Dr. Jacob Kligerman, health secretary for the city.
The spreading epidemic has shown no signs of slowing. Since January, 75,399 people have been infected in Rio State, health officials say. The mortality rate is now more than three times as high as it was during the epidemic in 2002, which claimed 91 lives.
There is no vaccine for dengue, also known as "bone break fever," which is spread by bites from the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Dengue produces high fever, a rash, nausea, vomiting and severe headaches and joint and muscle pains. The treatment includes pain relievers, rest and fluids. The disease usually lasts about one week.
Children younger than 15, who have little immunity, are the most susceptible to being infected. At least 35 children have died from the disease in Rio State.
As the death toll has mounted, public officials have been slow to react, in part because no one could decide if the mosquito was a city, state or federal issue. In recent days physicians have been brought in from other states, and the federal government has sent in 1,700 members of the armed forces to help anti-disease efforts.
Last week, army and navy service members trained by health officials began a 30-day tour in Rio State, visiting 95,000 homes in an effort to identify breeding grounds for the mosquito and to teach residents how to help prevent the disease. The service members are also giving patients intravenous saline solution to avoid severe dehydration.
The latest outbreak was set off by heavy rains. The mosquito breeds in uncovered water tanks, pools of stagnant water and discarded tires that accumulate water. The shantytowns built along jungle hillsides here provide a fertile mosquito breeding ground.
The dengue outbreak is taking a toll on tourism. The embassies of several countries, including the United States, Portugal and Italy, issued alerts on their Web sites warning about the epidemic in Rio, the main gateway into Brazil for foreign tourists. Two Portuguese tourists were infected in Rio, Portuguese newspapers reported. Officials recommend that visitors wear trousers and long-sleeve shirts, and that they spray insect repellent on uncovered skin three times a day.
When two children died from dengue here last November, the local authorities determined that a second type of dengue virus was present and that it could cause more casualties among children than the 2002 epidemic. In its more severe form, dengue hemorrhagic fever, the illness causes internal bleeding and can eventually kill.
According to the health secretary of the city of Rio, 50 people who have died were infected with hemorrhagic dengue, half of them younger than 12. The toll in the city is more than half of the 91 deaths reported in 2002 for all of Rio State.
In Jacarepaguá, one of the most afflicted neighborhoods in the city, the air force put up 15 barracks with space to care for up to 400 patients a day. "There were many more people needing assistance than we could handle," said Col. Henry Munhoz, a spokesman for the air force.
Last week, 4,000 former guides to the Pan American Games were called back to help fight the disease. The governor of Rio State, SĂ©rgio Cabral, unveiled a package of dengue-related measures, including an educational campaign for public transportation, schools and police stations.
Those efforts are meant to avoid an epidemic next year. The governor has expressed frustration at the lack of effort by city officials in preventing the disease. "But right now we are facing a crisis; we don't have time to debate whose responsibility it is," he told reporters late last month. "It's useless to cry over spilled milk. There are people dying."
April 15, 2008Dengue Outbreak Sweeps Through Rio By MERY GALANTERNICK and ALEXEI BARRIONUEVORIO DE JANEIRO -
Heavy rains over the past month have created a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes carrying the dengue fever virus, deepening a crisis that has claimed at least 80 lives in Rio State.
The dengue strain ravaging this tropical city is now believed to be stronger and more lethal than the virus responsible for an epidemic in 2002, considered the worst in recent history in Brazil, according to Dr. Jacob Kligerman, health secretary for the city.
The spreading epidemic has shown no signs of slowing. Since January, 75,399 people have been infected in Rio State, health officials say. The mortality rate is now more than three times as high as it was during the epidemic in 2002, which claimed 91 lives.
There is no vaccine for dengue, also known as "bone break fever," which is spread by bites from the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Dengue produces high fever, a rash, nausea, vomiting and severe headaches and joint and muscle pains. The treatment includes pain relievers, rest and fluids. The disease usually lasts about one week.
Children younger than 15, who have little immunity, are the most susceptible to being infected. At least 35 children have died from the disease in Rio State.
As the death toll has mounted, public officials have been slow to react, in part because no one could decide if the mosquito was a city, state or federal issue. In recent days physicians have been brought in from other states, and the federal government has sent in 1,700 members of the armed forces to help anti-disease efforts.
Last week, army and navy service members trained by health officials began a 30-day tour in Rio State, visiting 95,000 homes in an effort to identify breeding grounds for the mosquito and to teach residents how to help prevent the disease. The service members are also giving patients intravenous saline solution to avoid severe dehydration.
The latest outbreak was set off by heavy rains. The mosquito breeds in uncovered water tanks, pools of stagnant water and discarded tires that accumulate water. The shantytowns built along jungle hillsides here provide a fertile mosquito breeding ground.
The dengue outbreak is taking a toll on tourism. The embassies of several countries, including the United States, Portugal and Italy, issued alerts on their Web sites warning about the epidemic in Rio, the main gateway into Brazil for foreign tourists. Two Portuguese tourists were infected in Rio, Portuguese newspapers reported. Officials recommend that visitors wear trousers and long-sleeve shirts, and that they spray insect repellent on uncovered skin three times a day.
When two children died from dengue here last November, the local authorities determined that a second type of dengue virus was present and that it could cause more casualties among children than the 2002 epidemic. In its more severe form, dengue hemorrhagic fever, the illness causes internal bleeding and can eventually kill.
According to the health secretary of the city of Rio, 50 people who have died were infected with hemorrhagic dengue, half of them younger than 12. The toll in the city is more than half of the 91 deaths reported in 2002 for all of Rio State.
In Jacarepaguá, one of the most afflicted neighborhoods in the city, the air force put up 15 barracks with space to care for up to 400 patients a day. "There were many more people needing assistance than we could handle," said Col. Henry Munhoz, a spokesman for the air force.
Last week, 4,000 former guides to the Pan American Games were called back to help fight the disease. The governor of Rio State, SĂ©rgio Cabral, unveiled a package of dengue-related measures, including an educational campaign for public transportation, schools and police stations.
Those efforts are meant to avoid an epidemic next year. The governor has expressed frustration at the lack of effort by city officials in preventing the disease. "But right now we are facing a crisis; we don't have time to debate whose responsibility it is," he told reporters late last month. "It's useless to cry over spilled milk. There are people dying."
Sunday, March 30, 2008
On my way to Brazil
Hi Everyone,
Thank you SO, SO much for praying for me while I couldn't sleep and for the processing of my VISA.
I recieved my VISA on Wednesday! And I was able to sleep a bit better.
I will be flying out of Calgary at 7am Monday morning and arriving in Sao Paulo, Brazil Tuesday morning. The plan is to visit Valley of Blessing, the children's ministry for a few days. Then I'll fly to Goiania to visit the language school in Vianopolis, some of LAM's missionaries in Anapolis and Tres Ranchos. I will be flying home on April 7th. It'll be a busy week, but I'm looking forward to the visit.
Would you please join me in prayer for:
*safe travels
*minimal culture shock & patience with the language (Portuguese)
*seeing Brazil through God's eyes
*vision for my future ministry
I appreciate all the prayers and support and verses from everyone. I wish I could give all of you BIG HUGS!
Love you all!
Blessings,
Julie
Thank you SO, SO much for praying for me while I couldn't sleep and for the processing of my VISA.
I recieved my VISA on Wednesday! And I was able to sleep a bit better.
I will be flying out of Calgary at 7am Monday morning and arriving in Sao Paulo, Brazil Tuesday morning. The plan is to visit Valley of Blessing, the children's ministry for a few days. Then I'll fly to Goiania to visit the language school in Vianopolis, some of LAM's missionaries in Anapolis and Tres Ranchos. I will be flying home on April 7th. It'll be a busy week, but I'm looking forward to the visit.
Would you please join me in prayer for:
*safe travels
*minimal culture shock & patience with the language (Portuguese)
*seeing Brazil through God's eyes
*vision for my future ministry
I appreciate all the prayers and support and verses from everyone. I wish I could give all of you BIG HUGS!
Love you all!
Blessings,
Julie
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Friday, March 07, 2008
Hi Everyone,
Please pray for me. I could use some encouraging words right now and some verses surrounding faith, peace and trust.
I am stressed out about my VISA application. I am traveling to Brazil on March 31st and I must have a VISA to enter the country.
I haven't been sleeping due to the stress. I'm thankful that God is sustaining me through each day and I'm thankful that I'm not sick.
Please pray for an overwhelming sense of peace and good, long, deep sleeps. Please pray that my VISA application with be processed quicker than normal and that my passport will be safe as I am required to mail it to Vancouver, British Columbia.
Blessings,
Julie
Please pray for me. I could use some encouraging words right now and some verses surrounding faith, peace and trust.
I am stressed out about my VISA application. I am traveling to Brazil on March 31st and I must have a VISA to enter the country.
I haven't been sleeping due to the stress. I'm thankful that God is sustaining me through each day and I'm thankful that I'm not sick.
Please pray for an overwhelming sense of peace and good, long, deep sleeps. Please pray that my VISA application with be processed quicker than normal and that my passport will be safe as I am required to mail it to Vancouver, British Columbia.
Blessings,
Julie
MRI
Good news...
I have no torn ligaments or tendons. I just have a slight fissure in some cartilage and when I climb stairs my thigh bone rubs underneath my knee cap. It's partly because I climb stairs at work and partly because I'm tall. Not much I can do about being tall! The doctor recommended that I keep doing my exercises and stay away from stairs. Guess I'll have to deal for just awhile longer!
Thanks for praying!
I have no torn ligaments or tendons. I just have a slight fissure in some cartilage and when I climb stairs my thigh bone rubs underneath my knee cap. It's partly because I climb stairs at work and partly because I'm tall. Not much I can do about being tall! The doctor recommended that I keep doing my exercises and stay away from stairs. Guess I'll have to deal for just awhile longer!
Thanks for praying!
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Quick update...
I just tried to post something and now I've lost it!
I have decided to go to Brazil in January 2009 with Latin America Mission. I'm in the process of being accepted. I'll be in language school for about a year and then working with an organization called Valley of Blessing.
On March 31st until April 7th I'll be in Brazil. I'm going to do an exploratory trip to visit the language school and the ministry.
Please pray that I'll get all the details worked out.
I'm working through a VISA application and trying to figure out which shots I'll need. I have an appointment with my doctor on Thursday reguarding my MRI and I'll ask him about immunization. I also need an International Immunization Card. So I have to figure out which province I can get that from.
Please pray that I can trust God with the finances and not panic. I'm not sleeping through the night, but God is sustaining me.
I'm sorry for not keeping better in touch. I will update more about orientation when it isn't almost 12:30am!
Blessings,
Julie
I have decided to go to Brazil in January 2009 with Latin America Mission. I'm in the process of being accepted. I'll be in language school for about a year and then working with an organization called Valley of Blessing.
On March 31st until April 7th I'll be in Brazil. I'm going to do an exploratory trip to visit the language school and the ministry.
Please pray that I'll get all the details worked out.
I'm working through a VISA application and trying to figure out which shots I'll need. I have an appointment with my doctor on Thursday reguarding my MRI and I'll ask him about immunization. I also need an International Immunization Card. So I have to figure out which province I can get that from.
Please pray that I can trust God with the finances and not panic. I'm not sleeping through the night, but God is sustaining me.
I'm sorry for not keeping better in touch. I will update more about orientation when it isn't almost 12:30am!
Blessings,
Julie
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Here's what's been going on recently...
Customs was interesting. He wasn't happy with my answer as an orientation or conference. When I was flipping through my folder to get the letter out from Lam Canada, he told me to just answer the question. I know he was just doing his job, but it was really intimidating and I don't like being judged. For some reason he was happy with what I gave him (I don't remember what it was) and I did make it clear through my answers that I was not getting paid.
I went through customs in Toronto. So it was nice to have that off my mind for the flight to Miami. Besides the flight attendents, I felt like the youngest person on the flight! The rest were seniors and retirees. And two young families! Florida is the place for snow birds and cruises! My seat was in the fire exit aisle and I was so excited. Then the flight attendant asked me if I wouldn't mind switching with a tall gentlemen! I said yes, but was disappointed...I'm tall too! But when I saw him standing, he had to be at least 6'6! He commented that I was tall, and I said he was taller. His wife bought me a drink and so not to be rude, I traded it in for food...$6 worth...Air Canada sure knows how to make money! There were personal tv's for each seat with choices of movies and news and tv shows to watch. It made the flights seem shorter.
When I got to Miami, Kiki took me out for dinner for Cuban food. It was good! Another orientee was there and Kiki's mother. Kiki is the mobilizer. I was exhausted and having trouble taking it all in. We drove around for a bit and were shown some sites, then we went to Kiki's house. We chatted a bit and despite the 2 hour time difference, I went to bed at 11pm eastern!
We slept in until 9am and then went for Cuban coffee...it's like a shot of espresso...yummy. Then toured around to different places. Miami seems to be rich in Cuban/Latino culture. But many of the trees are fairly young since hurracaine Andrew destroyed a lot. Kiki's Mom was driving us around. It was nice to be a tourist and be able to ask questions and see things. Even though it was quite windy it's still warmer than Calgary! Even at 9pm it's warm!!
This morning we start at 8am, but breakfast is at the hotel earlier than that. The office is about a 5 min. walk from the hotel so I don't think it'll be too rushed.
Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Julie
Customs was interesting. He wasn't happy with my answer as an orientation or conference. When I was flipping through my folder to get the letter out from Lam Canada, he told me to just answer the question. I know he was just doing his job, but it was really intimidating and I don't like being judged. For some reason he was happy with what I gave him (I don't remember what it was) and I did make it clear through my answers that I was not getting paid.
I went through customs in Toronto. So it was nice to have that off my mind for the flight to Miami. Besides the flight attendents, I felt like the youngest person on the flight! The rest were seniors and retirees. And two young families! Florida is the place for snow birds and cruises! My seat was in the fire exit aisle and I was so excited. Then the flight attendant asked me if I wouldn't mind switching with a tall gentlemen! I said yes, but was disappointed...I'm tall too! But when I saw him standing, he had to be at least 6'6! He commented that I was tall, and I said he was taller. His wife bought me a drink and so not to be rude, I traded it in for food...$6 worth...Air Canada sure knows how to make money! There were personal tv's for each seat with choices of movies and news and tv shows to watch. It made the flights seem shorter.
When I got to Miami, Kiki took me out for dinner for Cuban food. It was good! Another orientee was there and Kiki's mother. Kiki is the mobilizer. I was exhausted and having trouble taking it all in. We drove around for a bit and were shown some sites, then we went to Kiki's house. We chatted a bit and despite the 2 hour time difference, I went to bed at 11pm eastern!
We slept in until 9am and then went for Cuban coffee...it's like a shot of espresso...yummy. Then toured around to different places. Miami seems to be rich in Cuban/Latino culture. But many of the trees are fairly young since hurracaine Andrew destroyed a lot. Kiki's Mom was driving us around. It was nice to be a tourist and be able to ask questions and see things. Even though it was quite windy it's still warmer than Calgary! Even at 9pm it's warm!!
This morning we start at 8am, but breakfast is at the hotel earlier than that. The office is about a 5 min. walk from the hotel so I don't think it'll be too rushed.
Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Julie
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
January 12, 2008
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone was able to make some wonderful memories this Christmas season.
Even though I wasn't able to go home, I was invited into other people’s families. I had a Polish Christmas Eve dinner and a good old Canadian Christmas Day turkey dinner. I spent time with roommates opening presents and stockings, eating and building a gingerbread train.
Now that the store hours are back to normal (yay!), I can wind down and focus on orientation in Miami in 8 days!
I want to thank you for continuing to pray and support me as I move towards my dreams.
I had to cancel my MRI appointment (again), but I was praying and asking God to give me a date in February. I was talking to my doctor's office January 3rd and my MRI is on February 21st at 9pm! I don't even have to miss work and it's at Foothills hospital which is close to home.
On January 2nd I bought US Dollars and again started to worry about finances. My mom called that night and told me to sit down. I could tell by her voice she had good news. On her table she had a cheque from church (the church I grew up in) for a generous amount made out to me. She was told that the cheque was to help with expenses. Talk about God's perfect timing!
I know that I am human and worrying is a human characteristic. But I take it too the extreme and worry to the point that I don't sleep. Please pray that I will continually lay my worries at God's feet and let Him worry about it for me.
Last Saturday I finished my application and sent it off on Tuesday. It feels good to finally have it finished. And although I was challenged, I feel like I know myself better.
May God fill your hearts in 2008 with JOY and PEACE for Him and for the life that He's given you. He LOVES you, you know!
Blessings,
Julie Clausen
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone was able to make some wonderful memories this Christmas season.
Even though I wasn't able to go home, I was invited into other people’s families. I had a Polish Christmas Eve dinner and a good old Canadian Christmas Day turkey dinner. I spent time with roommates opening presents and stockings, eating and building a gingerbread train.
Now that the store hours are back to normal (yay!), I can wind down and focus on orientation in Miami in 8 days!
I want to thank you for continuing to pray and support me as I move towards my dreams.
I had to cancel my MRI appointment (again), but I was praying and asking God to give me a date in February. I was talking to my doctor's office January 3rd and my MRI is on February 21st at 9pm! I don't even have to miss work and it's at Foothills hospital which is close to home.
On January 2nd I bought US Dollars and again started to worry about finances. My mom called that night and told me to sit down. I could tell by her voice she had good news. On her table she had a cheque from church (the church I grew up in) for a generous amount made out to me. She was told that the cheque was to help with expenses. Talk about God's perfect timing!
I know that I am human and worrying is a human characteristic. But I take it too the extreme and worry to the point that I don't sleep. Please pray that I will continually lay my worries at God's feet and let Him worry about it for me.
Last Saturday I finished my application and sent it off on Tuesday. It feels good to finally have it finished. And although I was challenged, I feel like I know myself better.
May God fill your hearts in 2008 with JOY and PEACE for Him and for the life that He's given you. He LOVES you, you know!
Blessings,
Julie Clausen
Thursday, January 03, 2008
God's Blessings
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone was able to make some wonderful memories this Christmas season.
Even though I wasn't able to go home, I was invited into other peoples families. I had a Polish Christmas Eve dinner and a good old Canadian Christmas Day turkey dinner. I spent time with roommates opening presents and stockings, eating and building a gingerbread train.
Now that the store hours are back to normal (yay!), I can wind down and focus on orientation in Miami in 18 days!
I want to thank you for continuing to pray and support me as I move towards my dreams.
I had to cancel my MRI appointment (again), but last week I was praying and asking God to give me a date in February. I was talking to my doctor's office today and my MRI is on February 21st at 9pm! I don't even have to miss work and it's at Foothills hospital which is close to home.
Yesterday I bought US Dollars and again started to worry about finances. My mom called last night and told me to sit down. I could tell by her voice she had good news. On her table she had a cheque from my parents church (the church I grew up in) for $500 made out to me. All the board told her was that the cheque was to help with expenses. If it was a donation to LAM, my name can't appear anywhere on the cheque. Talk about God's perfect timing!
I know that I am human and worrying is a human characteristic. But I take it too the extreme and worry to the point that I don't sleep. Please pray that I will continually lay my worries at God's feet and let Him worry about it for me.
I'm almost finished my application but am quite frustrated over one section - doctrinals. Doctinals are what I believe. Should be easy right? I struggled with theology in college and I'm struggling with this too. Pray that I'll be able to think clearly, ignore Satan as he tries to bring me down and just write.
May God fill your hearts in 2008 with JOY and PEACE for Him and for the life that He's given you. He LOVES you, you know!
Blessings,
Julie
Saturday, December 29, 2007
"A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord - and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. he will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears will his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteouness will be his belt and faithfuness the sash around his waist." Isaiah 11:1-5
"Surely God is my Salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." Isaiah 12:2
"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you." Isaiah 12:4-6
"Surely God is my Salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." Isaiah 12:2
"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you." Isaiah 12:4-6
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Dear Family and Friends,
From June 2000 to August 2001, I served God in Mexico City with Latin America Mission as a short term missionary. For the past six years, I have been praying that God would allow me to return to Latin America. God has blessed me with being released from debt, therefore allowing me to apply with Latin America Mission (LAM) for full time missionary service.
One Sunday, my pastor challenged us to think about what our ideal situation in life would be. Some say to live comfortably, without debt or to have financial security, to be at the top of the company, or to have good health. My ideal life – working with horses to reach out to at risk kids and teens in Latin America. Yes, it’ll be difficult, strenuous and challenging. But it’ll also be rewarding when that one child sees that they are worth something and that God loves them and they can trust again.
LAM has invited me to attend their ten day orientation in Miami, Florida from January 21st through the 31st. At the orientation I will learn about LAM’s history, vision for the future, their approach to ministry and the nuts-and-bolts of service with LAM. If you are interested in learning more about LAM, check out their website: www.lam.org
I am asking my family and friends to partner and support me through prayer (I could NEVER do this without prayer) and financial contributions. The total cost is $2200.00. This amount includes my orientation fee, airfare, accommodation, and meal expenses. If you would like to contribute financially towards my trip, you can send a cheque to the Latin America Mission at the address below and receive a tax receipt for your donation. On a separate note (post-it notes work well) please write Clausen/LAM USA orientation.
Latin America Mission (Canada) Inc.
3075 Ridgeway Drive, Unit 14
Mississauga, ON L5L 5M6
Please pray for continued guidance and wisdom. As the busy retail Christmas season is here, pray for continued health and alertness. On January 17th I have an appointment for an MRI on my left knee. Pray that everything will go smoothly and the results positive. During the orientation in Miami, pray for health, safety and vision. Please also pray that I will benefit and learn from the orientation and all that unfolds.
If you have any questions, please post a message and I'll get back to you. Thanks so much in advance for your prayers and giving.
Blessings,
Julie
Monday, December 03, 2007
Trusting God
I haven't written recently because I don't know what to write.
I have booked my flight to Miami, but now I need a passport. I've printed out the online version, but it didn't work properly and now when I go to bring up the online version, there are technical difficulties and it doesn't load. I'm trying not to panic, but it takes three weeks to process a passport.
Hopefully I will hear today whether or not I can begin raising funds through LAM's Canadian office for orientation in Miami. I'm trying to be patient, but I'm wearing down.
But, around three weeks ago, I ask God to help me to be patient. God helps me to be patient by giving me reasons TO be patient. Too bad patience isn't a one time learning experience...it's something we ALL need to work on time and time again!
I'm also having trouble with Christmas. Since I work in retail it seems to come from all directions! I want to participate in the birth of Christ part, but the materialism surrounding it is too much to take. I want to bless people, but that's hard to do on a tight budget.
Please pray for sanity as I work in this crazy industry during Christmas. Also that I will be able to focus and just take one day at a time and not panic or look too far ahead. God will only give me as much as I can handle, pray that I will continue to trust Him.
Please pray that I can focus on Jesus this season. That when I sing Christmas carols, that I don't just sing them, but I relfect on what I'm singing and love God even more for bring Jesus into this crazy, mixed up world.
Blessings,
Julie
I have booked my flight to Miami, but now I need a passport. I've printed out the online version, but it didn't work properly and now when I go to bring up the online version, there are technical difficulties and it doesn't load. I'm trying not to panic, but it takes three weeks to process a passport.
Hopefully I will hear today whether or not I can begin raising funds through LAM's Canadian office for orientation in Miami. I'm trying to be patient, but I'm wearing down.
But, around three weeks ago, I ask God to help me to be patient. God helps me to be patient by giving me reasons TO be patient. Too bad patience isn't a one time learning experience...it's something we ALL need to work on time and time again!
I'm also having trouble with Christmas. Since I work in retail it seems to come from all directions! I want to participate in the birth of Christ part, but the materialism surrounding it is too much to take. I want to bless people, but that's hard to do on a tight budget.
Please pray for sanity as I work in this crazy industry during Christmas. Also that I will be able to focus and just take one day at a time and not panic or look too far ahead. God will only give me as much as I can handle, pray that I will continue to trust Him.
Please pray that I can focus on Jesus this season. That when I sing Christmas carols, that I don't just sing them, but I relfect on what I'm singing and love God even more for bring Jesus into this crazy, mixed up world.
Blessings,
Julie
Friday, November 16, 2007
I'm going!
Guess what? I'm going to Miami in January for Latin America Missions orientation! I can't believe that the ball is finally rolling. My manager okayed the leave of absence and said that she would do anything for me. Why did I spend my whole shift today worried about what would happen? Satan must've had a field day with me today.
I asked for patience and God has given me PLENTY of opportunity to practice it:)
So now I have to see if I can go on a wait list for my MRI, finish my passport appy, and get organizing!
Please pray for diligence and focus.
I asked for patience and God has given me PLENTY of opportunity to practice it:)
So now I have to see if I can go on a wait list for my MRI, finish my passport appy, and get organizing!
Please pray for diligence and focus.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Decisions
Last night at around 2:30am I realized that on January 22 I have an MRI appointment. Right at the beginning of orientation.
Now I have to decide (and soon) if I really need to MRI or do I have enough faith to believe my doctor when he says that I don't really need one. I don't want to mess with my knee. If something is wrong, I would like to have it dealt with BEFORE I leave Canada.
There is another orientation in June, but then I wouldn't be leaving in the summer (pr0vided I have all my support raised).
God, what are you trying to teach me?
Now I have to decide (and soon) if I really need to MRI or do I have enough faith to believe my doctor when he says that I don't really need one. I don't want to mess with my knee. If something is wrong, I would like to have it dealt with BEFORE I leave Canada.
There is another orientation in June, but then I wouldn't be leaving in the summer (pr0vided I have all my support raised).
God, what are you trying to teach me?
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
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