More Mixed Emotions

Today was my last day as a Mount Hermon Employee! It was a very bittersweet goodbye in the Book Shop... I will miss the job and all the people I worked with. Funny how it sorta sneaks up on you how much you'll miss people. I guess that's why God tells us to be thankful in all situations--so it isn't when something is over that we come to realize the value therein.

The other day I had an interesting conversation with God. Or not so much of a conversation, but maybe another sort of realization. I was sitting on a bench on WestCliff reading Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller (kind of irrelevant, though it is a good book... especially the chapter called Naked about the Garden of Eden). Anyway, I don't remember if something in the book triggered this or what, but all of a sudden I realized that the closer it gets to my leaving for Mexico and Austria the more I find that I value home--the community of people, the beach, the weather, my church... Leaving may seem to some an adventure to be envied, but for me it is becoming a sacrifice of sorts. Don't get me wrong. I want to go. And I am sure I will have a lot of fun too. But the act of leaving is an act of obedience more than desire right now. Which in a lot of ways affirms for me that this really just might be right where God wants me. After all, He never tells me life with Him will be easy. But it most certainly is an adventure.

Though I'm both sad and excited to leave I have even more anticipation over how God will use me this next year. Prayers that I continue to hear His voice and follow His leading would be great!

Thanks friends!

Back From Mississippi

I'm back in California! And I've brought with me a whole new appreciation for where I live after visiting Pearlington, Mississippi. I discovered that I had a whole set of stereotypes about the South and that most of them were not true. I always kind of pictured the plantation South with farmland and huge homes with wrap around porches. Maybe some people picnicing while wearing all white linen clothes. Instead of this Hollywood sort of image, I got the real thing. Only, the real thing was, yes, imperfect, but also beautiful in a different way. The people were so generous even though they had little to give--some still without a house to call home after Katrina.

Probably the best thing about being down there was that we were able to help the people to see that they are not forgotten. Even now, 6 (I think) years after the hurricane there are still homes that haven't been touched since, still families who are trying to make ends meet and trying to rebuild their homes. It was heartbreaking to me, but also humbling in a good way to be a message to the people of Pearlington that we have not forgotten them.

It's funny because we did a lot of work--painting, chipping paint, tearing out baseboards, setting up scaffolding, etc. But those things seem kind of secondary to just being there. Though most of my time was spent working and maybe only 2% talking with local people it was the 2% that I will remember and treasure most. And part of that is because that is really where I saw God at work. So many of the people have a vibrant faith in God even after they lost everything. As one team member said, their faith in difficult circumstances has increased my faith and has encouraged me.

There's so much more to tell, and I realize this blog is rather vague... if you want to hear more actual stories send me an email or give me a call. I'd love to share more about the trip!

Hair Gel Is Making a Comeback!

I've recently asked a friend of mine who has been to Mexico what to bring. The answer I have received so far: hair gel. Interesting, eh? Well, apparently head lice is a common fate when working at the orphanage and gel tends to keep them away. Now, let's think about this:

My straight blondish brownish hair.

Hair gel.

Wet looking, stiff hair.

Suffice it to say that any photos of me on this trip are not going to be too attractive : )

Today I am also getting my belongings together for the Mississippi trip. These items are fairly standard in comparison to the hair gel. Although, for the first time I will be wearing...dun dun dun... steel toe boots!!! They are enormous and will make me feel rather important on the job site I'm sure. How to get them to Mississippi with me is the question at hand--to pack them or to wear them in the cramped airplane... hmm. Sounds like I've made my decision.

I'd love prayers for a strong focus on our purpose of this trip--to serve. And for a good attitude no matter what the circumstances.

The kick-off to my year of serving is soon to begin! May I bear Christ's name well.

Mixed Emotions

Since this Mexico thing has come together so quickly my emotions haven't had much time to catch up with me. I am excited for sure. But now that my time at Mount Hermon is coming to a close I find myself feeling pretty sad too. A year of relationships were built here; leaving friends and family again will be hard.

A few tears have been shed this past week--for this mixed bag of emotions and for a few other personal things I have been dealing with. I'm sure more are to come.

Isn't it funny in a wonderful kind of way how as a Christian you can have so much joy and peace while still feeling sad and anxious all at the same time?

Mexico Update

I heard back from the orphanage in mexico... and I just booked my plane tickets!!! I will be going to Grace Children's Home on January 11th and staying until March 31st. Here is a link to their website: http://www.gchmexico.org/

I am excited (and a bit nervous) for this opportunity and for the way it has all come together so quickly!

More updates as they come,

Emily

A Few New Adventures on the Horizon

Here's just an intro to all the adventures (God-willing) this next year holds:

In just about two weeks I will be heading with a team of people to Pearlington Mississippi to help rebuild houses that are still in disrepair since Hurricane Katrina a few years back. I convinced my mom that this would be the best family vacation for us this year. So, as a retirement vacation for my mom we are going to work work work work to help the people of Pearlington to get back into their homes! Sounds relaxing, no? In any case, we are both excited to be doing something for some people who are in need.

Also, on the horizon is my trip to Mexico to work at the House of Hope orphanage (Casa de Hogar de la Gracia... I think that's right???). I am waiting on a bit of paperwork, but if all works according to plan I will be in Tijuana at the orphanage for three months starting early January. It is a Christian orphanage and has about 30 children from ages 4-14. This has been a dream of mine for a few years now and I am so excited that it will be a reality soon!!!

After Mexico I will be heading back to Austria to work at Tauernhof, the Bible school that I attended there in Schladming. I will be working in the kitchen and housekeeping area! I am excited to be back in the Bible school atmosphere and to see how God will change lives.

All of these adventures are exciting and a little bit scary. I know God has good things in store, but I will miss all my friends and family. It seems like right when I start to feel settled God is ready to move me somewhere new. My prayer as I prepare for these opportunities is that I remain faithful to His calling on my life--always ready to listen for His voice and to go (or even to stay) where He leads.

Didn't Realize

"Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 

He called out to them..."

John 21:4-5