Words fail me to even know where to begin with describing my trip to Cuzco, Macchu Picchu, and the surrounding areas. Four of our teammates left Peru on a Sunday, those of us who remained spent the whole day on Monday with our Peruvian friends and family and then prepared for the arrival of four other friends from Oregon who arrived on Tuesday night. The transition was a fast one but it seemed to go really smoothly. Eight of us headed to the airport early on Wednesday to start our big trek of the unknown. We arrived in Cuzco (at 11,000 ft.)Wednesday late morning and were picked up by a cab from our hostel that Raul (the pastor) set up for us. We were told by people who have been to Cuzco before to take it easy on the first day there because the elevation can really be tough. We werent really sure what to expect but we decided to take it easy anyways, just in case. My friend Emily and I definitely experienced a bit of the altitude. It was hard going from basically sea level to 11,000 ft. Our symptoms werent horrible and they definately could have been worse but it was kind of a rough day.
Traveling with eight people can defintely present it´s difficulties. We spent most of the first day talking about what we wanted to do and trying to get on the same page about things. After a lot of talking (and translating..my friend Elyse waas amazing about that for us!) we finally came to some rough conclusions. A few people really loved Cuzco and wanted to stay there an extra day to see some of the sights (which were really neat) but a couple of us wanted to go travel more outside of Cuzco and be really intentional about the little time we had. So, thankfully we all agreed, and everyone was excited about the choice they had made. Even though it was kind of sad splitting up, it really ended up working out the best because our group was so big, it would have been very challenging traveling together.
My friend Emily and I decided to split off from the group. She had done a lot of research before she came down to Peru so she had a really good handle on what she wanted to see and the places we could go. I was so thankful for that! We had a little direction from our tour guide of sorts, he took us to get a cab the next morning and we were on our way, with nothing but a backpack! It was probably the most freeing feeling to just go, simplistically, with only a few necessities.
Our final destination that day was Aguas Calientes (which is right at the base of Macchu Picchu) but there were a few things we had to do before we got there. Our cab driver was amazing because he was, in a sense, our own tour guide. He would stop and let us take pictures along the way and he would wait for us at the main areas we wanted to see. We made two detour stops along the way, and i am so glad we did. The first stop we made was in Moray. In Moray there are Incan farming ruins. They are a series of cicular terraces that go down 150meters deep. What the teraces did was create their own micro climate which was used for experimental farming. It was fascinating! The other place we stopped was about 20 minutes drive from Moray to a place called Selenas. In Selenas they have what are called Salt Mines. The whole valley is covered in white (which looks like snow) but it is salt! Also Incan made, the salt mines are a series of all these pools. There is a run off from the hot springs which flow into each of these pools. Canals were made so that each pool had just the right amount of water. The water sits in the pools in the intense sun for 10 days. After the ten days, the water has turned to salt and is ready to be harvested. Each pool (after the 10 days) contains (i can´t remember the exact number) 20 plus tons of salt! The salt mines were definitely a high light for me.
We made it a town called Ollyatatambo which was were we were catching a train from to Aguas Calientes. Emily and i both feel in love with Ollay. and decided we wanted to come back and stay there after our time in Macchu Picchu. Ollay. was one of the coolest, endearing little cities i have ever been to. Sorrounded by majestic mountains and filled with incredible heritage. The streets are cobblestone and they have canals flowing with water through the little alley ways of the city. Other than being surrounded by mountains, it is also surrounded by ruins, which are just so vast and awe striking. The people also were incredible...so beautiful in their gentle and sometimes quiet hospitality. I definitely could have stayed in Ollay. for a few more days, even after we came back and stayed an extra day exploring.
We arrived late evening in Aguas Caleintes. And by the grace of God had a reservatoin for a hostel there. It was kind of hilarious (and so much an act of God) because i had to (in my broken spanish) call and make reservtions to hostels along the way. On my end of the hearing spectrum, i made no sense at all but by a work of God, they understood me and we were able to get everything we needed! God is funny. We woke up early the next morning to beat the crowds in Macchu Picchu and we also really wanted to hike this mountain called Wynu Picchu (which they only allow 300 or so people a day to climb). We arrived in Macchu at around 630 am but apparently not early enough to make it in the 300 to hike Waynu. Apparently people were in line by 4 that morning. We took our time taking in the vastness of Macchu Picchu and then decided to hike Mt. Macchu Picchu. It was incredible and pretty intense. It was about 2,000 ft. higher than Macchu Picchu all in stone stairs! It took us about an hour and a half to make it to the top. We were so glad we did it at the time we did because it was HOT! The sun was super intense and if we had done it any later it would have been kind of scary. We were told before we left for Macchu that we had to leave our backpacks and water behind so we had nothing except some Cliff Bars in our pockets. It was dissapointing because everyone had packs and water that they brought in, we were just misinformed. So, we are glad we didn´t do it any later, especially since we didn´t have water.
We left Macchu Picchu around one so that we could catch our train back to Ollay. We were so glad to be leaving when we did because all of the bus tours started showing up and it was crowded!!! Too crowded! We arrived in Ollay. in the evening, had a yummy dinner and roamed the streets. It was great how safe we felt there! The next day we took a long walk down this dirt trail along the river, in the glorious sun, and had a great time talking and seeing all the little villages along the way. We loved watching the people work and play and even was given a mini tour of a little ruin by an elderly man on the road...it was really special!
I would love to write more and give more details, as my heart is overflowing with excitement from the trip but time is failing me right now. I will try and write more later. I said my goodbyes to my friends yesterday and i have been a bit sad and lonely without them. I love my Peruvian fam but i defintely feel a void without my friends. I leave Friday morning for the States. It feels weird but i am anxious to see you all and catch up! Please pray for me as i´m feeling lonely. That i will make good use of my time and that I can still connect with my family even though the language gap is there.
Love to you all!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Finally, an update!
It has been a whirlwind last couple of weeks and i have regretfully not had a chance to send an update, and for that, i apologize. I´ll do my best to sum up the past...i dont know, 2 weeks or so. Thank you all for praying for the Vacation Bible School, it was an amazing, exhausting, 5 days but God really moved in the lives of the kids and the lives of us, as a team. Elyse, one of the girls on our team taught the Bible studies for the kids. She taught on Ephesians chapter one and chapter two. Her heart, as with all of ours as well, was to teach the kids about the depth of the love the Father has for them. She really wanted to hit home the message that God has chosen them from before the foundation of the world. We labored in prayer for these kids that they would understand the weighty, yet simplistic truth of the Gospel that lies in the love and sacrifice of Jesus. Over and over again Elyse would tell the kids that God chose us not becuase of something we did to earn His favor (because we all have sinned and fallen short of God´s glory) but because He loved us, period. Honestly, it was a good reminder for me as well. I often forget about the hieghth and the depth of the love the Father has for me: I often forget to sit and reflect on this love and basque in it and let it change the way i walk out my daily life...as a daugther who is loved by the Most High God, because He loves, and for no other reason.
We were so thankful to have the team here, especially during the Vacation Bible School. It was so amazing because they were able to bring down a guitar which facilitated a lot of deep times of worship in song not only between us a team but with our Peruvian friends and family as well. We spent a lot of nights downstairs sitting around singing praises to God in English and in Spanish and I would have to say those were some of the sweetest times of this trip for me. Remembering that one day all nations will worship God together...i hope that it´s in every language and that we all understand each language! The time of worshiping God corporately as a team was also an incredible way God used to unite us so much so that a short ten days later, when the team had to leave, it was very difficult because we had been through so much and had grown so much as a team, for them to leave was a really big loss. The team left Sunday night and we were so gratefully surprised that after church on Sunday morning, we came home to a surprise going away party that our family and friends threw for us. They made an amazing meal and even put together a really touching video for us with pictures and music. After we ate we had a blast playing music and dancing with our friends. It was hilarious because we taught some of our Peruvian friends a few line dances, they actually really loved it!
Yesterday was the first day without the rest of our team and it was our day of rest. It was probably one of the funnest days i have had here. We spent the whole day with our family which was really special! We went to the beach in the morning to see the ocean and to do some sight seeing of a museum they have by the marina. After that we got to go on this little tiny motor boat around the bay area. That was special for me becuase i love the ocean so much and it is so relaxing for me to be on the water. It was a bit cold but thankfully it wasn´t raining or anything. After the boat ride, we went out to a really yummy seafood restaurant and had some authentic Peruvian seafood called Civiche. It was delicious! After enjoying the food and constant laughter, we made our way to the Indian Market where they have all the tourist things to buy. We had a great time walking, and chatting, and even bardering in the market. We were on our way home when our Peruvian dad (who is actually my age) mentioned to us that we should take this bus tour up to this lit up cross they have that over looks all of Lima. I had no idea what we were getting into but i´m so glad we did it. The bus ride up the windy road (i have no idea how much elevation we climbed but it seemed like a lot) was a little unerving but definitely a worth while experience. Unfortunately, it was pretty foggy so we couldn´t see as clearly as we would have been able to if it was summer here. It was definitely a great way to end a really great day!
I leave for Cusco tomorrow! I cannot believe how rapidly my time is coming to an end here. We pick up a few friends that are coming from the States at the airport late tonight and leave tomorrow morning. I am beyond excited! I have heard nothing but amazing things about Cusco and Macchu Picchu. Please keep us in your prayers for safefy and wisdom as we travel to an unknown area. I will be sure to send an update once i return.
I would love to write more but do need to go for now. But before i go, i wanted to mention that if you guys want to see pictures, you can go to my friend Fabian´s blog. He has posted pictures from the beggining of the trip, i just have not had time to do it here but please feel free to check his out. The address is fabianclark.blogspot.com.
In Him,
Shayla
We were so thankful to have the team here, especially during the Vacation Bible School. It was so amazing because they were able to bring down a guitar which facilitated a lot of deep times of worship in song not only between us a team but with our Peruvian friends and family as well. We spent a lot of nights downstairs sitting around singing praises to God in English and in Spanish and I would have to say those were some of the sweetest times of this trip for me. Remembering that one day all nations will worship God together...i hope that it´s in every language and that we all understand each language! The time of worshiping God corporately as a team was also an incredible way God used to unite us so much so that a short ten days later, when the team had to leave, it was very difficult because we had been through so much and had grown so much as a team, for them to leave was a really big loss. The team left Sunday night and we were so gratefully surprised that after church on Sunday morning, we came home to a surprise going away party that our family and friends threw for us. They made an amazing meal and even put together a really touching video for us with pictures and music. After we ate we had a blast playing music and dancing with our friends. It was hilarious because we taught some of our Peruvian friends a few line dances, they actually really loved it!
Yesterday was the first day without the rest of our team and it was our day of rest. It was probably one of the funnest days i have had here. We spent the whole day with our family which was really special! We went to the beach in the morning to see the ocean and to do some sight seeing of a museum they have by the marina. After that we got to go on this little tiny motor boat around the bay area. That was special for me becuase i love the ocean so much and it is so relaxing for me to be on the water. It was a bit cold but thankfully it wasn´t raining or anything. After the boat ride, we went out to a really yummy seafood restaurant and had some authentic Peruvian seafood called Civiche. It was delicious! After enjoying the food and constant laughter, we made our way to the Indian Market where they have all the tourist things to buy. We had a great time walking, and chatting, and even bardering in the market. We were on our way home when our Peruvian dad (who is actually my age) mentioned to us that we should take this bus tour up to this lit up cross they have that over looks all of Lima. I had no idea what we were getting into but i´m so glad we did it. The bus ride up the windy road (i have no idea how much elevation we climbed but it seemed like a lot) was a little unerving but definitely a worth while experience. Unfortunately, it was pretty foggy so we couldn´t see as clearly as we would have been able to if it was summer here. It was definitely a great way to end a really great day!
I leave for Cusco tomorrow! I cannot believe how rapidly my time is coming to an end here. We pick up a few friends that are coming from the States at the airport late tonight and leave tomorrow morning. I am beyond excited! I have heard nothing but amazing things about Cusco and Macchu Picchu. Please keep us in your prayers for safefy and wisdom as we travel to an unknown area. I will be sure to send an update once i return.
I would love to write more but do need to go for now. But before i go, i wanted to mention that if you guys want to see pictures, you can go to my friend Fabian´s blog. He has posted pictures from the beggining of the trip, i just have not had time to do it here but please feel free to check his out. The address is fabianclark.blogspot.com.
In Him,
Shayla
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Vacation Bible School
Just a quick update. We are starting a five day Vacation Bible School tomorrow and would love it if, when you think of us, could pray for us. Please pray for the message, the activities, and most importantly for the kids´ hearts to be reached by the love of Jesus. Will give more of an update later. Also, the rest of our team comes tomorrow night and we would ask for a smooth adjustment for them and for unity as we transition.
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Peru
When I first created this Blog, I thought it would only be used for recording my accounts of my time in Africa but it seems as though it will be used as a continous record of not only my travels abroad but my life journey...Though sometimes I feel unmotivated to write or I think I don´t have enough time to write, I am always so relieved and thankful to have had the opportunity to share the windows to my soul. Thank you all who read this for caring to know those spots in my heart.
It´s hard to believe I have already been in Peru for one week! I still find it hard to believe that I am even here. I think it´s because this whole trip was kind of a seemingly last minute, whirlwind of a trip. I feel as though i had more time to prepare for my trip to Kenya than I did this trip...maybe it is because my life prior to the trip has been the craziest it´s been in a while...moving a lot, working a lot, and seemingly transitioning always. In hindsight I wish I would have been able to take more time to prepare for this trip, especially emotionally and spiritually. I´m finding myself on this end of things feeling as though I rushed and never really took time to be still and talk to God about things here like how He wanted to use me, or how I could be an encouragement to the people here, or even how I could have taken more time to study spanish, etc...and I wish, in hindsight, i would have taken some time to just listen...I know for certain that this is where God has me, i guess i am just really reflecitng on the utter importance of purposeful, internal preperation, and that is something I would have done differently, had i the opportunity to do this over.
Wow, already, the blinds of the windows to my soul are lifted and there it is...just how i am feeling...honest...How writing these things out helps me process the things I didn´t even realize were there...
On a lighter note, things are going so well here! I am living in a city called Ventanilla about an hour bus ride from downtown Lima. We, the four Americans that are on the team as of now, live with an amazing Peruvian family. The husband is the pastor of the church in Venatanilla, which also meets in the house that we live in, and the pastor of the church in a city about 20 minutes drive from here called Paccacutec. Paccacutec is a very poor area and is considered a slum. I´m not sure how big the city is but it seems to stretch accross a pretty significant amount of land. We do most of our ministering in Paccecutec. The first couple of days we were here we took a lot of time and worked on the church building. We painted, cleaned, and three of the guys were even able to put a roof up in just over a day! We were working hard on getting the church ready by Sunday because that was the first service we had there. Saturday we did a huge youth outreach which was kind of a kick off for the church opening. A lot of interns from the Calvary Chapel Bible College in Lima came out and helped us. We were able to spend the day playing with the kids, doing dramas, painting faces, and different things like that. It was a lot of fun!
Since we had been working so much, yesterday was our day of rest. It was so nice to sleep in and relax. We also had an opportunity to go bowling with some of our friends and that was a treat for me.
The weather has apparently been abnormally COLD! It kind of makes me sad how cold it has been. I knew i was coming to a Peruvian winter but i had no idea it would be this cold. According to Raul, the pastor, it hasn´t rained this much in a long time. It´s just funny to me that in a South American winter I am wearing a hooded sweatshirt, a down vest, long pants, and a beanie! I´m hoping it clears up soon.
Tomorrow is a big day. We are getting the building ready for a wedding of a family friend. Tomorrow is the civil wedding and then Friday is the ceremony. We will be cooking and decorating all day in preperation for the big fiesta in the afternoon! I´m looking forward to celebrating with a really great couple.
With that in mind, I should probably go to bed. I will try and update this at least once a week. Thanks for pateintly reading! Also, if you think of us as a team, please continually pray for unity and health and energy for we are all feeling pretty run down and tired. It would be much appreciated.
Love to you all!
It´s hard to believe I have already been in Peru for one week! I still find it hard to believe that I am even here. I think it´s because this whole trip was kind of a seemingly last minute, whirlwind of a trip. I feel as though i had more time to prepare for my trip to Kenya than I did this trip...maybe it is because my life prior to the trip has been the craziest it´s been in a while...moving a lot, working a lot, and seemingly transitioning always. In hindsight I wish I would have been able to take more time to prepare for this trip, especially emotionally and spiritually. I´m finding myself on this end of things feeling as though I rushed and never really took time to be still and talk to God about things here like how He wanted to use me, or how I could be an encouragement to the people here, or even how I could have taken more time to study spanish, etc...and I wish, in hindsight, i would have taken some time to just listen...I know for certain that this is where God has me, i guess i am just really reflecitng on the utter importance of purposeful, internal preperation, and that is something I would have done differently, had i the opportunity to do this over.
Wow, already, the blinds of the windows to my soul are lifted and there it is...just how i am feeling...honest...How writing these things out helps me process the things I didn´t even realize were there...
On a lighter note, things are going so well here! I am living in a city called Ventanilla about an hour bus ride from downtown Lima. We, the four Americans that are on the team as of now, live with an amazing Peruvian family. The husband is the pastor of the church in Venatanilla, which also meets in the house that we live in, and the pastor of the church in a city about 20 minutes drive from here called Paccacutec. Paccacutec is a very poor area and is considered a slum. I´m not sure how big the city is but it seems to stretch accross a pretty significant amount of land. We do most of our ministering in Paccecutec. The first couple of days we were here we took a lot of time and worked on the church building. We painted, cleaned, and three of the guys were even able to put a roof up in just over a day! We were working hard on getting the church ready by Sunday because that was the first service we had there. Saturday we did a huge youth outreach which was kind of a kick off for the church opening. A lot of interns from the Calvary Chapel Bible College in Lima came out and helped us. We were able to spend the day playing with the kids, doing dramas, painting faces, and different things like that. It was a lot of fun!
Since we had been working so much, yesterday was our day of rest. It was so nice to sleep in and relax. We also had an opportunity to go bowling with some of our friends and that was a treat for me.
The weather has apparently been abnormally COLD! It kind of makes me sad how cold it has been. I knew i was coming to a Peruvian winter but i had no idea it would be this cold. According to Raul, the pastor, it hasn´t rained this much in a long time. It´s just funny to me that in a South American winter I am wearing a hooded sweatshirt, a down vest, long pants, and a beanie! I´m hoping it clears up soon.
Tomorrow is a big day. We are getting the building ready for a wedding of a family friend. Tomorrow is the civil wedding and then Friday is the ceremony. We will be cooking and decorating all day in preperation for the big fiesta in the afternoon! I´m looking forward to celebrating with a really great couple.
With that in mind, I should probably go to bed. I will try and update this at least once a week. Thanks for pateintly reading! Also, if you think of us as a team, please continually pray for unity and health and energy for we are all feeling pretty run down and tired. It would be much appreciated.
Love to you all!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The Next Adventure
Updating my Blog has not been far from my mind the past, um, 5 months...wow! But, I was reminded and re-motivated when I learned that there are still some of you (Sarah:)) that still check and read this. I'm gald to log on again though because I really have not been doing a whole lot of writing at all lately, and I am finding myself really missing it.
So, without further ado...an update.
I find myself pausing at the word. "Update." I'm not sure where to start or even if there is anything to tell. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I have learned a lot in the past 5 months...and if I am honest some of the time felt stagnate even in the realm of learning. As far as things I am 'doing' it is pretty much the same; working for my parents at the coffee shop, loving living in my little studio apartment, meeting new friends and getting to know old ones, and co-leading a Bible study for a group of 6 6th grade girls ( I think that's a new one!).
The question that seems to a popular one lately, from people and from myself, is, "What is your next adventure?" Looking back on my life, I have noticed it became the trend for me to go on 'adventures.' I loved it. I thrived on it. I longed for it if I was in one place for too long...I guess you could say, I was even a little addicted to it...The rush, the newness, the excitment that came from the unknown even if that unknown was scary. I have been back in the States for just shy of one year. One year in one place is the typical time I start to find myself getting ansy. I find myself online looking into any and everything that will 'get me out of here.' 'I need to get out of here...do something different,' i find myself thinking. I would wrestle with feeling guilty because I wanted to leave so badly. How could I want to leave a place that is full of people who love and support me, where I have an amazing job, and just about the most beautiful geographical location you can imagine?? I struggled reconciling my polar opposite desires and didn't know what to do. I feel as though God is helping me to get a better grasp on who I am and what I need to do in light of that. I know God has created me with the desires I have...desire for change, desire to learn, desire to grow, desire to see more of the world, and a desire to be a valued and valuable peice in this world. Recognizing the fact that I need change and realizinng that that is not a bad thing was ground breaking for me. Instead of feeling guilty for it, i GET to embrace it! This is how I am wired and I just need His help to show me how to channel it. For example, I am here in Bend, OR for a reason. I am in the job I am supposed to be in, I am in realtionship with the people I am around for a reason and if God wanted me somewhere else geographically I have to trust that I would be there...not here. But, I am here. Now, in light of this new understanding of who I am, I have options. Instead of feeling like I have to go do another short term trip somewhere just for adventure's sake (though I believe I will travel more), I can embrace change right where I am at! I can take a guitar class, I can buy some climbing shoes and start climbing again (like i did), or I can take a fun class that can stretch me and challenge me and fulfill that need for change in my life. Those are things God has made available for me...and I just need to go after it. I cannot sit around being sad that I am not 'going anywhere' or that i am not 'having an adventure' when the adventure is right at my finger tips...to partake in the LIFE that God has given me...now that's an ADVENTURE!
I hope you are all doing great and that you too will take hold of that which God has set before you...He will take you on the adventure of lifetime!
So, without further ado...an update.
I find myself pausing at the word. "Update." I'm not sure where to start or even if there is anything to tell. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I have learned a lot in the past 5 months...and if I am honest some of the time felt stagnate even in the realm of learning. As far as things I am 'doing' it is pretty much the same; working for my parents at the coffee shop, loving living in my little studio apartment, meeting new friends and getting to know old ones, and co-leading a Bible study for a group of 6 6th grade girls ( I think that's a new one!).
The question that seems to a popular one lately, from people and from myself, is, "What is your next adventure?" Looking back on my life, I have noticed it became the trend for me to go on 'adventures.' I loved it. I thrived on it. I longed for it if I was in one place for too long...I guess you could say, I was even a little addicted to it...The rush, the newness, the excitment that came from the unknown even if that unknown was scary. I have been back in the States for just shy of one year. One year in one place is the typical time I start to find myself getting ansy. I find myself online looking into any and everything that will 'get me out of here.' 'I need to get out of here...do something different,' i find myself thinking. I would wrestle with feeling guilty because I wanted to leave so badly. How could I want to leave a place that is full of people who love and support me, where I have an amazing job, and just about the most beautiful geographical location you can imagine?? I struggled reconciling my polar opposite desires and didn't know what to do. I feel as though God is helping me to get a better grasp on who I am and what I need to do in light of that. I know God has created me with the desires I have...desire for change, desire to learn, desire to grow, desire to see more of the world, and a desire to be a valued and valuable peice in this world. Recognizing the fact that I need change and realizinng that that is not a bad thing was ground breaking for me. Instead of feeling guilty for it, i GET to embrace it! This is how I am wired and I just need His help to show me how to channel it. For example, I am here in Bend, OR for a reason. I am in the job I am supposed to be in, I am in realtionship with the people I am around for a reason and if God wanted me somewhere else geographically I have to trust that I would be there...not here. But, I am here. Now, in light of this new understanding of who I am, I have options. Instead of feeling like I have to go do another short term trip somewhere just for adventure's sake (though I believe I will travel more), I can embrace change right where I am at! I can take a guitar class, I can buy some climbing shoes and start climbing again (like i did), or I can take a fun class that can stretch me and challenge me and fulfill that need for change in my life. Those are things God has made available for me...and I just need to go after it. I cannot sit around being sad that I am not 'going anywhere' or that i am not 'having an adventure' when the adventure is right at my finger tips...to partake in the LIFE that God has given me...now that's an ADVENTURE!
I hope you are all doing great and that you too will take hold of that which God has set before you...He will take you on the adventure of lifetime!
Monday, August 11, 2008
I know, I know, It's AUGUST!
I cannot believe it has been so long since i have written! When people talk about time flying, sometimes it seems merely like a figure of speech, but I will not lie to you, time is flying!! It seems weird to me that already the mornings are getting chillier and the days are so much shorter...summer, is almost officially over! I am thankful for the forecast this week that calls for 90's for the whole week, but I can't believe when i look at the calendar and see that we are only a couple short weeks away from September.
Upon arriving home from Kenya, I had a really hard first couple of months. It seemed as though i cried 3-5 times a week without explanation and I wondered if i would ever feel "normal" again. Graciously, God enabled me to move out of my parents house and have my very own little apartment. It was just the right size for me and it came at just the right time. During my transition home I really needed a place of solace; a place that I could be alone if i needed to, a place that I could have people over if i needed to. It was truley a place of rest and healing in a time in my life when it was so necessary. It never ceases to amaze me that God knows what we need and provides for our needs even when we don't see it as a need. Only in hindsight do i see the impecable timing of this all...i didn't even know how badly i needed it until i walked through it and was able to look back...
There were a couple months after the initial two really hard months where i felt as though i was getting back into the swing of things. I was working, meeting new people, spending time with my friends and family, and just rebuilding foundations in my life that seemed to get lost in the midst of everything...i was loving every bit of it!
A few weeks ago i found myself thinking a lot...wondering what i wanted to do longterm...wanting to be close to my friends and family but also wanting to step out in whatever direction God may have wanted to direct me in. It's difficult because I am not the same person I was before I left for Kenya...I am not the same person i was when I got home from Kenya...and I am not the same person I was 2 short months ago...I long to be where the Lord wants me to be...and I am praying for direction to that end. I have began looking into a few different organizations and I am going to just start submitting my resume places and see what doors He opens and closes. If you think of me, you can pray for God's leading in my life. My ultimate desire is to follow after Him and to be where He wants me to be and i am confident that as I acknowledge Him, He will direct my path.
So, there is an overview as to what has been going on in my heart and mind these last 5 months. I appreciate all of you who still read this! You're support is immeasurably treasured to me!
Till next time!
Shayla
Upon arriving home from Kenya, I had a really hard first couple of months. It seemed as though i cried 3-5 times a week without explanation and I wondered if i would ever feel "normal" again. Graciously, God enabled me to move out of my parents house and have my very own little apartment. It was just the right size for me and it came at just the right time. During my transition home I really needed a place of solace; a place that I could be alone if i needed to, a place that I could have people over if i needed to. It was truley a place of rest and healing in a time in my life when it was so necessary. It never ceases to amaze me that God knows what we need and provides for our needs even when we don't see it as a need. Only in hindsight do i see the impecable timing of this all...i didn't even know how badly i needed it until i walked through it and was able to look back...
There were a couple months after the initial two really hard months where i felt as though i was getting back into the swing of things. I was working, meeting new people, spending time with my friends and family, and just rebuilding foundations in my life that seemed to get lost in the midst of everything...i was loving every bit of it!
A few weeks ago i found myself thinking a lot...wondering what i wanted to do longterm...wanting to be close to my friends and family but also wanting to step out in whatever direction God may have wanted to direct me in. It's difficult because I am not the same person I was before I left for Kenya...I am not the same person i was when I got home from Kenya...and I am not the same person I was 2 short months ago...I long to be where the Lord wants me to be...and I am praying for direction to that end. I have began looking into a few different organizations and I am going to just start submitting my resume places and see what doors He opens and closes. If you think of me, you can pray for God's leading in my life. My ultimate desire is to follow after Him and to be where He wants me to be and i am confident that as I acknowledge Him, He will direct my path.
So, there is an overview as to what has been going on in my heart and mind these last 5 months. I appreciate all of you who still read this! You're support is immeasurably treasured to me!
Till next time!
Shayla
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Promise!
You all are so wonderful to write me back and let me tell you, i have been meaning to write! I feel awful! Unfortunately, today is not the day that i am going to be able to write...but, I promise i will soon! Bear with me. I love you guys!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
