Though they maybe few....
When those still moments ever happen after everyone is asleep or if there is good movie, there is normally yarn and nettle (s) in my lap.
Lately, I have been trying out some knitting (still learning) and now that the baby shower is over I can share these pics of the blanket and bunny!
And now--
the new project (yes-in crochet) is a soon to be mermaid tail blanket for my Ms. Lilly!
If you remember in Sept 2015, I was determined to learn to knit. Well, still very much learning but if u remember I started a scarf.......
Well.... 9months later in South America
I FINISHED IT!
Did it make it home to the states? no... but it went around the neck of new friend God placed in my life while in Peru.
But I'm excited I finished my first knitted project that big with out wholes!
So, what's next to knit??
*for beginner!
After a day and half of travel we have finally arrived in Carjarmarca,Peru
Driving thru the city is unreal and scary when the frist time with no rules no so signs,no lights you just go and go quickly!
We survived and arrived at Vila Milagro missions.- beautiful place!
After sleeping and some wonderful food, we head out in bus in to the country side 1 1/2 hours away to a village called Pressego. The only building they have is a school, because Peruvian people desires their kids to be in school. Here we seen over 550 patients from 8:30 am to 4pm.
Very very poor village. The children had black cheeks due to wind chapped. And the adults skin is thick as leather due to extremely hard work.
But we found most of these people had perfect blood pressure due to being in such good shape and no processed foods. You will see them in layers of clothes for two reasons one it is cold here and second that is all they own and several walked for hours to get to see us.
I just want to share with you an update.
It is only three days away and I will be flying (for the first time ever) to Peru to serve those in need and show the love of Christ.
I have day dreamed, prayed and prayed for this opportunity. I have spent many conversations with God of why He won't just send me?
But all in His timing............
So you can imagin the excitement!
However, don't think I haven't been through some emotional, spiritual, physical hardships over the past few months - even the recent past weeks.
Emotional- I have went through being homesick and thinking of leaving my girls and my bestfriend (yes my husband) behind. FOR 11 DAYS!
“If any man come to Me and hate not his father and mother, and wife and children, and brethren and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.
Spiritually- Honestly I been in dark time, hurt feelings, bitterness, dry spot, sadness, loneliness!
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit."
Physically- okay I'm just going open up here so you see how awesome our God is!
I have struggled with fear due to stomach issues since my gallbladder surgery about 8mths ago- fear! I'm sure there are some who know what I'm talking about here! Weakness- yes and the devil knew it, almost stopped me from going!
Then recently a kidney stone that I had had for years but it decided to move 2 weeks before my trip!
2 days after Lithotripsy for that kidney stone- I came down with Strep throat! 102 fever for 5days- iv fluids ,one shot, 3 rounds of antibiotics!
Not to mention in the past 8 mths I broke out with shingles an then a rash from head to toe also resulting in a shot and medication! Ugh!
But let me tell you! Through this down time of fever and sore throat that the devil wanted to use to discourage me (and he almost did) God turned around for the good!
This gave me down time I needed to relize I'm not alone (due to some good friends), time to read scripture, time to pray and ask Him to forgive me, for me to forgive others, time to just cry cry cry and give all to Him that I had been trying to fix myself for months!- HE Gave me a clean heart before I leave. Healed the brokeness, the bitterness, sadness, loneliness in me so I am prepared for the work He has set before me.
Ladies, we have a awesome God!
And I know through prayers from my family, my friends, my church family
I have a peace emotionally, spiritually, physically like I have not had for the past 8mths!
I can not thank you all enough for the prayers and support and encouragement
I ask for continuing those prayers for the next two weeks!
But most of all I ask you to please pray that hearts are being opened and that we can show the love of Christ to all meet all along the way.
So all the tears, prayers, heartbreak, joys we have finally reach and have overcome graduation 2016.
I must admit I was ready for it to be here, but the day after I was wallowing in emotions. That Quick. It was over that quick.
How time has flown.
Best advise I could give a mother of young children other than keep on Praying is :
- Slow Down
Slow down and enjoy the each stage you and your child go through. Slow down and enjoy each event.
But enough emotions and let me rejoice for this new chapter in my life. In my daughters life. Looking forward to the future. New decision, new experiences, new friends, new moments to treasurer.
Starting with her new car, we where very blessed with. Knowing God had his hand in that whole process. Amazing to look back and see how He had been shutting doors and opening others.
I know there are many more doors to close and open, but I pray we as family and for with her, as young adult, will seek God's guidance as we each stand in front of each door.
It's been almost 5 mths since I posted last about how this year would have so many changes.
And boy was I right!
We have faced challenges, fears, new beginnings- leaving the old facing the new. We have laughed and cried. We have grown physically, emotionally and spiritually. We have faced anger, hurt feelings, new friendships and the learning of true friends. We have learned when to stay and when to walk away, even when it hurts.
Learning to let go is the hardest
Learning to let God have my children and step out of HIS way - can also be so hard
But remembering to love no matter how good or bad a decision is. Remembering to forgive because * I too*, have to be forgiven daily. Remembering we each have our own special calling to what God has planned for our future.
It's not about you!
It's not about me!
So who am I to stand in another's way just because of what I think or because of what I feel.
Words recently I received from a close pastors wife that has been right where I am right today with her children and feelings that I have experienced as a mother of Senior, mother of a young woman......
"All the Bible studies in the world will never make up for missed prayer time... It's in those secret, quiet moments with God that He whispers the most profound things."
Prayer....
This is my focus .
How serious it is to take every single feeling, thought, concern, fear, person, place, situation and words you say-
Too Him First.
Too Him First.
Best thing I'm Learning is truly seeking Him in those secret quiet moments.
He is a true friend to lean on, cry too, giver of comfort and protection and wisdom.
This year of 2016 beholds so many changes, new experiences and exciting times.
Today was a big day for us. Today my 1st born had her last senior pictures done. It was a fun day.
So yes, this means that in about 5mths she will be graduating.
In 7mths she will be 18 yrs old.
In 6 mths I will be leaving for Cajamarca Peru. My very 1st mission trip.
11 days of seeking and tending to others needs.
