Christmas

It was a different kind of Christmas this year...some things were the same - the Peter Barrys came, gifts were exchanged, the parents, especially Mother, did a fabulous job making the day special, and much joy was shared by all.

But other things were different. I spent Christmas Eve at the hospital with Grandfather, handed out gifts to the nurses and CNAs, and read the story in Luke 2 out loud at GF's request.

With Emily and Anna both gone, I was the oldest daughter at home for the first time ever. Grandfather was in the hospital, even on Christmas Day.

Aunt Elizabeth brought a lovely mini Christmas tree and a stocking, and on Christmas Day our whole family came and sang "For All the Saints" for Grandfather, with Ian accompanying on the guitar.

Seek Ye First

Cherchez d'abord le royaume de Dieu et sa justice
Et toutes de choses vous seront donnees en plus

Alleluia

Demandez, et il vous sera donné ;
Cherchez, et vous trouverez. Frappez, et l'on vous ouvrira.

Alleluia

L'homme ne vivra pas de pain seulement
Mais de toutes parole qui sortira de la bouche de Dieu

Alleluia

"Speak Life"

Some days, life feels perfect.
Other days it just ain't workin.
The good, the bad, the right, the wrong
And everything in between.

Though it's crazy, amazing
We can turn a heart with the words we say.
Mountains crumble with every syllable.
Hope can live or die

So speak Life, speak Life.
To the deadest darkest night.
Speak life, speak Life.
When the sun won't shine and you don't know why.
Look into the eyes of the brokenhearted;
Watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope,
You speak love, you speak...
You speak Life.

Some days the tongue gets twisted;
Other days my thoughts just fall apart.
I do, I don't, I will, I won't,
It's like I'm drowning in the deep.

Well it's crazy to imagine,
Words from our lips as the arms of compassion,
Mountains crumble with every syllable.
Hope can live or die.

Raise your thoughts a little higher,
Use your words to inspire,
Joy will fall like rain,
When you speak life with the things you say.

Lift your head a little higher,
Spread the love like fire,
Hope will fall like rain,
When you speak life with the words you say.

So speak Life, speak Life.
To the deadest darkest night.
Speak life, speak Life.
When the sun won't shine and you don't know why.
Look into the eyes of the brokenhearted;
Watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope,
You speak love, you speak...
You speak Life.

Some days life feels perfect.

(Tobymac)

Thanks Be to God

(Michael Kelly Blanchard)

Who do you thank at the gate of the dawn as the hounds of the night back away?
Who do you thank for the morning's new song, sung by birds as they play?
Who do you thank for the sermon of sun,
Preaching the hope of a new day begun,
Testifying that love's light has won?
Who do you thank for this kingdom come?

Who do you thank for the knowledge of noon that stands every shadow on end?
Who do you thank for the neighborhood tunes,
that float on the breeze like old friends?
Who do you thank as the sky settles down,
and wraps a red robe round town after town
and calls to the stars to start making their rounds?
Who do you thank as this beauty abounds?

Thanks be to God for the wonder of living
Thanks be to God that it¹s free.
Thanks be to God for the life you've been given.
Resting in mercy fragrant and kind,
a sacred design, living awe
Thanks be to God, thanks be to God

Who do you thank for the map of your mind that charters the course of the day,
Leaving you room in this canyon of time, to learn what to look for and say?
Who do you thank for this mural of life,
the savor of senses sharp as a knife,
the privilege of poignant, the honor of right?
Who do you thank for delight?

Who do you thank for the treasure of home, wrapped in the real of routine?
The blessing of knowing your own flesh and bone,
and watching them wake from your dream?
Who do you thank for the structure of souls,
tied to each other from infant to old,
beauty so human, so holy to hold?
Who do you thank for such gold?

Thanks be to God for the life you're living
Thanks be to God that its free.
Thanks be to God that your shame is forgiven
Taken away by the stare of His grace, the look in His face
has melted the mob.
Thanks be to God, thanks be to God.

Who do you thank as the years gather in and hang like sweet herbs in the hall?
Who do you thanks as your moments begin to listen for the final call?
Who do you thank for the shape of your days?
Who do you thank for winning your ways?
Who do you thank for this primer in praise now as spirit leaves clay?

Thanks be to God for the breath that you're breathin',
Thanks be to God that its free.
Thanks be to God, though death may come stealing,
and take what it can, it can't have what you own,
'cause your soul has a home that's beyond this sod,
Thanks be to God, thanks be to, thanks be to God!

Intermission

"Je regarde vers toi, mon protecteur. C'est toi, Dieu, qui es ma forteresse."

Now that I have returned to the States, and North Carolina, and more specifically, Valle Crucis, I am spending the majority of my time either getting educated, or working to pay for it. I am hoping to get into the nursing program at Caldwell Community College, so this semester I am busy with the pre-req classes. The decision to attempt nursing school was long and slow in coming, but spending eight months at the hospital in Impfondo definitely spurred me on.

In addition to my nursing studies, I am doing a correspondence midwifery course, which I am finding very fascinating and it makes me wish I had known some of the stuff before I worked at H.E.L.P. But, all the better for when I return! I have hopes of doing the EMT course this fall as well, which will better equip me for work in our very hectic Salle de Urgence (E.R.)

So that just about covers my current educational status (and future plans), for those who are interested in what I might be doing in this "in between" time. I am working for the John Barry, CPA business (with my dad, brother and cousin) to pay for school. It's quite enjoyable actually, and may help me improve my office skills.

My blog will most likely lie dormant until my next overseas period, which will be a few years out. However, I might put in the occasional update for those who are still interested. Peace,

Kate