I kinda like my view.

Actually, it’s more than just a picture. This photo illustrates my view, and my place in life. I feel safe and secure. I’m on an adventure but I am protected. I am holding on to the man I love. He is in the lead and he is taking me places...we are trusting God together on this adventure which is our life.

We are both looking forward and moving forward. 

The road ahead is hidden by the jungle, but it’s a sunny day and we are going somewhere together.

Time to Go

How can I hope to make you understand

Why I do, what I do…

 Why I must travel to a distant land

Far from the home I love?

Once I was happily content to be

As I was, where I was

Close to the people who are close to me

Here in the home I love

Who could see that a man would come

Who would change the shape of my dreams?

There where my heart has settled long ago,

I must go.

Who could imagine I'd be wand'ring so

Far from the home I love?

Yet, there with my love, I'm home.

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cozy December days

no complaints

November is almost over, we've had some snow and I am winding down with my home care patients. I have learned a lot through this season of in-home skilled nursing care dealing with some complex health issues and different challenges. My patients have taught me much. I am thankful for how the families have welcomed me and been so gracious as I worked through the learning curve.

These past few months I feel that God has been teaching me to be thankful for the most basic things; like my own health and abilities to care for myself.

I may not have much; but I can walk. I can see. I can go to the bathroom unassisted. I can drive. Communicate. Hug people. I can get out of bed in the morning.

No excuse for complaining.

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm thankful for...

Salut

It has been a long five months… but now with only one month to go until I head back to Congo, the time seems short. The days are going by quickly now. I am using my time up working, participating in social events, putting on a few parties myself and preparing for a sister's wedding.

We still don’t know exactly where we will be living. It could be in the city, or in the “country” or way up in the remote northern rainforest. But I am counting it all an adventure, and I am so excited to see Orcxance - that even the prospect of living far from "civilization" without electricity or running water is undaunting. I may have made up that word. I will provide an update in a few months, and we shall see if I remain undaunted. 

Anyway, we want to serve the Lord through serving people, no matter where that leads us. And so it's all an adventure...and yes, it does come with an amazing view.

Boutez en avant

my wonderful person

Happy All Saints Day

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Soccer Games

Bluebird Sky

We made a trade

“Some people won't sail the sea 'cause they're safer on land

To follow what's written

But I'd follow you to the great unknown

Off to a world we call our own

Hand in my hand and we promised to never let go

We're walking the tightrope

High in the sky

We can see the whole world down below

We're walking the tightrope

Never sure, never know how far we could fall

But it's all an adventure

That comes with a breathtaking view

Walking the tightrope

With you

Mountains and valleys, and all that will come in between

Desert and ocean

You pulled me in and together we're lost in a dream

Always in motion

So I risk it all just to be with you

And I risk it all for this life we choose...”

For a week away...

Overdue

Something I meant to post a while ago but completely forgot about it...

"Leaving Congo was quite a flurry and scurry. My travel plans kept switching, none of them were made by me, and I had little say in any of the goings on. It was heartbreaking to say goodbye - not exactly sure when I will be back to see people…although I know I will before too long.

I had very little time to pack properly, or visit everyone I wanted to visit, but I was so blessed even in the midst of the pain of leaving. It was like the past year I’ve given and spent and poured out for the people, the staff, my friends - my people, was all given back to me in the last few days before I left. Everyone poured on the love. I felt so encouraged, appreciated and cared for.

The decision to leave my organization was difficult, but it was the right decision. The past year in Congo has been amazing. I care deeply for the staff at the hospital and I hope that the hospital will survive…although things do not look so good for it right now. God is watching over the hospital and all its people. I pray every day for its renewal. But much will have to change before that can happen.

There has been a lot going on lately. Sorrow and heartache and the bonding and coming together of my wonderful Barry family. I could not be more thankful to be here right now at this time. My leaving Congo at such short notice was stressful, but God knew I needed to be here right now. His timing was perfect."

I have been busy working for a home healthcare company while I'm here in NC. It was been challenging work, but a great blessing since I can save some money for future travels. In my spare time I mostly hang out with people, sleep, read and watch movies. I am also planning a bridal shower for Faith, who is getting married in December. Last time I came back from Congo we were in the middle of wedding plans, and now here we are again planning another wedding. Somehow it's a little more fun this time. :)

More later...