Carried by His Constant Grace

Even though being in the hospital was scary and unexpected, I was aware of God’s hand and His love in so many details. He is faithful and never leaves us on our own!

• Dave was able to be with me almost all the time. He stayed with me in the hospital (sleeping in an uncomfortable chair!) so I didn’t have to be alone.
• our emergency room nurse was a friend from our local church.  She prayed with me and cared for me in more ways than I could ever have asked.
• phone calls, emails and texts from family and friends
• flowers from my mom
• meals and flowers from friends and neighbors
• our friends who fed the kitties so Dave could stay with me….

The list could go on, but you get the idea.  I’m thankful to be His daughter and living in HIs care.

Unexpected Hospital Visit

Thursday I had to leave work with severe abdominal pains.  Went home, thought It would be ok if I rested for a while… but after a couple of hours it seemed to be intensifying instead of resolving. 

St. Patrick’s Day parade

Yes, we are Irish. Even if we weren’t we would still enjoy the opportunity to enjoy a fun spring morning in Uptown Charlotte, with people and their dogs all dressed up in bright green!

Snow!

Tigger, our West African cat, wonders about this white stuff!

We grew up in MInnesota, and then spent 21 years in and out of West Africa.  SOME people in our family missed SNOW (I was not one of them.)  When we moved to Charlotte in 2011, we left Minnesota on a cold and snowy day after months and month of snow and cold.  I was very happy not to see it for another year!

Last weekend was our first real snow in Charlotte since we moved down here.  I found myself actually enjoying it.  Beautiful.  Everything turned white in a very short time.  Lots of photo opportunities.  AND the knowledge that most likely it would be gone within the next day or two helped me appreciate it more while it lasted!

Dave took some great photos, and here’s a link to his album if you’d like to see them!  ANd here’s a link to my photos too.

aftermath

Thankful for the other driver’s insurance, which has provided us with a rental car.  They have determined that our car is totalled, and we are looking for a new (used) one. My neck and back have been fairly painful, and after advice from my physician, I’m seeing a chiropractor several times per week for a while.

accident…

Day 3 of jury service: I was rear-ended in rush hour traffic on the interstate before I got to the courthouse. I called 911, the bailiff, and my husband (in that order… ) Dave got there before the highway patrol! And I’m officially excused from the jury. I’m home now from the emergency room, and should be fine, just very sore and stiff. We’ll wait and see about the car! THANKING GOD for protection and for all the help!!

Jury Duty

from my facebook status:

• 9/24/12/got selected for a jury today, and will be “on duty” for the next 5-10 days! Very interesting process, and a privilege to serve!

• 9/25/12 jury duty is something that needs to be live-blogged or tweeted… except you can’t!

For the first time in my life, I was summoned for jury duty. 

training

Dave and I are both leading small groups at Eternal, our local church.  Today was a Barnabas Training day.

From the Barnabas website:   “this foundational seminar that includes teaching segments and small group conversations.  Participants will learn a Biblical way of thinking about people and problems, and will gain basic tools for relating to others in a deeper way.  This seminar will help you better understand yourself as well as invite others to deeper relationships with Christ.”

We’re blessed to be able to take part in such helpful training times!

Hillsong Live in Charlotte!

We went with a group of friends from our local church, and LOVED this evening of worship!

August 26

Joey and his roommate Jon stopped for a visit today, on their way back to Florida after househunting-leave in Norfolk– and were delayed another day or two because of hurricane preparations happening in Milton!  We love having Joey in the house, and feel very privileged to host his friend as well.  They’ll room together again in Norfolk as they learn to fly their newly selected helicopter, the NH-60S.

June 4: budget???

In my role as Member Care Projects Coordinator, I’ve been able to work on a random variety of projects and events.  This week it’s been interesting (and kind of funny) to help with our department budget.  In years past, the Member Care budget has been part of the Personnel budget.  Going forward, the MC department will have our own budget.

Think about it.  Member Care department= PEOPLE people.  NOT numbers people!  As Dave will tell you, I’m pretty unskilled at the whole budgeting and sticking to the budget type things.  BUT– being married to him (skilled finance guy, experienced field treasurer etc.) I guess I’ve picked up a few things.  And in the end we managed!

The Body

Video blog by one of the recent SIMCO attendees! Very cool! (Look for little post-it notes on the wall from my “Stress” session!

February 25

We feel pretty privileged to be a “home away from home” from time to time for missionary kids who are attending college not too far from us!  These students were all part of Jacob’s class in Dakar, and though Jacob’s school is a bit too far away for weekend visits, we are happy that his friends like to come hang out with us sometimes!