August 05, 2008
On The Road Again
Hello, all.
Wednesday’s come around again, and here it is:
So, I’m feeling a bit like a hummingbird these days.
Backwards, forwards, going in circles; and now I’ve added flitting about, swooping in, and not really catching my own reflection as I fly by.
On rather short notice (for me) I’m off to Fond-Du-Lac, Wisconsin tomorrow morning with a Get In The Car team to aid in flood recovery. At approximately 7 driving hours from my pick-up point, depending on road-breaks, etc., our group of 12 emergency response and long-term recovery volunteers should arrive at our destination by early evening.
From August 6 through August 10, I may or may or may not have access to email. However, my cell phone will be on from 6:00 am - 11:00 pm every day.
Of course, if I am standing ankle deep in Wisconsin flood-water, wearing respirator head gear, goggles, blue mucking boots, and have neoprene gloves duct-taped to the arms of my full-body, Tyvek protective suit, I may not be able to answer your call right away!
Please leave a voice mail or text message. Prayers welcome, too.
jak
Posted by jaselin at 10:50 PM | Comments (0)
Fond-Du-Lac, Wisconsin. Pre-ramble:
August 5, 2008
I’m getting better at packing less; more quickly.
Each time the amount of luggage goes down, and the essentials list gets smaller.
I own things I never thought I would: mucking boots, a respirator, and a sleeping bag.
I have my own stash of duct tape.
I’m considering a GPS gizmo. I understand there are different voices you can choose from, so I wouldn’t have to deal with that starchy lady trying to re-configure me.
I know a lot more about power tools, which is just enough to know a little and still be a bit scared of ‘em.
I’m still preparing with V8, crackers, and power strips.
I’m running low on clothes that I don’t mind ruining. I’ve already divested myself of quite a few that were too big.
I have fewer expectations. That is to say, I’m not projecting: I’m accepting that this time will be different, and looking forward to experiencing those differences.
I’m taking all of you with me, again. I had no idea so many people could fit in one heart.
I’m happier than I have been in a while. I’m going with GOD.
jak
Posted by jaselin at 01:20 PM | Comments (0)
Defining the Journey
I love traveling; the journey and its anticipation are at least half of the fun for me. Planning the route can be like conquering a complicated puzzle. Taking the correct exit or turn can be a victory of importance.
Still, it turns out that how we get to where we’re going may not be as important as what we learn on the way to our destination. Although, we have to know how to get there, just the same.
Modern tools such as AAA internet, Google Maps, GPS systems, move us through this world more directly and safely than ever before. When navigating our spiritual path, there is only really one source that will lead us to find our true way. The Bible is our best tool. Unlike maps though, this manual is open to interpretation, and circumstantial understanding can make the same verses take on new meaning each time they are read.
So, I confess: I’ve been travelling randomly, picking up the Bible and landing wherever the page opens to. The danger and the beauty in that lies in isolating passages. Doubling back to cover the references often changes my mind’s direction. Spiritually dancing this way reminds me not to interpret what seems to be as the truth. There is always history to be considered; somewhere else to look for perspective.
Sometimes, I’m torn between wanting to have the historical facts and just wanting to be here, now, and moving forward. Much like you wouldn’t necessarily need to know every possible route to your destination, it may not be necessary to completely understand every moment that brought others into your life. I just want to be glad that you’ve all made it here.
In a way, that’s a bit of a cop-out. In order to be fair, I need to know your passages in their order. I need the precursory events in order to read where you fit into my journey map. That requires work, and exploration, and research. That doesn’t scare me.
I’m almost more afraid to see the puzzle pieces fit. I’m thinking there are GOD roads I’m just not ready for yet. The thing is, I feel that crucial on-ramp is approaching, fast. I’m kinda glad we can’t Google our life’s map.
For now, the journey is still the best part. jak
Posted by jaselin at 01:18 PM | Comments (0)
Demographically Impaired
I didn’t know. I didn’t ask, either.
In some cases, I didn’t know enough to ask.
In some cases, I knew enough to ask but wasn’t really concerned about the answer.
This isn’t a complaint; just self-observation.
Questions I asked; Answers I received:
Where are we staying? Community UMC, Fond du Lac, WI
How many people are on this team? 12
What will we be doing? Flood recovery, mucking, mold remediation
Questions that did not occur to me to ask:
Where will we sleep? In the sanctuary of Community UMC. (In GOD’s aisles?)
Where will we shower? Public Pool showers, bathing suit required (Didn’t know to bring one.)
What are the demographics of this group of people? 6 adults, 6 youth (50% youth!)
What will others be doing? (I imagined a team this small would all be working at one site.)
Because I know myself, I am aware that had I known the exact demographics of this group, I may have been tempted to decline the invitation. Boy, would I have missed out. 4 thirteen year olds, 1 sixteen year old and 1 ten year old just blew me away with their deep faith and dedication.
Before I embarked on this mission, I wrote a pre-ramble. “I have fewer expectations. That is to say, I’m not projecting: I’m accepting that this time will be different, and looking forward to experiencing those differences."
So, even though I’m tempted to add a few things to my list of queries for the next go-round, I might not do that. It goes against my nature to not question, but then at this point my journey, it is my very nature that I am attempting to modify. I think I’ll just leave myself a little more open to the GOD force, and see where it moves me.
jak
Posted by jaselin at 01:17 PM | Comments (0)
Someone Else's Voice
Early Wednesday evening, I learned two things. First, our GITC team was going to be split up. Secondly, the two teams were going to be performing totally different tasks. Team One would be involved in mold remediation at a home. Team Two would be canvassing neighborhoods affected by the floods, searching for people in need of assistance.
The term used to describe the second team was “Spiritual Care." I felt very strongly that I would like to be part of that team. Mold remediation seemed a bit daunting, and yes, I was still a little afraid of the youth factor. In any unusual move for me, I made sure to mention my preference for Spiritual Care.
After dinner, our hyper-tired, hyper-excited team gathered for briefing. Seated in pews, the formal plans for our teams were revealed. I was immediately disappointed not find myself placed on the Spiritual Care team. I was doubly surprised a little while later to be asked if I would be willing to be the Safety Lead at the home site.
As my brain screamed, “No!" another voice, astonishing not my own in heart, or my own in timbre, confidently, loudly, deeply, and definitively responded: “Yes." Even as I heard the echo of that very committed “Yes" bounce back at me from the walls of the sparsely filled sanctuary, I wondered where it came from. For several long minutes, I considered taking it back. But I’m timid about retracting commitments, especially ones so solidly given. I lamely offered that I didn’t know the requirements of the position. I was told that the person who held this task on the last Wisconsin team could brief me more thoroughly. What I was really feeling was inadequacy that my limited experience wasn’t nearly deep enough for me to be entrusted with the complete safety of the team.
jak
Posted by jaselin at 01:16 PM | Comments (0)
The Sanctuary of Sleep & Home
Through my mission experiences, I have discovered that my Tecumseh UMC congregation is more traditional and formal than some others. In Fond du Lac, in order to give the AmeriCorps volunteers their space, we were assigned living quarters in the sanctuary, and mostly confined our down time to that space.
Sleeping in the sanctuary was a bit of a challenge for me. I suppose I’m over-proper at times, but turning the altar into a slumber station made me uncomfortable. I realize there is nothing incredibly sacred about the physical altar/stage; it just gave me an odd feeling. There was also sleeping space in the aisles. Without an air mattress (by choice), I ended up laying out my sleeping bag a little higher up.
Sleeping on a pew turned out to be very comfortable, although it took me a long time to fall asleep that first night. Something about sleeping in church freaked me out. Maybe because falling asleep in church is so highly frowned upon! Eventually, I got used to the sleeping arrangements. Well, truth be known, eventually, I was too tired to care about propriety.
I also had a little trouble with boisterous downtime that was spent in the sanctuary. Again, it's just what I've been used to. Time in church has always been spent in hushed, sombre, reflective tones. There's not much shouting, and not much handclapping or stomping, either. However, the youth being exuberantly joyful changed my opinion on that, too. Open sharing, playful-ness, and laughter all became forms of praise. In a unique way, we worshipped constantly.
I am still amazed at the eventual comfort and spirituality of spending 4 days living in GOD’s house. By making it our house with our presence, it also came to be referred to as our “home."
jak
Posted by jaselin at 01:15 PM | Comments (0)
Stand Aside
Today’s youth can be very blunt. Especially when they think you are wrong. And, at one point on this trip, most of them thought I was wrong.
I attempted to shelter them from issues I thought would jade them. I prefaced physically separating them from the adult group, by saying this: as a youth contingent, they should not be held responsible for actions that should have been monitored by adults. What happened was that some innocent and initially silly fun somehow turned into personal affront.
The lesson came to me from not the original problem, but in the way I chose to move the youth out of the confrontation. I asked them to physically stand aside, out of the range of conversation. I physically moved them to another area away from the adult discussions. The result was not good. My attempt to alleviate them from internal “team" strife almost alienated me from them. Luckily for me, these younger team members had an objective view that went way beyond where I thought their minds would go, and a humbling maturity that surpassed mine as an adult.
Every member of the group that I set aside, that I told to “stand aside," spoke to me individually, directly, patiently and not with any trace of malice. They each told me in their own unique way, that they were a part of this group and as such should be included in all meetings, information and decisions that were to be made.
For the rest of this trip I will try to “stand aside." I will try not to control the dynamics of the mix; I will try not to run damage interference. If I find I am uncomfortable with a situation, I will remove myself from it. It will be I who will stand aside. It is what I need to do for the success of teams that are finding their own way, and with GOD’s plans, as well.
jak
Posted by jaselin at 01:14 PM | Comments (0)
Ready and Waiting
Our assignment was to finish the mold remediation work begun by a homeowner. Her husband was ill, and she wasn’t getting very far on her own.
But before we could start, we had to… wait. Why did we have to wait? For all sorts of good reasons. We needed additional supplies. We needed a construction leader to assess the basement. We needed time to structure our team. No, wait. That’s not quite right. GOD needed time to structure our team. How are 13 year olds at waiting? Better than I am!
They talked to each other.
They pulled out their Tyvek suits. They wrote their names on them.
They pulled out their bibles. They wrote scripture verses on their suits.
They signed each other’s suits and drew pictures.
They knew these suits would not be savable mementos.
They suspected they would do the same thing the next day; maybe with new verses. Maybe with new words of love for GOD and for each other.
After the basement was inspected, and the remediation plan laid out, we gathered for briefing. As usual, the youth were thinking. They invited our home owner to join us on the front lawn for devotions. They even had to foresight to pull up a cooler for her, so she wouldn’t have to sit on the grass. I could tell she was hesitant and unsure of what was coming. I could also tell she was impressed and moved by the deep devotional authored and read by our 16 year-old team member. How could I know this? I was right there with her, going through the same feelings.
And then, we got ready to work.
Posted by jaselin at 01:12 PM | Comments (0)
Briefly: What it Takes.
Team Safety Lead Duties:
Gather & transport equipment/supplies
Suit and De-suit
Enforce mandatory breaks
Enforce mandatory hydration
Evaluate volunteer status, injuries
Provide support services, general outside site supervision
Equipment inventory, scrub down, sanitization
Supplies:
Tyvek suits: determine sizes needed, pack 2-3 suits per person for changes/suit damage
Gloves: Inner gloves: light weight disposable. Outer gloves: neoprene, heavy duty chemical resistant
Boots: Heavy neoprene or rubber, chemical resistant, tall boots (mucking or tar boots)
Respirators: Full face organic acetic with filters
Safety glasses/Goggles: closed, full coverage, chemical resistant with few vents – no holes
Disposable painter’s hats: to be worn under Tyvek suit hoods
Duct Tape: 1-2 rolls
Cleaning: Large plastic garbage bags, disposable shop towels, paper towels, scrub brushes, sponges, two buckets (one for cleaning, one for rinsing), bleach, phosphate powder, Dawn dishwashing detergent, hand sanitizer
Fluids: 3 waters per person, 3 sports drinks per person: in cooler on ice. No soda pop.
First aid kit, markers, camera, bible
Note on supplies: personal purchases made before trip: respirator, heavy duty gloves, safety glasses, boots: $70.00. There sometimes are respirators and boots available if “extra� supplies are needed, such as in the case of an unexpected late addition to the team.
Basic Routine:
Suit up:
Once Tyvek suits are on, duct tape suit legs over boot tops with tight seal.
Duct tape sleeves over gloves with tight seal.
Put up and secure suit hood.
Assist with placement of head gear/masks/goggles.
De-Suit:
Wearing Tyvek suit, gloves, goggles, assist volunteers in de-suiting:
Remove head gear, goggles, hood, unzip suit, pull gently on gloves taped to suit to release arms leaving gloves/suit attached and in tact, pull suit down to waist, supply team member with hand sanitizer, paper towels,
Breaks: Mandatory breaks every 45 minutes, includes de-suiting, mandatory alternating water and sports drink
Site Routine:
Morning: Suit up, de-suit, break: suit up, de-suit break: suit up, de-suit, break: suit up
Lunch break: de-suit entirely, inspect suits for damage. Duct tape over small holes, replace entire suit if large tears or holes, or if too wet and destabilized.
Afternoon: Suit up, de-suit, break: suit up, de-suit break: suit up, de-suit, break
Equipment sanitization, scrub down, secure hazardous materials & garbage, drain coolers.
Sanitization: every item that comes into contact with contamination must be sanitized using specific sanitization formula and safety procedures. This includes: respirators, gloves, boots, goggles, all tools. Tyvek suits are disposable and should be handled as hazardous materials.
Posted by jaselin at 01:11 PM | Comments (0)
More: What It Takes
Counseling, listening to stories of what is going on inside. Emotional support. Recognizing fatigue, injuries, and emotional issues. Being assertive regarding mandatory breaks and safety protocol. Balancing job urgency and allowing for down time, play time, and bonding. Pampering. Team building.
So much for worrying about not having enough to really “do."
So, it may seem to someone that I was in the right place for them, at the right time. Bet they’d be surprised to know that they were actually there at that time for me. Sure, it’s a little selfish view, but I really do mean it. I am constantly trying to work this big flaw in my life into something positive for someone else.
That’s the gift I got on this trip; my own peculiar little dramatic life gave me something I could give to someone else. Compassion: I forget sometimes that I have this stock pile of understanding; I don’t always exercise my compassion. It’s like a puppy I want to cuddle fiercely and perhaps hold too tightly: it’ll never grow unless I allow it to run, play, and exercise.
Posted by jaselin at 01:10 PM | Comments (0)
Fullness and the Revelation
When I was 13, I wanted to save the world, but I had no idea how. I had no one to show me. My parents were loving and raising me to be a good and genuine person. Yet, I struggled with injustices, dire circumstances in the news. I spent a lot of time – years in fact - in angry isolation at my own impotence; angry to be alone in this.
Perhaps just out of habit, I find myself on the outside of the group when we are all together, but then, individually getting to know each member of the crew. And, this is where I have found my heart to be the fullest. It’s been a long time, and it’s definitely a different fullness than it’s ever been before.
I thought once my heart was full and then depleted, it would never be full again. Like I said, it is a different kind of fullness. So much so that it overflowed my heart and ran from my eyes sitting there on the cement stoop of Miss Helen’s house. For a moment I was sad, and then there were tears of joy.
Finally, today a group of young adults with the average age of 13, showed me who I always wanted to be. And, although I missed that opportunity at their age, I suddenly realized this. That, as an adult, my presence with them, in the company of CHRIST, is an opportunity for me to be for them what was missing from my life. Boy, is that overwhelming.
Is it strange how my job history predates my desire to be the person whose job it is to not actually do anything but to make sure that everyone has all they need to accomplish their goals?
The revelation: I am where I am in order to assist these youth in their search for what it took me so very long to find.
Posted by jaselin at 01:09 PM | Comments (0)
Prayer Focus
8/6 Upper Room. Prayer Focus: Widows in need
Am I in need?
Yes, LORD, I am.
In need of what?
I don’t know – SHOW ME!
I’m spilling out these thoughts past midnight. The late evening mugginess is gone. Windows are open to breezes and traffic noise. If I going to be am honest with myself, I am glad I will not be inside the house working. I feel pretty good so I’m not sure why this is almost a relief to me. I like the thought of being set apart a bit from the bustle of work, of having some down time.
Wait. Don’t I get enough of that at home? Maybe it’s just been the long intensive travel day, or being 45, or being a widow. Maybe GOD wants this to be a different type of alone: a “leadership" alone. My earlier words come back – my favorite type of job is making sure other people can do theirs by supporting them in whatever way possible. Yet I somehow feel I am getting away from my key philosophy of life and business: Never ask anyone to do something that you would not be willing to do.
Ok. So in order to support the next potential site safety office, I must do this job now. So, that later, when I ask someone else to do it, I will have been there. I’m not going to use the “h" word (happy) about the position I am in. I can justify being unselfish about the spiritual part I will be missing because that same friend who ended up on the roof felt the call to be part of the spiritual team, too. I suppose in retrospect, I did not feel so much of a “call" as an opportunity for a “comfortable alternative."
I do not want to, but I will.
I am not comfortable, but I must grow.
I learned a huge lesson from the youth today.
I expect I’ll learn another one tomorrow.
Posted by jaselin at 01:09 PM | Comments (0)
Debriefing & Devotion
Many of us are so used to the idea of debriefing, that sometimes we forget that others aren’t. To one unfamiliar, the procedure was summed up with unexpected humor. Overheard from one team member to another: “We’re going to debrief. But don’t worry, you can keep your pants on."
Other interesting and priceless comments and observations:
“Did you dis’ Jesus today?"
“Motor City can Get In The Car, especially if they’re from Cadillac!"
“My feet feel like over-ripe tomatoes!"
“I never said you HAD to. It was just a suggestion… with force!"
"You have BLUE hair!" and "You HAVE blue hair!"
"You may have blue hair, but you're not a 'blue-hair'."
Where did you see GOD today?
“In the strength found to overcome physical struggles: heat, humidity, Tyvek suits, weariness."
“In the homeowner baking brownies for the remediation team."
“In feeling the emotions of other people and feeling Christ in the hugs of strangers."
“In the laughter and friendship we found."
“In watching the team become self directed and independent."
“In the people who drove by, saw us working, and waved."
“In GOD giving us a Fond Du Lac native as a last minute team addition – Jordan the human GPS."
I saw GOD most remarkably when assignments were given for the next day.
A different volunteer was assigned Safety Lead at the job site. I was reassigned to the Spiritual Team. I felt I had my necessary experience on the job site. I had passed that test. I had waited patiently and my willingness was rewarded. So, now, I was nervous about the new job….
Devotion: An open letter to the team.
Romans 13:8 “Let no debt remain outstanding except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law."
When I was 13, I wanted to save the world, but I had no idea how. And I didn’t know anyone who knew how. It ended up being a long time before I met someone who could help me. And that is when I started my journey with Christ.
Today, our amazing youth team showed me who I always wanted to be. By loving one another, even strangers in need. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to be for you, what was missing in my life. Therefore, your love is the fulfillment of the law.
Posted by jaselin at 01:08 PM | Comments (0)
Spiritual Care
Well, it’s interesting that Spiritual Care really is not-so spiritually based. Restrictions regarding the use of certain words or phrases, not offering prayers, and leaving religion out of the conversation confused me at first.
Even ringing doorbells came with a code of conduct: Ring once, step away from door at least three feet. Most of the time this meant stepping back off the porch and onto the sidewalk to wait. Hands should be folded in front of you or clearly visible if you are carrying something. Our identifiers were a Wisconsin Disaster Recovery t-shirt, and a large name tag.
Questions we could ask:
Did your home have flood damage?
Has the damage been repaired?
Do you have mold in your home or has it been checked for mold?
Do you have insurance?
Have you applied for FEMA or county assistance?
Do you have anyone to help you? Friends, family, neighbors, church?
If you would like our assistance, may we take your name and phone number?
Our team of three covered approximately 70 residences on Friday. The previous day was covered by a large group of volunteers whom together covered approximately 250 residences. Cars were driven to a neighborhood, where the canvassing was done on foot from home to home. Each stop was documented on a note card or a list. In addition to the address, we summarized the results: Not home, Not interested, Needs help, Knows someone who needs help. Information we handed out included FEMA and county contacts. FEMA was set to leave Fond Du Lac within two weeks which made our contact semi-urgent. It would be much easier for residents to communicate with FEMA while the agency was still physically in Wisconsin.
It eventually occurred to me that the spiritual care implied comes from us; how we handle ourselves and our responsibilities. Balancing legitimate concern with tender care and complicated information with patient explanations were our real tasks. It helped that we were equipped with a huge booster. The youngest missionary on our team was 10 years old. She untiringly toted pamphlets, took notes, and walked from house to house ringing doorbells and offering her marvelous smile to anyone who answered. The previous day’s Spiritual Care team, said that they believed the reason so many doors were opened to them was because of her presence. After seeing her in action, I would have to agree.
Posted by jaselin at 01:07 PM | Comments (0)
Cracklin'
Saturday, 4:30 am.
I hurt! Nothing like waking up to an entire body charley-horse. I know I’m not dehydrated, just muscle weary. I wanted to take some Motrin, but I decided I didn’t really want to move. 6:30 am, my bladder convinced me it was time.
I tried to be quiet: there were 8 other exhausted missionaries asleep within feet of me. Up until now, I’d been pretty stealthy about my nocturnal roaming. As I raised myself up, I heard sounds I’d never heard before.
It started out sounding like a newly milked bowl of Rice Crispies. Cute little pops in my shoulders and knees held an early morning she’s-got-to-be-kidding conference. The more I rose, the louder I got. My torso turned in to a Jiffy Pop concerto. My neck ended up sounding like the strings of mini-fireworks my dad used to light-up under empty tin cans. Sadly, I did not get that tin can “air-lift" to help me up.
There was a point during yesterday’s Spiritual Care journey, where my ankles simply refused to flex anymore. As we walked along, I’m sure I looked like the world’s shortest stilt-walker. The good news is that my ankles became true missionaries and flexed appropriately 12 hours later. The bad news is that although I couldn’t actually understand what they were saying, I’m pretty sure each reluctant ankle owes at least one buck-in-the-truck.
Once I made it to the restroom, everything went according to the law of nature and bathroom etiquette. Until, I tried to flush. Apparently gripping a stack of 50 note cards for a couple of hours affects your hand hold. Twice, my left hand slipped right off the flipper. The third time, I just used the pressure of both fists. That got the job done.
By the time I made it back to our sleeping sanctuary, I was determined to take that Motrin. The little pills rattled around in their container like a party-happy canasta, oblivious to my attempts not to make much noise. It turns out I really didn’t have to worry. Nobody stirred. I washed those tiny pills of hopeful salvation down with some warm, deflated Mt. Dew. Then, I crackled back down onto my pew. It’s now 7:20 am. I’ve got an hour before the 8:30 alarm. "Yup," I thought to myself, “Good luck with that."
Posted by jaselin at 01:06 PM | Comments (0)
Unsuccesses: A Personal Experience
False starts, confusion, frustration.
My own expectations let me down.
I need to clarify my own boundaries and roles.
I need to not react to the drama.
I need to assert my desire to not mediate, and then follow through on my convictions.
Not being able to completely finish the job.
Not “reaching" anyone.
Not being able to perform tasks assigned.
Exhaustion, missing coolers, worries about missing team members.
Over sensitivity.
Not wanting to get up, not wanting to work.
Doing a thing so much that loses its meaning.
Contributing to distraction of job progress.
Loss of focus, challenges bringing up emotions.
Having to give up because of personal issues.
Got lax with protocol:
Had a slight sunburn on my neck after yesterday’s Spiritual Care trek. Wore a higher necked t-shirt today, and a baseball cap. Stayed in the shade as much as possible. Humidity made me sweat, which made me itch, which led to swiping my neck with my gloved hand after mixing the sanitizing solution. A couple of minutes later, I realized my error and rinsed. I had one packet of antibiotic left and used the whole thing. But, it was too late. Even though I kept rinsing with cold water all day, I still developed a blistering rash.
jak
Posted by jaselin at 01:04 PM | Comments (0)
Gifts and Meals
It seemed as if there were a lot of disappointments for Pastor Ellen when we arrived. An hour-long interview resulted in a 15 second spot on Fox TV. A promising newspaper article was disappointing: there was no momentum to be seen for days of work on her part.
But then, last night as we ate dinner supplied by the members of the church, Get In The Car and AmeriCorps volunteers experienced the joy of disappointments being revealed as blessings. The right someone from the local Optimist Club heard her cause and responded with funds, challenges to other organizations, and promises of more help. And then, the gentleman and his friends later returned bringing the promised help and more press coverage.
I guess it’s like letting go a bunch of balloons. Someone will eventually grab one, and run with the message attached. I hope that flow continues for Pastor Ellen and her community. I pray that GOD continues to place the right people in your path.
Dear Pastor Ellen,
Today, we met a relative of someone whose home was worked on by another GITC team just a few weeks ago. We also met a lovely parishioner in the Dollar General. People are aware that something wonderful has begun. Keep faith in yourself, but also know that all you’ve done is turning to fruition. You’re changing your community. You’re changing lives. Your invitation has changed ours. Thank you for the hospitality. God Bless.
From the kitchen of generous Fond Du Lac, WI resident Diana
Wisconsin Mac-T Salad
1 can tuna
1 box macaroni noodles, cooked
1 zucchini (from cook’s own garden)
4 shredded carrots (from cook’s own garden)
1 cucumber (from cook’s own garden)
1 chopped onion
½ stick celery
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup Lite Hellman’s Mayonnaise
½ cup Lite Miracle Whip
2 tablespoon wine vinegar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon dry mustard
Mix all ingredients in large bowl. Refrigerate one hour.
Garnish: cilantro, thyme (from cook’s own garden)
Choco-Cherry Dump Cake
1 box chocolate cake mix, dry
1 can cherry pie filling
3 eggs
1/3 cup oil
Dump together and stir. Bake 350 degrees for 35 minutes.
Top with whipped topping or ice cream.
Posted by jaselin at 01:04 PM | Comments (0)
Having a Blue Moment
You know that saying “having a blonde moment" folks are so fond of joking about?
Well, this team tagged a new line especially for me. You see, and here we go again with my mapping issues… not everyone had a GPS, so driving around turned into a game of “Follow me".
I did my best, as last in line, to follow the leader.
I followed the truck.
Unfortunately, I followed the wrong truck.
I realized it though, and turned around quickly, hoping no one would have noticed.
Also, unfortunately, the vehicle in front of us noticed our abrupt turn off.
My cell phone rang almost instantly and I had a difficult time understanding the caller.
All the occupants of that vehcile were laughing way too hard.
Hilariously, they had been about to follow that truck, too… until they realized they were driving the truck.
That sparked the beginning of a very long rest of the week, through which I had to endure, many times, the newly-coined phrase “having a blue moment."
I restored my midnight-blue hair color back to boring brunette when I got home. So far, I haven’t had any “brunette moments."
Oh, yeah, one more thing. I added a GPS to the lengthy wish list for my technological impairment plan for improvement (tipfi).
jak
Posted by jaselin at 01:03 PM | Comments (0)
Where Have You Seen GOD Today?
11 So He said, "Go forth and stand on the mountain before the LORD " And behold, the LORD was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing." 1 Kings 19: 11-12
It’s a usual question asked of mission workers: “Where have you seen GOD today?"
While working in disaster recovery, it helps to note that in 1 Kings 19: 11-12, GOD is not found in the storms, winds, earthquakes or fires. It is not arguable that GOD created these things, but our reaction to them is also given by GOD.
Instead of, “Why did GOD let this happen?" a missionary’s response is, “How can I best serve GOD to glorify his works?"
It’s not always easy to see through the rubble, the debris, the broken hearts. It’s not always easy to figure out where to start cleaning up from a disaster. It’s not always easy to realize that even we cannot fix this ourselves. It’s not always easy to wander far from our homes, subjecting ourselves to sparse accommodations, exposing ourselves to unknown obstacles, wondering about meals, missing our families and friends.
But for some reason, we do it. With joy no less, we empty ourselves. We give away what we know, and venture out of our comfort zones, if only for a few days, or a week, or maybe nine days. Still, it’s enough to make us want more challenges, more healing.
We see disasters as opportunities to help others. We believe we will make things the same, or maybe even better, than they were before. We believe we are sent not only to repair homes, but to heal hearts, as well. We believe our faith in good works, shows. We believe our experience will be blessed in some way, and it always is. We hope our devotion to our work elevates and increases the faith of those we attend. We hope our example inspires a chain reaction; a continuum of care.
jak
Posted by jaselin at 01:01 PM | Comments (0)
Duplicating the Devotional Effect
At the end of our trip, emotionally weary, we spread out in the chapel. Purposefully putting empty rows between us, we felt alone. We listened to the music, and concentrated on a lone flickering candle.
Just one piece of paper; which we were charged to fill. On one side we were to write our prayer: “LORD, please take away…." On the other side, another prayer: “LORD, please give…."
No time limits, no speaking; just us with our thoughts. Together, yet alone: Alone, yet together. In this quiet time we exposed ourselves. Not necessarily to each other, but to GOD. All that we had seen, all we had felt, all we could not understand, leapt from our souls as hearts cried for peace. The tears came. I closed my eyes to the candle’s light, listening to real tears: some quiet, some sobbed.
The harder I shut my eyes, the more light came in. It just kept getting brighter and brighter. My first prayer led to my second, seamlessly. LORD, please take away the overwhelming pain of those who cannot bear it; LORD, please leave them with enough pain to be compassionate and enough fuel to minister.
I tried to duplicate the devotional effect a few minutes later, after I had composed myself, and reread my prayers. It couldn’t be done. It still can’t be done.
I took my note, my own double-edged sword of a prayer, and slowly let it drift into the fire as we had been instructed to do. I don’t think that prayer got any closer to GOD that way. I don’t think that I wanted my prayer to be a silent request. I want you to understand why we are given pain.
So do this: Find your pain. Bring it to the surface. And, then, I want you to act on it, use it, glorify it. Share it with compassion, believe that your old pain gives you a new foundation. GOD has given you a gift. Choose to use it.
Posted by jaselin at 01:00 PM | Comments (0)
Middle Names
Sunday.
I was so exhausted last night, I had nothing to write. This morning however, the thoughts are rolling, the words are coming. I’m writing so fast, I’m not sure I’ll be able to read my handwriting. (I crack myself up when I make predictions like this. I really didn’t have that much trouble deciphering this entry.)
Mathew 10:2 “His name was Simon, but they called him Peter."
Middle names are like significant secrets; seldom used except in formality or official documents, or when we are in significant trouble.
They are significant in naming who we are; sometimes in honor of someone who went before.
They are an extension of our simple selves, furthering defining who we are; a detail, if you like.
What would happen if we named ourselves during prayer.
Dear GOD, this is Jodi Ann in Michigan.
Suppose we took it further than that? Suppose we identified ourselves to GOD before we prayed. We would remind and present ourselves as an extension of who we are in our simple lives. Suppose we became personal with ourselves before we became personal with GOD? Would we better understand where we are in the moment and in our lives?
“Jodi Ann with the brown eyes and the broken heart, daughter of Judith and Alan."
I thought about my definition for quite a while. I went back and looked at who I thought I was a moment ago. As soon as I re-read it, I wanted to edit one specific part to read: “…and the healing heart..."
Going back, thinking of the names I’ve used before, during those times, how would I have introduced myself to GOD?
If GOD knows who we are, isn’t that redundant?
Nope, we also need to know who we are. Our name is a prayer, also, given to us with love. Our names were given to us, but it is up to us to decide how to use them.
Later in the day, I polled each team member.
This is who you became to me: personal, spiritual, defined in depth:
Amanda Noel, Ann Marie, Ashley Ann, Catelynn Ashley, Christine Elizabeth, Christopher Lee, Eric John, Jessica Marli, Jordan Thomas, Kathleen Elizabeth, Sara Elizabeth.
Posted by jaselin at 12:59 PM | Comments (0)
Saying Sorry
Saying “sorry" doesn’t always work.
We need to understand that if we hurt someone, we cannot demand their immediate forgiveness.
They have a right to be able to sort through their feelings.
At this point, it becomes our responsibility to forgive their anger towards us.
We must acknowledge that anger is owed to us for what we have done.
We must allow the other party to smolder and grieve. Be as patient with their holding on to their pain, as you were hasty in delivering it.
Likewise, we cannot simply say, “I’m sorry," and forgive ourselves.
We can only ask for forgiveness.
Beware, though. If you ask for forgiveness, make sure you are prepared to wait for it. When we find ourselves waiting on the receiving end of forgiveness, we must recognize it might not be delivered for a while, and it won’t ever be delivered on our time schedule. Asking for forgiveness always comes with the price of patience.
I believe it would also do us a great deal of good to store that anguished, anticipatory, waiting-for-forgiveness feeling away in our hearts and memories. GOD forgives us the very moment we sin, yet we know we can only strive to be GOD-like.
When we are on the giving end, and have finally convinced our heart that we have truly forgiven someone, the confession should not be far behind. It is necessary to share your absolute forgiveness with the one who has been waiting for it.
Release them and yourself from the pain. Start over. Be blessed.
Posted by jaselin at 12:58 PM | Comments (0)
Incidental Oddities aka 10 Hours in a Car
Things I cannot explain, at least not in great detail:
A fleet of llamas.
Am-Bush Jumping into Holy Bushes. (Not a recommended sport, or endorsed GITC activity.)
Shower as you can. (Um, I didn’t bring a swimsuit.)
I got udders, cow paddies and cow pokes. (TMI for a 13 yr male old traveling with 10 women)
Coincidence or GODincidence?
I thought you’d be taller. (If Jesus were here right now, what would you say to him?)
Dehydration means I can‘t possibly cry anymore.
How many words can you make out of HYMNAL? (11)
Has anybody else connected Wisconsin, cheese and FONDUE Lac?
Musical A.D.D.
Charley Brown’s teacher’s name was: Mrs. Ottmeyer: (sorry, unsubstantiated, as of yet.)
No rain, no clouds, just Wisconsin windmills... and a rainbow.
The Apostle Correlation
“You can’t write about this is books. You just have to Get In The Car!"
Posted by jaselin at 12:57 PM | Comments (0)
Rolling Revival: 8/17/08 WI to MI
A rolling revival is a mission opportunity designed to exercise and open up our faith. About once an hour or so, a traveling team member will choose a bible passage to read by randomly opening the bible. Interpretation, discussion, and thoughts on our recent mission experiences are encouraged. Here are our vehicles chapters and verses for the first half of our return trip home.
John 20:30-31 Catelynn
30 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
2 Corinthians 8:8-9 Jodi
8 I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
Luke 11:14-15 Ann
14And He was casting out a demon and it was mute; when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed. 15 But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons."
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Catelynn
1If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
1 Corinthians 13: 8-13 Ann
8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Luke 11: 33-34 Jodi
33 No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lamp stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 34 The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness.
Posted by jaselin at 12:56 PM | Comments (0)