tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15459896613075927742023-11-16T06:06:27.333-05:00changing:: myself.my world.I long to serve Christ and to bring hope to the hopeless.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-4112865589330957612010-06-04T12:13:00.001-04:002010-06-04T12:22:47.051-04:00The Grass is Always Greener...I'm sitting here in my sun room looking out at my lawn where dandelions are doing their usual annoying thing of taking over the entire lawn...typical. The lilac bushes are leaving a sweet aroma in the air and the cherry tree is ready to blossom!It feels so wonderful to be home to be able to see this beauty once again. A beauty that perhaps I had taken for granted for a good majority of my life.<br /><br />I can remember singing in a little show back in college with my friend Nicole. We sang the song, "The Grass is Always Greener" which depicts two different people's perspectives on life. They each are discontent in where they are at. They look at the other person's life and think how much better it is...hence, the grass is always greener on the other side.<br /><br />I don't want to be that discontent ever. Thinking that what I have is nothing compared to what others have...whether that be others having more or less than what I have. The grass is green right where I'm at...and that's something that I need to remember.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-2493665555091708052010-05-28T08:16:00.002-04:002010-05-28T08:49:29.937-04:00The Words I Would Say...To be honest, I've been in quite the funk lately. I haven't felt like myself and others have taken notice of it. I've spent a lot of time at home, rather than getting out which is my normal response to the day. I guess you could say that I'm a hermit...<br /><br />I met with my pastor last week to discuss a few of the happenings that have been going on in my life lately...it basically started when I injured my ankle and couldn't go to LA...since then, I have let one thing after another affect me negatively and take ahold of who I am...and that again, is not my typical response.<br /><br />We spoke of being in this place (Houlton, Maine) for such a time as this...that I am here to grow and that my pastor firmly believes that. I found that odd to hear as I expected to be anywhere but in Houlton, Maine living with my parents, but he said that he went through a similar experience at the age of 27 and that it was the biggest growing time that he had had with God...so I'm expecting great things!<br /><br />I'm seeking after truth...and that's something that I'm thankful I haven't stopped doing. I have come across more Scripture revealing listening to truth than I have before...another piece of Scripture is in John where Jesus calls the disciples. He doesn't say, "Now, go do this, be concerned with that, and then come to me." Instead He gives clear instruction to, "Just follow me."<br /><br />That is what I am yearning to do. Regardless of if I have to work a job that I would despise...or stay in Houlton where I never thought I would end up...God has me..and He has a plan even if I can't see it yet and that is the truth that I am clinging too.<br /><br />As I was driving to work today, I heard a song called "The Words I would Say" by Sidewalk Prophets. I have never heard this song before, but it spoke volumes about what I am going through right now...<br /><br />Take a listen...<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thLdWPr32yYHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-50252312910111234242010-05-27T10:18:00.002-04:002010-05-27T10:20:29.491-04:00Quotable Quote...I was working one on one with one of my students this morning and he said something hilarious and I had to share it.<br /><br />Me- "I hate my stomach...it's constantly hurting. I need a new one."<br /><br />Student- "How are you going to do that? Get a pig's one?"<br /><br />Me and Student- Burst out laughing...<br /><br /><br />Too good not to share...Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-25950113310242920742010-05-04T15:56:00.003-04:002010-05-06T21:44:22.043-04:00When My Life Gets Tossed-Turned Upside Down...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzJtsx3Ay6q4PCqplclI4tl-lBNQ_owv8BfF6-VPR7Hr5Q20aol5Ow2_znrR2y0mihA-M5RSM80lH8t4qKj1gWWw8OdeOS_Y6qJl4SpDFS9YS4FX5qnd5m390-8J83cDP0-9sblQxjiTB/s1600/url.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzJtsx3Ay6q4PCqplclI4tl-lBNQ_owv8BfF6-VPR7Hr5Q20aol5Ow2_znrR2y0mihA-M5RSM80lH8t4qKj1gWWw8OdeOS_Y6qJl4SpDFS9YS4FX5qnd5m390-8J83cDP0-9sblQxjiTB/s320/url.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467507851511715714" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Time to Freak Out!<br /></div><br />I found out a week ago that I do not have a job come the end of June...so in a little over a month...I will be without a "plan." At least I will be without <span style="font-weight: bold;">my </span>plan. I know that He has a plan...it's just a bit overwhelming to all of a sudden not have one...not sure what the next month will hold...not working with my students again...not sure where I'll live...knowing that He has a plan does bring comfort, but I have a difficult time giving over all of my worry to Him.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Please pray for me.<br /></div>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-6144894286338590612010-04-25T13:34:00.012-04:002010-04-25T14:19:20.186-04:00Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_Wi54pdDX158TVZZI5cOM6-ZfgNUpzsbVIMFY1ZeJYUjLpqMNfz0olb7qjoMbkv827VaHylv2uDPjNx8KSNU6nqjU6HadshB1of46DFjj-Xnz3AC5U23IQP8jlqnPXQerc8GEAC2Ce3L/s1600/time.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_Wi54pdDX158TVZZI5cOM6-ZfgNUpzsbVIMFY1ZeJYUjLpqMNfz0olb7qjoMbkv827VaHylv2uDPjNx8KSNU6nqjU6HadshB1of46DFjj-Xnz3AC5U23IQP8jlqnPXQerc8GEAC2Ce3L/s320/time.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464140796201143042" border="0" /></a>I have been doing a lot of thinking about the concept of time lately...thinking how I usually have two perspectives on it...either I am thinking, "I've got too much time on my hands and could be doing tons of different things with my time..." or..."There's never enough time."<br /><br />Upon looking up the word "time" on google, over 3 billion results showed up...typing it into youtube...over 400,000 showed up...and in biblegateway.com, 889 results. I'd say that as a society we think of "time" as quite important.<br /><br />I've been wrestling with this concept for a little while now. I feel as though we, as humans, try to "play God" when it comes to the time that we have.<br /><br />We think that we have all the time in the world to go where we want, do what we want, and be who we want...but God's design, I feel, is much bigger than we can even possibly imagine. We change things from God's timing and try to make them our own...and if we do that, it generally goes to custard.<br /><br />I had a conversation with someone the other day about when doctors put a timeline on our lives...we're sick, so we "only have a year" left...I don't believe that...some have longer, or some have shorter. Who am I to decide the time of someone's life? Rather than choosing to live in fear of not having enough time, shouldn't we be more focused on the time that has been given to us where we are and who we are with?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfgc6dhU-_ThBkQg4E9eajCGVHjDfbEEI00-8Lw8HwoatEqlgP5yzrGet8OmsxiwqpNp4mYF2mPh_maE5Ffve5I7R36s7vYrU1bjH7zp3DzxA2B89pmWS9CKHdQoZLpeXWOKF7UpY3eH2/s1600/sand.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfgc6dhU-_ThBkQg4E9eajCGVHjDfbEEI00-8Lw8HwoatEqlgP5yzrGet8OmsxiwqpNp4mYF2mPh_maE5Ffve5I7R36s7vYrU1bjH7zp3DzxA2B89pmWS9CKHdQoZLpeXWOKF7UpY3eH2/s320/sand.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464138899215660754" border="0" /></a>I'm such a person of deadlines.<br /><br />I can remember being in college and planning my homework/quizzes/tests based on their due dates. I would sit down with a posterboard and make a calendar and put my due dates a week ahead of when they were actually due...that way, I would have more than enough time to complete the task at hand. Then I could also go back and look at my work and make changes if I needed/wanted to.<br /><br />Everything is a timeline...our jobs, vacations, sports, leisure time,church, classes...When it comes to deadlines, we generally countdown because we want that deadline to come...so that we can finally be finished with a certain project. However, there's another way of looking at it...<br />timeframes...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzh_OqbmFKG16OtYYP4fpbdK8zwsPVIoor2IXJ2c5i3JiNLQOkCwfKhCjfEXdGYCrTpeMWYeGGBNYJL6Zax3HoBgzkFn5pQsMtZ9BZMSpIArBuJc6wj2XPVPGTfxPhyphenhyphen37VJUzJIygS52Mz/s1600/sand_love_1024x768.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzh_OqbmFKG16OtYYP4fpbdK8zwsPVIoor2IXJ2c5i3JiNLQOkCwfKhCjfEXdGYCrTpeMWYeGGBNYJL6Zax3HoBgzkFn5pQsMtZ9BZMSpIArBuJc6wj2XPVPGTfxPhyphenhyphen37VJUzJIygS52Mz/s320/sand_love_1024x768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464140091706938242" border="0" /></a>I'm in a situation right now where I don't want the time to go fast...I don't want to see the moments as they slip past...That can be so difficult for me as I love counting down to things...crossing things out of my planner...but I don't want to cross out the time that I have with people...people that are here for a short time and then move on to something new. I want to cherish the time that I have with those that I love.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-69454394287987443272010-04-21T16:28:00.002-04:002010-04-21T16:38:38.595-04:00I'm in a Pit..With a Lion on a Sunny Day...<div style="text-align: center;">"God is awfully good at getting us where He wants us to go. But here's the catch: The right place often seems like the wrong place, and the right time often seems like wrong time."<br /></div><br />I can honestly say that this is exactly how I have been feeling as of late. Not being able to go to LA to serve God in a different capacity...and having to sit for hours a day with my foot up so that it doesn't swell to be the size of a grapefruit...having my ankle be different shades of the rainbow (roygbiv)...and not fully understanding why I am where I am for such a time as this.<br /><br />My best friend and I have been reading "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day" lately and he pointed this quote out to me the other day. How perfect...this describes my life at this moment. I know that God has a purpose in everything...but what's the purpose in me sitting at home...is it that I needed to rest because I'm always going here, there, and everywhere? Is it that I'm supposed to gain strength in my ankles?<br /><br />I find it interesting the lyrics, "I wanna be Your hands...I wanna be Your feet. I'll go where You send me..." Well, that's the cry of my heart. I want so desperately to be His hands and feet...so perhaps my feet just needed strengthening...or maybe my family needed me to be home...I really don't know.<br /><br />The right time seems like the wrong time...and that's the truth in my heart. It seems like the wrong time for me to be here, but God, and only He, knows why I'm here at this point...and not over in LA doing different ministries.<br /><br />I'm trying to think about how I can honor God where I'm at...in Houlton, Maine...how can I honor Him through this trial? So frustrating...but still seeking.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-87878708944179909902010-04-18T15:17:00.002-04:002010-04-18T15:34:04.368-04:00Clumsy Consequence...I thought that at this moment I would be in a fifteen passenger van heading to Portland, Maine for the evening...and then flying to Los Angeles, California tomorrow morning at 5:40...grossly early, I know.Instead I am sitting in my living room with my left leg up on three pillows, wrapped in an ace bandage, tylenol/ibuprofen by my side, people waiting on me hand and foot, and ice on top of and underneath my ankle.<div><br /></div><div>Yesterday was the third Saturday of the month, which means that people meet at the church to go out on Adopt a Block...where we go around to help those in need and also act as a blessing for those who may not be so "in need." Well, me being my usual graceful self, started to walk toward my dad's vehicle to drop off my mug of coffee and I saw a curb...I thought, "hmm...let's try balancing on that!" It was higher up than most curbs, so I knew it would be a challenge. I'm stupid.</div><div><br /></div><div>I started to walk on it and it wasn't long before I was on the ground screaming at the top of my lungs in pain...not fully understanding the damage and consequences that were about to come. They called the ambulance and my dad held my ankle, not knowing if it was broken or sprained badly. All I could say was, "I'm so sorry. I can't go to LA." I was gutted as LA was going to be a continuing training in how to better the adopt a block ministry in my town.</div><div><br /></div><div>The paramedics were great and I rode in an ambulance for the first time while people stood outside my church waving. My dad was stoked that he got to ride shotgun...he would be! </div><div><br /></div><div>I had four x-rays, an ID bracelet (you know you've done something bad when...), and I awaited the doctor's word. Thankfully it wasn't broken...but man that stupid ankle was huge...about the size of a tennis ball on my left foot. I got a walking boot, ace bandage, and crutches, which thankfully I've become a pro at using because of previous injuries. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was faced with the decision to go to LA or not...and through much prayer and a heavy heart, we realized that in reality I wouldn't be able to go and be effective in climbing up flights of stairs and doing the ministries which require walking everywhere that you go...I am gutted.</div><div><br /></div><div>My eyes were swollen when I woke up this morning due to the amount of tears shed. All I wanted was to do this ministry...have this opportunity...serve God in a different way...and I was being obedient...</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been faithfully praying Philippians 3:10 lately which roughly says I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection...through suffering, even unto His death. </div><div> Little did I know what my suffering would look like. </div><div><br /></div><div>Some people would get angry at God...after raising support and being so excited about this...and then BAM...not being able to go...but I don't look at it as that. Yes, I'm clearly upset, but there's a purpose in this...you can't rush God's timing...His is perfect. I'm resting in that thought along with knowing that this is for a reason...one that I'm not sure of yet, but in His time, I will know.</div><div><br /></div><div>Be blessed and be a blessing.</div>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-87563918024448579902010-04-09T09:36:00.004-04:002010-04-09T09:55:50.069-04:00Coffee and a Book...I can remember being a little girl on school mornings and doing something sneaky. My parents were both coffee drinkers and I couldn't understand why. I didn't get why they "needed" that to wake them up in the morning for work. So, curious as I was, I decided that when they weren't looking, I would sneak some of their coffee. Mom would leave her cup on the table in the living room and after I was finished getting ready and no one was in the room, I would take a sip from the cup. Cold, flavored coffee. Back then, cause it was forever ago, we didn't have all these different flavors that we do today, so I'm pretty sure it was just cream and sugar in Mom's cup. I remember that first taste...I was hooked.<br /><br />Now I can't imagine going a morning without having a cup of coffee. I even take my coffee to church with me on a Sunday morning. Possible addiction? Even if it is, I don't want to admit it.<br /><br />A coffee related subject...books. I was reading chapter seven in "CrazyLove" by Francis Chan the other day. This chapter discussed how we are to look at everyone as if Jesus were that person...In Matthew 25:31-45 it talks about "I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. I was a stranger and you didn't invite me in...Whatever you did not do for the least of these, you did not do for me."<br /><br /><br />Think about that for a minute. How selfish have I become, owning what I do and hoarding it to myself? There are people in different kind of needy situations everywhere around us, and rather than see Jesus in them and help them out in their time of need, we continue to buy more.<br /><br />I know people who will never wear the same outfit twice, have 3 ipods cause two are "old," four tv's in their house and they only use one or two... <br /><br />Who am I to complain that I "need" something...when I have all that I need. Am I storing up treasures on earth rather than holding out for heaven? Am I living as though who I come into contact with is Jesus?<br /><br />Think about that.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-62163248937464525832010-04-08T09:03:00.002-04:002010-04-08T09:15:14.442-04:00The Dream TeamIn just a mere ten sleeps, yes I count, I will be leaving with four others from my church in Maine, to venture across the country to Los Angeles, California. Some of you may be saying, "nice vacation," but that isn't how I am looking at this trip.<br /><br />A year ago, some youth leaders chaperoned a group of 20-25 people on a mission trip to the Dream Center in LA. There, they got right into doing a multitude of different ministries such as: bus ministry, food truck, dream center live, prayer ministry, skid row, homeless ministry, prostitution ministry, and many others. One in particular that grabbed the team's attention last year when they went out was "Adopt a Block" where you literally adopt a block around where you meet/live and you love them just as Jesus did.<br /><br />When the team came back, they started up Adopt a Block in Houlton and for nearly a year (it will be in June) the team has gone out every third Saturday of the month to love the people around the block that they have adopted. God said, "One block...for one year" and the church has been faithful to that. So now they're seeking the next step for Adopt a Block...where to next/what direction does it need to go in? What is God wanting from this community and how will we seek that?<br /><br />So, this April, in ten sleeps, five of us will be leaving on a jet plane to fly to California to be involved in ministry at the dream center for one week. We have had to raise funds for this, which have all come in very quickly! Now any other finances that come in will go toward buying supplies when we get out there to leave at the dream center or to pass out to those that we come in contact with.<br /><br />I am beyond stoked for this trip! We are going to seek the next step and praying that God reveals that in His time. Please be in prayer for this team of five...that God will break our hearts for His people in a different place...that we will be selfless and exude Christ...and that we will come back with a deeper knowledge and understanding of what God hopes for this community and how we will play a role in that.<br /><br />Be blessed and be a blessing.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-59149035137451687762010-04-06T15:01:00.002-04:002010-04-06T15:17:27.243-04:00Out of the Woodwork...I can't begin to tell you how many times I have sat down, pulled up this page, and started to write, but continued to hit delete because anything that I wrote was mediocre or just "stuff" and not anything of value...so here I go...yet trying again.<br /><br />For a few months now I have been working/advocating for fifteen students at a local high school who have some type of disability...whether that is a learning disability or something greater, that is my life. I must say that it's one of the most challenging jobs, frustrating jobs, annoying jobs, but SO rewarding. I have seen my kids (yes,I call them that) come so far...in their way of thinking, processing after high school life, exploring careers, doing community service, and above all...really growing in their self confidence.<br /><br />One of my close friends said to me, "We are put on the earth for a few reasons...one of them being helping others."<br /><br />This friend is a non-Christian and he gets it. We are to help others...and I'm attempting that to the best of my ability. I refuse to let these kids settle for mediocrity...so we'll push through and knowing that God has a plan for each one, whether they know it or not...is a peace in and of itself.<br /><br />With that being said, working in a public high school has been interesting...not being able to profess my faith with the students (unless they ask me) is interesting...but God continues to open doors. I have been doing a young adult Bible study with the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. I can't say that I agree with everything in this book, but it's definitely worth your time if you're keen. It's teaching me a whole lot about sharing my faith, not being lukewarm...and what being a "real" Christian looks like.<br /><br />More to come...I promise.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-90390227731910471982010-02-02T12:42:00.003-05:002010-02-02T12:49:39.128-05:00Responsibility...what's that?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJamzD0KntE (watch this!)<br /><br />Sometimes when I'm given a responsibility I think, "Are you serious? You want ME to be in charge of that? You want ME to do that?" Sure, a bit of boasting may come along (sinful as it may be), but I can't help but feel flattered when someone gives me a responsibility. That person sees something in me that I may not see in myself...and for that, they bring out a part of me that continues to grow.<br /><br />Responsibility comes in many different sizes...for some it's your children, for others it's applying to college, for others it's taking care of someone when they're sick...for me today...my responsibility is to teach the kindergartners how to tell time. You may sit there and laugh, but I view this as a responsibility. What I tell them could either help them or hinder them from being able to tell time correctly...who knows.<br /><br />We, as Christians, have a huge responsibility...to share the love of God with others...with everyone...with our friends, with strangers, with the people/kids that we work with...I try to not take that lightly, though sometimes I slip...Why is it that I take the responsibility of teaching five year olds how to tell time seriously...but when it comes to my friends/family's lives and where they will spend eternity...I don't do nearly as much as I should do.<br /><br />I have that responsibility...and I need to live up to it.<br />Challenge yourself to think about what you are responsible for.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-72758287674258962992010-01-31T11:27:00.002-05:002010-01-31T11:37:02.126-05:00The Choice is Ours...I had a conversation with someone recently about one of the most valuable lessons that I have ever learned. We were talking about how people can feel guilty, how we respond to situations...why we hold onto grudges...it's our choice...plain and simple.<br /><br />When I was in New Zealand, I can remember getting into a disagreement with a friend of mine and I sat down with the pastor's wife, Michelle (lovely lady), and explained the situation. I said how the "person made me feel guilty," how "I can't believe he said that to me...doesn't he realize how badly he hurt me?"...and I'm sure the list could go on and on about what I foolishly and unwisely said.<br /><br />She said something to me that has forever changed how I view situations and how I let them affect me. "You choose how you respond to things. People can't make you feel guilty...you let yourself feel that way. You choose when someone may be saying/doing something that you don't agree with, but YOU ultimately choose how you're going to feel about that...and how long you're going to let it affect you."<br /><br />Well...geez...talk about constructive criticism. It's not of God for us to think that way...it's not of God for us to be offended...we can help each other with that. We choose how we react/respond to situations/things people say to us...I shouldn't be responding the same way that a non-christian would be responding because I have the faith in God...<br /><br /><br />Back to the conversation with this other person...the person kept going on about how he/she had their feelings hurt and felt guilty...and I said, "no,no,no...you choose how you react/respond to things and as long as we are responding in a way that is worthy of Christ...then we're doing what He asks of us.."<br /><br />That is honestly what I think about when someone says something that could be taken offensively to me...that's not my intent to hurt people..and I honestly believe that it isn't someone's intent period...so stop being offended and see how you can change how you react/respond to things.<br /><br />Choose to be offended...or choose to love and forgive.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-17234268718620572192010-01-29T11:52:00.000-05:002010-01-29T11:58:20.873-05:00New Job...Same Heart.I have recently started a new job through the Maine Transition Network (MTN) as well as AmeriCorps. The gist of the it is that I am a transition coordinator for high school teens ages 15-18 who have disabilities. I essentially help them prepare for their future and figure out some generic "lifeskills" that they may not know how to do.<br /><br />I have 14 students that I work with everyday. I've had to do oodles of paperwork,which can be annoying when I just want to hang out with the teens. I have to remember that their homework comes first and then I get to work with them...so I'll help them with their homework, observe them in classes, and provide them with the information that they need in order to accomplish a certain task.<br /><br />It boggles my mind the kind of need that is around me everyday. These kids not only have disabilities, but are also judged completely because they get put into the "special ed room" so that they can receive the accomodation that they need in order to be successful in school. The people who work with them are incredibly devoted and have encouraged me SO much. Bless them.<br /><br />There's this one kid, I'll call him Art (not his real name,obv)...and he has a really hard time coming to school...he's been through a lot I guess you could say. He loves to smile...and loves Pepsi. I wanted him to come on a field trip that I'm organizing and for bribery for him to come,I gave him a Pepsi...and now he's stoked to go. This same kid needed someone to go into his gym class with him...so I went because I was free and really enjoy this kid's heart and he makes me laugh constantly,so that always helps of course.<br /><br />We walk into gym and he heads right for the work out room. Awesome. Neat. I wore flats and had my hair done nicely. He gets on the tredmill and I get on the bike...we work out for ten minutes, then we switch for another ten...then I some weight lifting (laugh if you must) and he laughed at me too. Then we shot basketball. The joy that Art experienced was written all over his face.<br /><br />To me, that is success. Letting a kid know that he is loved and cherished...Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-14451160004573391132010-01-15T11:08:00.003-05:002010-01-15T11:14:14.747-05:00Keep Holding OnIn the midst of hearing radio broadcasts and news reports about the devastation in Haiti, I find myself saying three words...keep holding on. Words can't even describe the pain and torture people are experiencing in a place that I've never been. I've never had to worry about my house not being there when I get home from work. I've never had to worry about having to dig to find my loved ones under a mass of destruction.These people's lives have been taken from them...everything they ever new to be "normal" is now changed forever. I pray that they would keep holding on...that they would seek truth and find it in a place where all that they see is devastation.<br /><br />At youth group this past week, my youth pastor pointed a girl out to me who was wearing merely a sweatshirt. I had assumed that she had put her coat down somewhere in the youth center. He said, "That's all that she has for winter gear." My heart sank. Where I live is freakin' cold! I wouldn't be walking around in just a sweatshirt when the sun is shining, let alone in a sweatshirt at nighttime in the cold,bitter air.<br /><br />Devastation takes different forms. For some areas...it is extreme...like in Haiti. For others, in a small town in northern Maine...it's braving the winter without a coat.<br /><br />Think.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-32236590062990311142009-12-20T14:13:00.003-05:002009-12-20T14:27:14.117-05:00Ungrateful Swine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-aptuj8b92hxuis4WVF1-sAnn_4mO_CS4I9FtQBXJzag35STF7thC-yna5UuWESxUcXxKyShvNF7LO82t3KbHGcPGgQMLv6P9DW4rnIIcBzeqsGr1mlceQfBgO2s3ZLhAVRes3ICG7QM/s1600-h/tantrum.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417402012347111330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-aptuj8b92hxuis4WVF1-sAnn_4mO_CS4I9FtQBXJzag35STF7thC-yna5UuWESxUcXxKyShvNF7LO82t3KbHGcPGgQMLv6P9DW4rnIIcBzeqsGr1mlceQfBgO2s3ZLhAVRes3ICG7QM/s320/tantrum.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This time of year brings about many different emotions. Some of you may be wondering, 'why ungrateful swine?' Well, in all honesty, I feel as though I have seen more ungrateful people in the past month than I have people who are actually thankful and grateful for what they have been given or for what people have done/are doing for them. It's amazing...this time of year...and people go bananas...we lose sight of the kind of heart and mindset we should have.<br /><br />Upon looking up the word "ungrateful" in the dictionary, the definition found is: unappreciative; not displaying gratitude; not giving due return or recompense for benefits conferred.<br /><br />I dare you the next time that you go into a store to pay attention to what little children are talking about...what they're asking for...what they're crying about. Then I dare you to hear what teenagers are saying and demanding. Then I dare you to look at what middle aged people are buying and saying...then take a good look at yourself...what would people say about your attitude if they heard you in a store?<br /><br />I'm not going to lie...I am ungrateful. It's something that I have to remind myself daily...to be grateful for what I have...to not always be wanting something more...to not complain that what I have isn't "good enough"... that I "need" something else.<br /><br />I don't say this to lay on a guilt trip at all...it's something that I've been observing for the past couple of months and really felt compelled to share.<br /><br />Forgive me Lord if I seem ungrateful...for what I have...for what I'm given...and for people in my life...</div>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-654005549090168252009-12-18T11:19:00.002-05:002009-12-18T11:30:42.275-05:00Ew...really?!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nHRLxnbpyfLApV_ZkKsuJnC9o_3ZGVBzlFX0tGkrjA82GoPpzRNKR2VJ_yDt0iQPRhgd90BidZaHZqNLSNuT0AIT-Lr_SYIMt6kcL_v9bvQyD2cefDgO1QSeuYG2mEQFzMiBnYEOh-w5/s1600-h/dispenser.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416612018365874610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nHRLxnbpyfLApV_ZkKsuJnC9o_3ZGVBzlFX0tGkrjA82GoPpzRNKR2VJ_yDt0iQPRhgd90BidZaHZqNLSNuT0AIT-Lr_SYIMt6kcL_v9bvQyD2cefDgO1QSeuYG2mEQFzMiBnYEOh-w5/s320/dispenser.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>For my one reader...</div><div> </div><div>The white tundra, which is known as Maine...the great white north...which is my town...gets an insane amount of snow each year. This I somewhat missed last year, but the more colder that it gets and the more thoughts of "snow days" for school that come, I realize more and more how much I miss NZ.</div><div> </div><div>That's beside the point...this story may leave you pondering, "hmm...what do I intake in a day?"</div><div> </div><div>I barely passed my car inspection because of my tires. They basically had zero tred left on them...and me being so cheap, I put off getting them...until last week. With snow falling beautifully, it lands on the road and makes it so slippery! When I fishtailed last week, I decided it was time to just deal, shell out the money, and get some safety tires on my car.</div><div> </div><div>This garage doesn't take appointments...it's a first come, first serve business. I arrive around 10am, left my cell at home, left my knitting at home, AND left my book at home. I had nothing, so I was just praying that it wouldn't take too long to put four new tires on my red bullet. </div><div> </div><div>I walk in, check in, ask how long it will be... "Oh, about two hours." Great. Neat. Just what I wanted to do on my Friday. I reluctantly said "okay, I'll just wait" and walked to the "waiting room" which had six chairs, and automotive magazines...how did they know I love those?! </div><div> </div><div>I sit down, look at the lady across from me who was all bundled up and had a crotchity look on her face...she was clearly not impressed with her waiting time. I picked up an Antique magazine, read a week old newspaper (so hopefully nothing changed), and read the winter events for Aroostook County in a little pamphlet.</div><div> </div><div>I saw man after man come in, grab coffee, wait in line, leave, come back and do the same thing over again. The lady across from me was clearly getting hungry because she grabbed a quarter from her pocket and placed it into one of the most disgusting things ever... a candy dispenser machine. </div><div> </div><div>The choice was either peanut m & m's or cashews. There were barely any left in either container and the stains inside each dispenser were enough to make my stomach churn like butter. It got me wondering....how many people touch those EVERY day...and how OLD are the "select items" in each one.</div>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-2940368071675450952009-12-04T20:28:00.002-05:002009-12-04T20:33:12.799-05:00"Miracles" according to Reader's Digest...I was reading this the other day and found these to be too interesting not to share...It's taken from this Christmas edition of Reader's Digest.<br /><br />Some readers share the miracles in their own lives...<br /><br />"The sunrise my father and I watched standing at the top of one of the Smoky Mountains."<br />"Our son fell 40 feet off his barn roof onto cement and didn't break any bones."<br />"All the factors that came together to help me find the daughter I had given up for adoption."<br /><br />"A bumblebee flying."<br /><br />"My husband getting out of the Pentagon on 9/11."<br />"During a serious kidney stone attack at age 37, I went into a coma and saw a light at the end of the tunnel. I regained consciousness and lived. I am now 88 years old."<br />"Some would say that my actually getting married was a miracle." (burn)<br /><br />"The days are filled with miracles: a flower blooming, my heart beating, the purr of a cat, the Internet." (interesting progression there)<br /><br />"I feel that someone turning his life around for the better is a miracle."<br /><br />"Love for the unlovable."<br /><br />"Forgiveness."<br /><br />"Being able to have enough income to share with others less fortunate."<br /><br />"Hearts changed."<br /><br />Amen.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-32370396659222654252009-12-02T17:51:00.003-05:002009-12-02T17:58:25.285-05:00OK for no SK...Approximately four weeks from now, I was meant to be leaving to teach English in Suwon, South Korea. However, with the help of following God's leading, listening to my heart, and trying to better myself before I can give 100%...I am post-poning South Korea for a few months...<br /><br />My intentions for going were not pure...and though I write that with remorse, I'm thankful that I've noticed that in myself...and I am trying to correct that before I venture off overseas again. I don't want to go somewhere if God isn't at the forefront of it all...and at this time, He wasn't with me going to South Korea. I was going for different reasons...which weren't necessarily Godly.<br /><br />I don't say that to receive praise or to raise a fuss, but I wanted people who read this, to be let in on things that others may not hear about for a while. My family is being really supportive and I believe this is where God wants me for now...to straighten my heart out with why I really want to go...<br /><br />I am still substitute teaching, working at an after school program, and volunteering at two youth groups...and I love doing all of these things. I was working at the after school program today and had a nice little chat with a fourth grader named "Bella." I asked her if she knew and Edwards...and she just laughed at me...and then we played with glitter. I'm having fun blessing these kids and seeing them laugh.<br /><br />God has a plan and I'm thankful that I don't need to know what He has for me in the future...as long as I'm living for Him in the now...and that's A-OK with me.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-87636442171759869382009-11-26T19:34:00.003-05:002009-11-26T19:56:56.869-05:00are we there yet?I wouldn't say that I'm the type of person who thrives on making decisions...in fact, when I go into the movie rental store, it can take me forever to make a decision as to what I'd like to watch...and to avoid making just one decision, I'll walk out of there with several choices. Another example, I have three shirts that are the exact same, just different colors...I couldn't decide on just one color...so I took three...ridiculous.<br /><br />I hate decisions...and those examples are minor...obviously, so one can only imagine what goes through my head when I have to make a life decision...it doesn't come easy, that's for sure. I generally go back and forth about what I'm going to do and whether it's right for me, if it's where God wants me to go/do, how will I bless others through it...could I be used more effectively elsewhere?<br /><br />Another question that comes into my mind often is, "Am I running from something? Am I running away?"<br /><br />I've been doing a TON of thinking/crying/praying/pondering the past week or so about the next thing in my life. If I've made the decision that God wanted me to make or if I've avoided what God wants me to do because I'm being selfish. I'm so confused on this one...<br /><br />I guess for once in my life...I feel <strong>really </strong>scared...taking a leap of faith...or staying where I know that I'm being effective. I realize that stepping into the unknown is always frightening,but should I really be this torn up about something...or is this God saying "Welp,maybe this isn't right...maybe not that it isn't 'right,' but maybe more like it's just not 'right now'"<br /><br />Anytime that I was sick, my parents would give me a coloring book and crayons to help cheer me up...I had a hard time making a decision as to what color I would use on Ariel's tail or Belle's ballgown...and here I am...twenty years later, just wishing I could have that crayon and color in what's next for me.<br /><br />Maybe this is just a rough patch of doubt...or maybe it's God. How does one know for sure...<br /><br />Decisions come and decisions go...for now, I don't know which is the right one for God and my relationship...and where I'll be more effective...and where I'll be able to give more for His Name...I don't want to be selfish at all.<br /><br />Gah.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-39744720212653889182009-11-15T17:00:00.004-05:002009-11-15T20:59:48.227-05:00L.O.V.E.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhh-k9n7uu-QuKl1teQazSpOth9yCFA_Scrtr1Nq_Bc-Ez_tTdq6yMnoZgxJ7TbVkVMkPH3CjXCvHO8VYw2NymCKAtb-1M7A5BLyeKU1j4XO41loL8sUVw6vyOoB_jPB61ATS_vGlJdFg/s1600-h/love.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404455973398114418" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhh-k9n7uu-QuKl1teQazSpOth9yCFA_Scrtr1Nq_Bc-Ez_tTdq6yMnoZgxJ7TbVkVMkPH3CjXCvHO8VYw2NymCKAtb-1M7A5BLyeKU1j4XO41loL8sUVw6vyOoB_jPB61ATS_vGlJdFg/s320/love.jpg" border="0" /></a>I recently googled the word "love" and it came up with 240,000,000 results in .15 seconds. How come it's so easy to find online, but not so easy to find in real life? It's so easy for us to love things that last a minute, while we have a harder time loving people who could last a lifetime.<br /><div></div><br /><div>I find myself struggling with the same thing at times, but lately I've been putting my heart in check with just how I am to love...and better yet,how I am supposed to show that love to others. Love can come in many forms...for some it's a hug, while for others it's in a smile. Some it's at first sight, while others never find it. </div><div></div><div>How dare I ever take this forgranted...how dare I ever think that I have it so rough...how dare I become complacent about my life...the life that so many people have impacted...and that impact comes from them loving me...and me letting them love me. If someone is a good friend of mine,then they easily get a piece of my heart. </div><div></div><div>I can remember the first time that my heart was broken. I never thought that it would get repaired...but I learned a hard lesson...which seems easy,but it wasn't at the time...If I'm looking to man for love, then I'll be searching my whole life for a love that is meaningless,but if I turn to God...which is the ultimate love...then I will have it not just for a moment,but for the maximum time...which is eternity.<br /></div><div>Something that has boggled my mind and probably always will, is how parents cannot find it in them to love their children. I,thankfully, do not deal with this. I have two loving parents who have always provided for me, encouraged me, and voiced how proud they are of me with my life decisions and my character. They helped to shape who I am...and it kills me that others aren't as fortunate as me. Why was I dealt such a card while others receive the "joker" because they don't have loving parents.</div><div></div><br /><div>One of my best friends doesn't receive the kind of love that he deserves...the kind of love that he needs from a parent...from his dad...from his mom. I see this very clearly...and it breaks my heart. Someone that I care so much about...and he isn't treated nearly as well as he should be. It makes me angry...makes me clean (because I clean when I'm really mad)...and makes me pray harder than I've ever prayed.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I'm praying for God to intervene in his life in a huge way...to put people in his path that will love him unconditionally. That God will take off the blindfolds that have been placed over my friend's mother's eyes so that she can see the true gift that her son is, not only to her,but to any person that he comes in contact with. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Will you please join me in this prayer...and for those who don't have loving parents. We were born to love. Christ loved. God loved us enough to send His Son...so why, can't we in return love our "sons?" </div>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-9442923694443988352009-11-10T09:48:00.001-05:002009-11-10T09:59:11.583-05:00Post Your Secret...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5n0BWsBM45Zta4zrViA20trlqUkXVSqMq5xS4do_1MY0hoJo2D2QtOvI7mlTHjxQPKCgjf-WColR2W_JppMJfOY91HPpF7769_rS8IuIE6jh0EFPkIrUDJgqxgaN80Bpmph6H4PmWRs-t/s1600-h/Postsecret.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402489626875581218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5n0BWsBM45Zta4zrViA20trlqUkXVSqMq5xS4do_1MY0hoJo2D2QtOvI7mlTHjxQPKCgjf-WColR2W_JppMJfOY91HPpF7769_rS8IuIE6jh0EFPkIrUDJgqxgaN80Bpmph6H4PmWRs-t/s320/Postsecret.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Have you ever had a secret? You wanted to tell someone...but you were so scared of what they would say or think...but you had to get it out? Frank Warren decided to give people that outlet that they were craving by inventing "Post Secret" where that's literally what you do. You write your secret on a postcard and mail it in anonymously to PostSecret, where it could end up in one of their many books, or on their blog that they update each week.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The simple concept of the project was that completely anonymous people decorate a postcard and portray a secret that they had never previously revealed. No restrictions are made on the content of the secret; only that it must be completely truthful and must never have been spoken before. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I started reading the blog two years ago, and I've read through two of their books. They have had over 2,500 postcards sent in to them. I don't know what it is, but seeing what people struggle with and the semi freedom that they must feel when they post their secret and in a sense "let it out" gives me courage as well as insight. It impresses on me the need for love in our world...and for forgiveness...and the importance of being honest with each other. It also fills me in on what type of things people struggle with...and we may never ever know that they do...It honestly breaks my heart.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We each have a secret...one that we deal with...maybe it's bigger than some, or maybe we haven't let things go that we dealt with years ago. It may be one that has never been spoken. The Bible says to confess our sins to one another...and perhaps we could put our secrets on the back of a postcard that we've decorated and send it in...so that when other people read it, it can encourage them...or break their hearts...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Some of the things that people write...wow.</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.postsecret.blogspot.com/">http://www.postsecret.blogspot.com/</a></div><br /><div>Some of the images can be graphic...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Jesus calls us to love people...despite what they have/have not done...so read some of these secrets...and go out and love people because you never know what they're going through.</div>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-68827484399992254702009-11-05T17:33:00.002-05:002009-11-05T17:39:33.607-05:00Clean Machine..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTJzgoKej_z_-pQ7Mdq7MWAUiRZChFrj9b6HbJq1hsCZLix_c2jtfJslpeFToqTXm90S_5mirQSEPEPwbSMMEyq5cXD_tQpS23Y4PtBHcoI3YU7zd_xZHC64Jf9s59DqBXP3BhprzjUk2/s1600-h/Clean.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400751609732410882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 315px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTJzgoKej_z_-pQ7Mdq7MWAUiRZChFrj9b6HbJq1hsCZLix_c2jtfJslpeFToqTXm90S_5mirQSEPEPwbSMMEyq5cXD_tQpS23Y4PtBHcoI3YU7zd_xZHC64Jf9s59DqBXP3BhprzjUk2/s320/Clean.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I know that this will seem really geeky...but I love cleaning. There's something about starting with something that's dirty...and organizing it, putting it back in place, and just making it look clean.</div><div> </div><div>My family is expecting company from this Sunday for about a week and a half and because both of my parents work full time and then some, I decided that I would take it upon myself to clean my house.</div><div> </div><div>I started this morning around 9:30 and I have now, at 5:30 pm, just finished. I have done about five loads of wash, stripped two beds, made those beds again, vacuumed both floors, cleaned two toilets, three sinks, two showers, dusted anything and everything I could, watered the plants, and put clothes away.</div><div> </div><div>There's something so satisfying about having a clean house. You know that there's nothing left to do. You can be stress free for a bit...and just lay back and smell the scent of the candles lit in each room. Ah...good to be home...in a clean home...</div>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-76289651784608662902009-11-01T14:23:00.002-05:002009-11-01T14:28:42.034-05:00Update on All Night...The all-nighter that we held on Friday night went SO well. We had about 60 teens from around the area that came. Some were from two youth groups that I volunteer at, while the others, I honestly didn't know! What a blessing!<br /><br />Four of my friends from college came to be the band and one of them was the speaker as well. We played gross games...which were absolutely disgusting. I learned everything that I know from my youth pastor, Dave Rowe. Seriously...so sick. We did a "Bobbing For..." series...where we had apples in spaghetti, toilet paper in apple juice, spam in spaghetti, tootsie rolls in oatmeal and maple syrup, and gummi worms in jello/water.<br /><br />We did other gross games as well, had great fellowship time over tons of food that was donated by my church family. We gave out giftcards that were donated by my community. We played not murder in the dark, but "Martyr in the dark." Mike brought the Word...and he did just that...SO good. It got the kids thinking and definitely got me praying and thinking as well.<br /><br />We watched "Hook" which brought back awesome memories. I really got to know these teens. They had a blast and we're still hearing about it now! Some of them said that it was the most fun that they've ever had which was really encouraging!<br /><br />It was well worth being sleep deprived.<br /><br />Later on Halloween, I dressed up as a taco and volunteered at the Wesleyan church's "Trunk or Treat" that they hold annually. About 260 kids came through as well as their parents. I think the costume for the year was spiderman as well as a princess of some sort (typical).<br /><br />All in all...great weekend. Tiring weekend. Totally worth it.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-8117436940575781042009-10-30T12:28:00.003-04:002009-11-13T19:27:27.064-05:00The Legend of Ms. SourThe joys of substitute teaching...<br /><br />Though I woke up today exhausted, I was stoked because I would be subbing in the Kindergarten class. They are currently at music class as I type this. I walked into the classroom and there's a giant blue rug on the floor with the alphabet on it. Oh yes, it was "THE RUG." The rug where magic happens...where they learn the alphabet, the calendar, and pledge allegiance and then sing a song about the flag that I had never heard before. It was the rug where stories were told and kids giggled. Good times.<br /><br />I'm amazed at how kids speak. Granted that they are roughly 5-6 years old, I love how they can't pronounce their r's, s's, and have trouble with t's as well...which means that I am "Ms. Sour" yet again. I don't mind that though. I can remember being in kindergarten and having nap time, looking at pictures in books, and attempting to read, when really I was just making up stories...being the creative genius that I am...not really.<br /><br />It's fun to watch them draw pictures, hear about what they're going to dress up as for halloween one will be a unicorn..my fav), listen to them sound out words, and the laughter. I was thinking about when I get to South Korea, I could be teaching a kindergarten class. Though that scares me because you're responsible for firstly introducing them to the language, seeing this little ones makes me really excited to get over there and work with this age group. I think that it's going to be priceless!Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1545989661307592774.post-17292346272027820052009-10-28T23:07:00.002-04:002009-10-28T23:11:29.565-04:00Prayer Requests.Hey readers,<br />I'm in need of some pray for specific things. If you can be lifting these up in the next few days,that would be huge.<br /><br />*Youth all-nighter/lock-in that I've been planning for a month now. Starts this Friday, Oct 30th at 9pm and goes until the 31st at 6am. We have a guest speaker, live band, friends,fellowship,and fun.It's a huge outreach event to my town and we've advertised quite a bit. Please pray that teens will show up and fully grasp the love of Christ through fun times as well as my friend Mike Chapman who is speaking.<br /><br />*South Korea prep-I've had a lull in my "wanting to learn Korean" and that needs to change. Please pray that I'll get more motivation and will be successful in learning this really interesting language. Also, my immigration papers are going to the school and the country at the beginning of November. Please pray that it's smooth sailing. Also, pray that when I do get my visa, that I don't have to go to Boston,but that I can have a phone interview, and that I'll be able to fly out of Bangor, ME rather than go to Boston. That is actually a big deal.<br /><br />*Time at home- Please pray that my time at home will bring blessing and hope to people in the area. I've loved being able to get involved with two different youth groups, substitute teach, and work at the after school program with children who really need to have some fun, consistency, and some love. Please pray that I'm making a mark.<br /><br />Thanks so much. Blessings to you all.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02127024394648467675noreply@blogger.com0