Before I moved to Nebraska, I had a lot of people ask me why I was moving here...and I still get that reaction when I tell people here that I'm from Oregon. I would like to shed some light on the subject.
First of all, I moved to Nebraska because that is where the job is. Second, when you hear God telling you to go...you go. And third, I wanted to try something new and to stretch myself. That doesn't always work when you stay in the town you grew up in. I love Dallas and Oregon and I plan on coming back and working with foster kids, but for now God has asked me to be in Nebraska. I don't know exactly for how long, but I will go where He leads. It's all about faith. When I got back from visiting in September, Mom and I spent some time that first morning just talking, and she shared some advice with me. She said that whenever I face a big decision to ask myself "Will it take more faith to go or to stay?". I knew as soon as she said that that I was to go. I love my family and friends, and I knew it would take more faith to be away from them then to be with them. And this wasn't an easy decision...especially with Dad in the hospital. There was a point when Mom and I talked about what would happen if Dad ended up dying (which he didn't--thank the Lord). I didn't think I would be able to leave at all then, but Mom pointed out that God would still be calling me to leave and to have faith in Him. I hope I don't have to face that decision for a very long time! But through this all, I have learned so much about what faith is and what it looks like. I miss my family, and when Dad ended up back in the hospital I was scared...but all I could do was pray and trust God to take care of them and me.
On a lighter note...
I've had a pretty good shift. I get off tonight. I got up at 4:30 this morning to take some of the girls to a canner. There is a portable canner that travels around the midwest that cans turkey to send out as relief food. It has been in Henderson since Monday, and all of the cottages have taken kids to go help can meat. Well, some of the girls went last night and when they got back wanted to go early this morning before school. We worked for about an hour and a half stuff cans, weighing cans, sealing cans, and stacking cans of ground turkey. It was fun and a good experience, and they had a good time. It was nice to see them willing to do something for other people, after they spend so much time on themselves. They at first complained about it, but then ended up liking it enough to get up extra early today.
With Christmas coming up, some of the girls are looking at going back home permanently, so we will probably be getting some new girls at the end of the month. I think the girls are finally getting used to me, and warming up to me. I've learned four new card games from them already, and I taught several of them how to croche (sp?). It's still a struggle sometimes, but I'm starting to get the hang of things.
This month is already filling up with things to do. A church in Omaha is sending their youth group/adult group to do a retreat for the kids. I guess they'll bring a worship band and have lessons and games for the kids. And we will be putting together several Christmas parties. I'm hoping I can convince people to go caroling with me...it's not as much fun by yourself. It is in the lower twenties today, and it snowed some last night. It was this light powdery snow, that is pretty much all melted by now. I'm pretty much the only one that wants it to snow. :-) Please keep praying for me and this ministry. I really appreciate the encouraging notes and prayers!