God's Provision

A few weeks ago I came to a difficult decision to leave my nursing job. I took the job 1 1/2 yrs ago to supplement our income. I loved my job but the only problem was it was night shift. After a long spell of not sleeping well in the day or at night(on the nights I didn't work) and after using several different prescription sleeping pills I decided that maybe it was time to leave. My Rheumatologist even said in early January that I should not be working any more night shifts. My husband also agreed and I turned in my resignation. The 1st 2 weeks all I did was sleep. I could hardly get out of bed as my body tried to catch up. I commented to several people about how I didn't know how we were going to eat but that I knew that God knew. I also felt a huge calling to return full-time to a missions job which of course is support based. The 1st week after I left my job I was talking with a friend in the hall at church about steps of faith and about God's calling on my life. I left that person and started walking down the hall. Another friend who works in an Optometrist office stopped me in the hall and said Cathy try these on. She pulled out a pair of brand new glasses frames. They fit perfectly. She told me if I went and got an eye exam than she would see about getting my precription lenses put into the frames. Wow, What a blessing. I have needed new glasses for a few years and have to squint to read. Then on Tuesday of this week I went to help a Pastor's family. I was there most of the day. I really didn't do that much helped- watch the baby, helped the children with their homework. Not only did they feed me while I was there but the Pastor's wife gave me beef, chicken, fish, onions, beets, yams, potatoes, garlic, and ricotta cheese. Today as I cook a Russian cheesecake, yams, fish I am so grateful for God's faithfulness to me and His provision!

Atlanta Vision Tour

Today I went on a vision tour of Atlanta with North American Mission Board and the SEND coordinator. There was about 12 of us who were on the tour which started at 9:30 and ended at 5:00pm. We barely touched the surface of all that is happening in Atlanta. God is still at work here!!

Baby Shower

I love going to parties especially with the special ladies who are my friends from The Falls. Saturday we had a surprise baby shower for one of the sweet Mom's. She is expecting her 2nd child and 2nd daughter. All of these Chicas really know how to throw a party and this was no exception. I have a few pictures of some of the games. Yes, I did participate in a game where 3 of us raced to see who could eat a container of jello the fastest. I didn't win. I was grateful I didn't have to drink the milk out of the baby bottles. I also made some wonderful new friends!!

Anticipation

I am so excited about what God is doing! I may not understand it all but I do know that His promises are true. It is true that I have been through some rough waters but God is still at work and He has the next step for me. I have certainly not given up on full-time ministry! I know that the perfect ministry job situation is waiting. I am trying to not get anxious and eagerly anticipate what He is doing in my life. We are hoping that in this next chapter that Mark can also be more involved. We had a very encouraging meeting last week with Jim Haskell the NAMB SEND coordinator for Atlanta. He has invited us to go on a vision trip next week to look at what God is doing in Atlanta and to catch the vision for ongoing church planting here and around North America. I am looking forward to attending.

Winter Woes

It is always a little difficult for me not to get into the Winter Woes during this time of year. It has been especially hard for me this year because of several things. First I gave up my full-time missions job in August due to several reasons and I do miss the people. I also had a very bad case of Bronchitis/Pneumonia which began before Thanksgiving and lasted well into Christmas. I found it increasingly difficult to work midnight shift at my Nursing job because I just wasn't getting any sleep. Let's face it I am a missionary at heart and will always be!! When I get the opportunity to be out and about with some of the families from the apartments it is encouraging! This past week I had the chance to go for an afternoon of coffee with some of the Mom's and of course I really enjoyed my hugs and kisses from the sweet children. I even took along a home made pie and coffee from Honduras! I also was ask to attend a Birthday Party for one of the children. Of course Mark and I were the only Gringos! Mark agreed to go with me since it was in the evening but he didn't really quite understand why they planned a birthday party on Super Bowl Sunday in the evening. As it turned out he got to watch the whole 1st half on a TV much larger than ours. Of course the other men were all outside engaging in talk and other things. I always enjoy being among the people no matter what and I was thankful for God's sweet reminders that He is not finished with me yet!