Leaving Normal Behind

In three and a half days I, and four other women, leave Dallas for Lanya, Sudan. We will be teaching microbusiness skills, as well as sessions on trauma, healing, and counseling. Somehow I forgot that I was teaching my third session on counseling (turning outward). Whew! Glad I realized that tonight. And thankful that two years ago I taught a similar topic in Kazakhstan. Hopefully it will transfer easily! Leave it to me!

Continue reading Prayer Guide…

It is unebelievable to think that in eight days I will be stepping on a plane for Sudan. There are a lot of emotions wrapped up in this trip … many more than I typically have. Anxiety would probably be at the top.

I’m finally able to start writing the curriculum on Trauma and Healing that I’m teaching. It is going to be an interesting process … I can already tell that much of what I am reading, writing, and teaching will be for me as well. It’s interesting to even “relive” the emotion and experience of personal trauma while researching. Good, bad, and other. I definitely agree with this statement, “The ordinary human response to danger is a complex, integrated system of reactions, encompassinng body and mind.” Yep … we tend to be rather complex beings, don’t we?

However, I’m thankful for the verse in Psalms that will anchor much of the seminar, “The Lord is near to those who are brokenhearted; He saves those who have lost all hope.” (Psalm 34:1

Rather than a depressing seque into the new year, I am anticipating that this will be a great way to remember my foundation and hope as we start 2008!

Thought I’d attach (most) of an email I sent to friends regarding the trip to Sudan … it sums up pretty well where I’m at!

Continue reading Holiday Hello and New Years Prayer…

I can’t help but post that my brother, his roommate, and I were able to get tickets to the 2008 Cotton Bowl on January 1.  Missouri vs. Arkansas.  Any ideas who I will be cheering for?   Arkansas roots run deep! 

It is presumptuous to suppose that I have original ideas or a new perspective of tired conversations or ideas. However, the process of writing and journaling provides me an opportunity to remember lessons already learned … discover new parts of faith and life … or simply reflect on a day of living.

I love to read. I have for 30-some-odd years now. Reading gives me an opportunity to remember stories from my childhood … discover new ideas or trends … or to reflect on matters of life and living.

Earlier today I was reading a blog called “Lessons From Kamp Krusty“. The blog became part of my daily (or weekly) routine several months ago because the posts made me laugh out loud. The post today speaks well on a subject and emotions that I understand more than I want. Sometimes there is no need to write just yet … “Is Jesus Enough”.