At the beginning of the summer I was told that July just seems to drag on and not much goes on besides worship at Redeemer. While that may be correct, I still have found myself quite busy in the past month. I've gone from Campfirmation, VBS, LCY convention, to July 4th festivities, mom visiting, birthday festivities, LCY Camp Bridge Building, more birthday festivities, Terrific Tuesdays, and Redeemer Rambler Day Trips.
I've met lots of new people and have tried to keep connections going with those of the past. I'm sad that I couldn't be with those who have celebrated various occasions out of state this summer, but am thankful for technology that enables us to keep in touch.. and am thankful for the times of being able to visit with past friends even though I can't travel that much right now.
I am especially looking forward to seeing my lovely niece, Abigail, at the end of this month. From what my sister has shared, she is getting SOOOO big (and of course, pictures and video does not do it justice.. I need to see her IN PERSON)!
Yet, even in the busyness there is still times of stillness and rest.. from visiting Murrell's Inlet/Garden City beach, to sitting on a boat or a floaty in lake murray or picking blueberries with a slight breeze drifting in the air on a 100 degree day, I've managed to take time for myself. I hope that I am able to continue as weekends will quickly fill up with sports games and events during the fall.
I'm thankful for all those who support me, pray for or with me, and just generally can endure my crazyness throughout times of transition. Love Y'all!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
The Beach!
Most of you know that I grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. This means the summer time revolves around the beach, steamed crabs/shrimp, oyster sandwiches, the boardwalk, county fairs, and of course those summer thunderstorms that drive the humidity away for the slightest bit. (Yea, the humidity doesn't leave SC AT ALL!)Now that I live in the middle of the great state of South Carolina, I find that I dearly miss the water in the summer. I'm close enough to Lake Murray and have pool access at the Y, but its not the same as digging your toes in the sand or jumping back from the waves as the cold water gradually creeps towards your toes. So, because I knew I would be working from June 5-21st straight through, I arranged a short vacation to Murrell's Inlet/Garden City. Thanks for the Hundleys for renting me their place! Even though it was HOT, the two days I spent at the waters edge (or close to it, cause of the thunderstorms and the insane heat) were just amazing.
I love watching God's creation known as the ocean. The waves bring forth renewal and a force of energy each time they crash upon the shore. And it's amazing to see little kids and sometimes even adults battle against the powerful breaks too, especially if its the first time. While I've been gone from home for almost ten years now, the sound of the ocean always makes me feel at home, even if its not Ocean City or Assateague. May you all find your way towards your beach this summer, wherever that might be (whether its literal or figurative as well).
Monday, June 13, 2011
The Mommy Blog
My friend Ondria, over at the Mommy Blog, has been doing all of these awesome reviews and giveaways. I love hearing about her adventures with her son, Balian, who was born about a month before my darling niece, Abigail. I hope you all take the time to peruse her site, whether you are mommies or not, because she definitely has some good things going on over there! This week, she reviewed Hope Embroidery and Gifts (http://hopeembroidery.blogspot.com/) and is doing a giveaway of a baby set! I don't know what you think, but those things are soooo dang cute.. And yes, I love to spoil my niece even though I'm three states away :).. which reminds me... I haven't for a while...
Sunday, June 12, 2011
New Attempt
This is my new attempt at keeping this blog updated.. it wasn't that I didn't remember it, I just didn't think I had much to say besides the normal everyday stuff.. but in the normal everyday stuff, there is life!
Thus, in the past two months, when I've started to get adjusted to a new town, new faces, a new congregation, and a new journey, I hope that you will follow me throughout the adventures that will always include sunsets and sand, two of my favorite things.
Thus, in the past two months, when I've started to get adjusted to a new town, new faces, a new congregation, and a new journey, I hope that you will follow me throughout the adventures that will always include sunsets and sand, two of my favorite things.
Friday, September 3, 2010
In the stillness of this place
I love sitting in the silence of nature. Of course, I often get annoyed by pesky insects that hover around my hears and the insane tendency for the south to quickly become a deep-fat-fryer by the middle of the day. But today has been different. I have enjoyed the silence of this building, when it exists. Often times in our congregations all spaces are used at various points of the day. Phones rings, people come in, things to do take up our time. But here, on this third day of my internship, while there have been scattered phone calls and people to speak to/children to entertain while parents have business to attend to, the building has been quiet. The pastor, the AIM, and the administrator are all out for various reasons. So sitting back here, in my cubby known as the worship/ AIM intern's office, I have really enjoyed the silence. I used to get freaked out sitting in the building at St. John's or even at St Paul's Cola (especially after Carrie's wonderful ghost stories) but I like it here. The next sixth months will be an adventure, challenge, and will provide many opportunities for growth. I imagine that come March 1, I will not want to leave, because I am already being transformed by God's amazing grace in this place. I look foward to the opportunities here, involving both silence and the loud obnoxious crazy times.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Baby birds and nice breezes
There seems to be this theory that time by when you are having fun.. well, I think time just flies regardless of how I feel or what I am doing. Today marks the official completition of week 6, although I am on-call tonight. With it being 4th July weekend, we have been told to expect the unexpected in terms of crazy injuries, etc.. anyway, I honestly am amazed at how time does fly during the day.
The last few weeks have been rather hot and today there is lots of sun but along with flows a nice gentle breeze that I really do appreciate. I'm not sure I appreciate waking up to singing birds outside my window at 5:30am, but that is a part of life too. On our chapel door, where we meet every morning, a bird has laid three eggs that are waiting to erupt out of their shells into their new lives. These birds remind me of the life that raditates from the hospital: from new babies down in the birthing center to being healed of infections and recovering from surgeries. Of course, the downside is that sometimes life in this world finishes its cycle and we lose patients and help their families through the grieving process. It's a hard road to walk with people, but being present and caring through times of pain is a good learning process for me. I definitely have gained more confidence in talking with people both in rooms and waiting rooms and have thought about how/what I say may prohibit or open up conversation on various different levels.
This is a family-based community and within that there comes a lot of trust by people they know. As an outsider, I've had to figure out ways to break into that cycle so that I can understand where they are coming from. Breaking into tight-knit communities is not an automatic process and I've learned how to use different techniques and ways to conversate with people. Thinking of how to go beyond introductions and the initial "How are you today" is something I have been struggling with early on and have finally started to find ways to ask about family, community, and interets. There are those awkward stages but as one of my colleagues pointed out this afteroon, these are God-awkward moments in which God uses us and the awkwardness to relate and be present to the patient.
I have no idea what I will face in the next few weeks, but I can be sure that I will continue to reflect and grow from the ministry opportunities set before me within Rutherfordton.
And while I'm around, I would like to continue to take advantage of the opportunities near by. This past weekend I went to Asheville and Biltmore. I haven't been to Biltmore in YEARS and was amazed at the growth that has occurred up on the estate. But it was definitely a day of rest, relaxation, and rejunivation as I walked through the grounds, the house, and even participated in a wine and chocolate tour (ok, that costs extra but well worth it!). Taking care of my well-being, emotionally and physically, is something that I realize is necessary to prevent burn out in any kind of ministry. I have found that attending the aerobics class sponsered by the hospital is very beneficial, even though it kills me the next day, but that I actually enjoy that time (who knew I would like step aerobics).. and that doing simple things like visiting the coffee shop for use of wireless internet, could not only help entertain me, but give me time to relax. And I'm FINALLY on the of last mitford series fiction books.
Well, with all that being said, until next time!
The last few weeks have been rather hot and today there is lots of sun but along with flows a nice gentle breeze that I really do appreciate. I'm not sure I appreciate waking up to singing birds outside my window at 5:30am, but that is a part of life too. On our chapel door, where we meet every morning, a bird has laid three eggs that are waiting to erupt out of their shells into their new lives. These birds remind me of the life that raditates from the hospital: from new babies down in the birthing center to being healed of infections and recovering from surgeries. Of course, the downside is that sometimes life in this world finishes its cycle and we lose patients and help their families through the grieving process. It's a hard road to walk with people, but being present and caring through times of pain is a good learning process for me. I definitely have gained more confidence in talking with people both in rooms and waiting rooms and have thought about how/what I say may prohibit or open up conversation on various different levels.
This is a family-based community and within that there comes a lot of trust by people they know. As an outsider, I've had to figure out ways to break into that cycle so that I can understand where they are coming from. Breaking into tight-knit communities is not an automatic process and I've learned how to use different techniques and ways to conversate with people. Thinking of how to go beyond introductions and the initial "How are you today" is something I have been struggling with early on and have finally started to find ways to ask about family, community, and interets. There are those awkward stages but as one of my colleagues pointed out this afteroon, these are God-awkward moments in which God uses us and the awkwardness to relate and be present to the patient.
I have no idea what I will face in the next few weeks, but I can be sure that I will continue to reflect and grow from the ministry opportunities set before me within Rutherfordton.
And while I'm around, I would like to continue to take advantage of the opportunities near by. This past weekend I went to Asheville and Biltmore. I haven't been to Biltmore in YEARS and was amazed at the growth that has occurred up on the estate. But it was definitely a day of rest, relaxation, and rejunivation as I walked through the grounds, the house, and even participated in a wine and chocolate tour (ok, that costs extra but well worth it!). Taking care of my well-being, emotionally and physically, is something that I realize is necessary to prevent burn out in any kind of ministry. I have found that attending the aerobics class sponsered by the hospital is very beneficial, even though it kills me the next day, but that I actually enjoy that time (who knew I would like step aerobics).. and that doing simple things like visiting the coffee shop for use of wireless internet, could not only help entertain me, but give me time to relax. And I'm FINALLY on the of last mitford series fiction books.
Well, with all that being said, until next time!
Monday, June 21, 2010
CPE Adventures
With all of the questions about my CPE experience emerging as of late, I thought I would share with the world my random thoughts and musings.. and on any given day, they are quite random.
We are now in Week 5, almost half way through. There are four of us, two episcopal and one non-denominational, and myself, completing this process at a 143 bed hospital in a large baptist area.
For those of you who do not know, CPE or Clincial Pastoral Education, is a requirement for those going towards the ordination route. Although that is not me, my professors and candidacy committee asked me to complete the summer unit for various growth reasons. The experience has been one of growth in the past few weeks as I've learned how to engage people in conversation and to "read" whether they want to talk or not. I was assigned to the surgical and outpatient areas of the hospital so I do receive quite a range of people to talk to from the young to the elderly.
This area is interesting because although it used to once be a thriving mill and textile industries area, the economy has been destroyed as those businesses have shut down since most of our industry is now done overseas. Those older patients remember what the good times were like and the younger patients are frustrated because they cannot find jobs to support themselves and their families. The Hospital Emergency Department provides a lot of primary care to residents of Rutherford County and beyond because many just cannot afford primary care at a family doctor and the policy is that all people will be treated at the hospital.
Most of the people I come across have been born and raised here in Rutherford county, or quite close to it, but once in a while I find people who have moved from the north and have decided to settle here. Today was one of those days as I came across a couple from D.C. who shared their experiences of living in the unsettling times of the 60's.
Rutheford Hospital does not provide treatments for traumas, but rather stablizes patients and then prepares to move them on to Charlotte or Asheville for further treatment. Throughout my on-call experiences I have become aware of the destructive nature that the economy has on this particular community. Thinking about the impact of drugs, of family systems, and of spiritual care has been a large part of the process in the past four weeks.
As for my own particular experiences, I have had some quite interesting ones via living situations and learning how to be engaging in conversation with complete strangers. I am constantly reminded by both patients and volunteers that I am too "young" to be a chaplain and almost everyone is engrossed with the idea that I am a single young lady living in Rutherfordton. As with any type of community, some people are more standoffish than others, but I find that being myself and just engaging people in their life stories helps people to tell their story. I know that I am only a part of it and will continue to learn and grow in the next five and half weeks. Just when I think I become comfortable with introducing myself to patients and carrying on conversations, last Friday I received a reply from a patient that I seemed nervous and unsure... despite the fact that I had purposely gone up to her room since she had visitors from her local congregation all week.. so I still need to work on how I come across to patients :) But, so far so good!
Good Story for a chuckle: a patient who received some meds for a particular stomach issue was told he would have hallucinations throughout the night. He woke up this morning thinking he was Edward R. Murrell's Wife (who was the "Walter Cronkike" of the 2nd World War). His wife definitely got a kick out of that one this morning!
We are now in Week 5, almost half way through. There are four of us, two episcopal and one non-denominational, and myself, completing this process at a 143 bed hospital in a large baptist area.
For those of you who do not know, CPE or Clincial Pastoral Education, is a requirement for those going towards the ordination route. Although that is not me, my professors and candidacy committee asked me to complete the summer unit for various growth reasons. The experience has been one of growth in the past few weeks as I've learned how to engage people in conversation and to "read" whether they want to talk or not. I was assigned to the surgical and outpatient areas of the hospital so I do receive quite a range of people to talk to from the young to the elderly.
This area is interesting because although it used to once be a thriving mill and textile industries area, the economy has been destroyed as those businesses have shut down since most of our industry is now done overseas. Those older patients remember what the good times were like and the younger patients are frustrated because they cannot find jobs to support themselves and their families. The Hospital Emergency Department provides a lot of primary care to residents of Rutherford County and beyond because many just cannot afford primary care at a family doctor and the policy is that all people will be treated at the hospital.
Most of the people I come across have been born and raised here in Rutherford county, or quite close to it, but once in a while I find people who have moved from the north and have decided to settle here. Today was one of those days as I came across a couple from D.C. who shared their experiences of living in the unsettling times of the 60's.
Rutheford Hospital does not provide treatments for traumas, but rather stablizes patients and then prepares to move them on to Charlotte or Asheville for further treatment. Throughout my on-call experiences I have become aware of the destructive nature that the economy has on this particular community. Thinking about the impact of drugs, of family systems, and of spiritual care has been a large part of the process in the past four weeks.
As for my own particular experiences, I have had some quite interesting ones via living situations and learning how to be engaging in conversation with complete strangers. I am constantly reminded by both patients and volunteers that I am too "young" to be a chaplain and almost everyone is engrossed with the idea that I am a single young lady living in Rutherfordton. As with any type of community, some people are more standoffish than others, but I find that being myself and just engaging people in their life stories helps people to tell their story. I know that I am only a part of it and will continue to learn and grow in the next five and half weeks. Just when I think I become comfortable with introducing myself to patients and carrying on conversations, last Friday I received a reply from a patient that I seemed nervous and unsure... despite the fact that I had purposely gone up to her room since she had visitors from her local congregation all week.. so I still need to work on how I come across to patients :) But, so far so good!
Good Story for a chuckle: a patient who received some meds for a particular stomach issue was told he would have hallucinations throughout the night. He woke up this morning thinking he was Edward R. Murrell's Wife (who was the "Walter Cronkike" of the 2nd World War). His wife definitely got a kick out of that one this morning!
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