Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Africa Update
Africa Update: So the dates have been set, and I will be making the first deposit on February 6th. We will be going as the second team for Libraries of Love in Uganda from July 2nd through July 18th. We will be trying to visit as many of the completed 19 schools in Uganda as we can. Our job is going to be to help evaluate what is working and what is not working in the schools. We will also be able to visit classrooms, talk with students, and even teachers about the program. It is such a blessing that we will be able to visit each school that Libraries of Love has provided for. We will also be visiting orphanages and other opportunities for ministry.
Ok, Mari... This one’s for you!
So my dear sister Mari, has been asking me to tell this story for about a week now. After having such an AMAZING time at the Morgan County Health Department getting my immunizations, I thought I needed to share this one with everyone. ( FYI if anyone needs immunizations, go see these ladies. They were so fun!! ) So as you know, if you have been reading this blog, I have felt a calling or burden in my heart about being able to do something more in life, education, etc. I felt this calling a few months ago and just knew that the Uganda trip was calling my name. As I am learning in my new book, it was most likely the Holy Spirit and God working in me. So, I knew that one of the things I needed to get started on was getting the information about immunizations and where I was traveling to so that I could stay safe, medically. After talking with an outstanding woman, Jacquie, at the Morgan County Health Clinic, she had advised me on every shot I would need. If you have known me, you know that while I have had multiple piercings and tattoos, when it comes to getting blood drawn I am a BIG baby.
Well I went on my way and knew that I needed to be a big girl in the situation and got started. I had my immunization records sent over, after many phone calls to a previous doctor’s office. Jacquie was amazing and looked them over for me to tell me exactly what I needed and didn’t need. While we were on the phone one of the many afternoons, she asked me if I had the meningitis immunization. She told me that it had come about around 2003 and that more then likely I didn’t have it. As I was driving home, I received another phone call from her asking me again about the same shot. She said, “ What I see on here looks almost like you had it, but it could also be menarche.” I had no clue what menarche meant but thankfully Jacquie burst out into laughter and said, “ Hunny, menarche just means when you started your period.” After I heard this, I burst out laughing on the phone as well. Jacquie and I could not, and still can not understand why on Earth my pediatrician would put when I began my period on my immunization records.
When I went to visit and get 3 of my immunizations done last week, Jacquie and the nurses had all had a fantastic laugh about this happening. I truly enjoyed getting the immunizations because it felt like we were just laughing and carrying on the entire time. They were all so wonderful, that I think I have been cured of any fears of needles to last a lifetime!
Well I went on my way and knew that I needed to be a big girl in the situation and got started. I had my immunization records sent over, after many phone calls to a previous doctor’s office. Jacquie was amazing and looked them over for me to tell me exactly what I needed and didn’t need. While we were on the phone one of the many afternoons, she asked me if I had the meningitis immunization. She told me that it had come about around 2003 and that more then likely I didn’t have it. As I was driving home, I received another phone call from her asking me again about the same shot. She said, “ What I see on here looks almost like you had it, but it could also be menarche.” I had no clue what menarche meant but thankfully Jacquie burst out into laughter and said, “ Hunny, menarche just means when you started your period.” After I heard this, I burst out laughing on the phone as well. Jacquie and I could not, and still can not understand why on Earth my pediatrician would put when I began my period on my immunization records.
When I went to visit and get 3 of my immunizations done last week, Jacquie and the nurses had all had a fantastic laugh about this happening. I truly enjoyed getting the immunizations because it felt like we were just laughing and carrying on the entire time. They were all so wonderful, that I think I have been cured of any fears of needles to last a lifetime!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Campaign: Help Lani Get to Africa!!
As many of you know, I have started this blog more many reasons but also because I have had a burden to go to Uganda, Africa this summer of 2011 to help build libraries in public schools. I will be traveling with a team from my church, but also with Libraries of Love. ( Check out their website http://www.librariesoflove.org/ ) I will be sending out letters, possibly doing a beading fundraiser, and any other crazy ideas that you think will help me earn the money I need to get to Africa. I am taking any comments, questions, concerns, prayers, and love surrounding this idea of fund-raising. I even thought of making up shirts for people to wear to get the word out. THOUGHTS? Anyways, I will be posting the letter I will be sending but I know how important WORD OF MOUTH is so please, talk about me and this trip to EVERYONE and ANYONE you know. Stay tuned, and become a follower so you will be up to date on EVERYTHING I am doing!!!
WHy, WhY, why and oh yeah... HoW???
After my long weekend, and a lot of reflection about what has been going on in my own life and the lives of those around our country I have asked but only one question, Why? This is a popular question and makes me think of the time when all kids keep asking why until the point that the mom/grandma/dad/ or grandpa says: Because I said so! I have personally been pondering this question and have been perplexed on it for awhile. I have been wondering about the journey and process that life usually takes us on. I have felt a burden, more like a yearning to do more than what I am doing now. I know many people that I have shared this with give me a blank look, but I know what is in my heart. It is this deep feeling that I can be doing more in the realm of children, and education, and life in general. I feel so blessed to be able to have a job and a mind that allows me to be able to do these things.
Since I have seen Eat, Pray, Love I feel that having a balance of eating well and healthy, exercise for the body, and also spirituality/ praying for the mind has been a great combo of how to live life each day. I feel that for me, I have been led to more pray on a daily basis because it helps me really talk to God and tell him how thankful I am to be one of his children. In church on Sunday and in Sunday School( for adults), our pastor has been talking to us about dreams. Here is a synopsis of what he told us to think about this week, " If you were to be taped, like on "What Not to Wear" and the Lord was to follow you around for a week without you evening knowing about it, would you be walking with him the way you should?" What would be on that tape? What things would we see? " When I thought of this idea, it really prompted me to ask myself Why and How do I live my life each second, minute, and hour of the day? I am trying just like any other person to be the best person I can possibly be. By no means does that mean that I am perfect, because I know that I am not. It just means that I am trying, I am not just sitting back and letting things go right by me.
Since I have seen Eat, Pray, Love I feel that having a balance of eating well and healthy, exercise for the body, and also spirituality/ praying for the mind has been a great combo of how to live life each day. I feel that for me, I have been led to more pray on a daily basis because it helps me really talk to God and tell him how thankful I am to be one of his children. In church on Sunday and in Sunday School( for adults), our pastor has been talking to us about dreams. Here is a synopsis of what he told us to think about this week, " If you were to be taped, like on "What Not to Wear" and the Lord was to follow you around for a week without you evening knowing about it, would you be walking with him the way you should?" What would be on that tape? What things would we see? " When I thought of this idea, it really prompted me to ask myself Why and How do I live my life each second, minute, and hour of the day? I am trying just like any other person to be the best person I can possibly be. By no means does that mean that I am perfect, because I know that I am not. It just means that I am trying, I am not just sitting back and letting things go right by me.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Shalom
My word of the today is SHALOM. I am taking it in the meaning of peace. I have been going, going, going for so long now but today I have a sense of peace within me. I don't know if it is being 25 turning 26 in March, having made certain decisions in my life when it comes to faith and religion, or just deciding to live a more balanced life but today I find peace in all that is going on. I am so blessed to have such great friends and family surrounding me in all walks of life. Many people question certain choices that I have made, but I feel so amazing with everything that is going on in my life. I think part of this whole process ( we joke b/c we hate this word but it just is the right word to say) is to be a life-long learner, no matter how much we hate it. I know that part of this process is learning the tools that are making me a better person each and every day. A wise person told me last night that, " I only live for today, because just one day at a time is what we are promised." This advice along with my healthy balance of bible reading, lots of prayer time, and healthy living have made me had this PEACE today, and I look forward to it everyday.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
And they're off....
It's Tuesday and boy I was not ready for everything I found out today! It is my first day back at school, no students today though, thankfully. After getting all of my work completed, I sat down to make a few phone calls to start getting prepared for the trip to Africa. I am so excited about this trip and the amazing work that I will be doing. I am so glad that God has shown me that this is exactly what I am supposed to be doing, because I may have gotten way too overwhelmed otherwise. I called the Health Department and spoke with one of the most wonderful, helpful, and sweet ladies about immunizations. She gave me tons of information so that I can start this process now. I think that I have a list of at least 8 or 9 immunizations I need before going.
Not only will I be meeting and getting started with her, but I will also be working with the closest travel clinic to make sure that I stay healthy for this trip. I feel that God has been working on my heart about this trip for awhile now, and has finally lead me to a place where I feel ready to go. As I was explaining to mom over break, but I have this wanderlust spark in my heart. I know that I love traveling, and right now am being pulled overseas to help do some amazing things. I know that my journey from the past to the present has been crazy and awesome, and I can only wait to see what else He has in store for me. As I learned and was reminded of Sunday in Sunday school, but God knows and foresees everything. He knew that he wanted me to be living and working where I am right now, in order for me to begin thinking about this trip. It is so AWE-inspiring to see the journey that I have been on so far.
My next step will to be to write letters, emails, continue my blog, and get followers to help me make this journey become reality. I know that by my being obedient to this calling that God will help those that I know, and even those that I don't know to help provide for me to be able to go on this amazing trip. I am open to all ideas and would love anyone's help. Please, tell your friends, neighbors, relatives, and anyone else about my blog and to help follow me on this journey. I would also appreciate any prayers as I continue through this journey and just the journey of life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for following my blog and helping me to get the word out.
Not only will I be meeting and getting started with her, but I will also be working with the closest travel clinic to make sure that I stay healthy for this trip. I feel that God has been working on my heart about this trip for awhile now, and has finally lead me to a place where I feel ready to go. As I was explaining to mom over break, but I have this wanderlust spark in my heart. I know that I love traveling, and right now am being pulled overseas to help do some amazing things. I know that my journey from the past to the present has been crazy and awesome, and I can only wait to see what else He has in store for me. As I learned and was reminded of Sunday in Sunday school, but God knows and foresees everything. He knew that he wanted me to be living and working where I am right now, in order for me to begin thinking about this trip. It is so AWE-inspiring to see the journey that I have been on so far.
My next step will to be to write letters, emails, continue my blog, and get followers to help me make this journey become reality. I know that by my being obedient to this calling that God will help those that I know, and even those that I don't know to help provide for me to be able to go on this amazing trip. I am open to all ideas and would love anyone's help. Please, tell your friends, neighbors, relatives, and anyone else about my blog and to help follow me on this journey. I would also appreciate any prayers as I continue through this journey and just the journey of life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for following my blog and helping me to get the word out.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
As I sit on the train, I begin to wonder about how 2011 will look for me. I have just left Union Station in the beautiful city of Chicago and am heading home to Jacksonville. This visit has taught me many things. I have been able to see the many stages in life that people go through, throughout the years. I have gained the importance of life long friendships, and why people stay in our lives. I have seen how important a simple conversation in a car with your mother is. Yet, it all comes back to God and how he works his amazingness throughout every step we take.
Since it is the new year, i chose not to make a resolution this year. I am promising myself that I am going to live a healthier and more spiritual life. This is a lifestyle change not just something I am going to give up on in a month. I have made some very hard decisions this year, and while I know that God was with me each step of the way, it can still be hard to let go and let God.
As for Africa, I am extremely excited that God is leading me to be involved in this project. I will be getting more information after our meeting tomorrow. I am so excited to find out everything that I can! I normally would be afraid of having to get shots or anything with needles and doctors but not his time! I know that everything will be amazing!! Stay tuned... There is much more to come butthe train is getting a bit bumpy to type.
Since it is the new year, i chose not to make a resolution this year. I am promising myself that I am going to live a healthier and more spiritual life. This is a lifestyle change not just something I am going to give up on in a month. I have made some very hard decisions this year, and while I know that God was with me each step of the way, it can still be hard to let go and let God.
As for Africa, I am extremely excited that God is leading me to be involved in this project. I will be getting more information after our meeting tomorrow. I am so excited to find out everything that I can! I normally would be afraid of having to get shots or anything with needles and doctors but not his time! I know that everything will be amazing!! Stay tuned... There is much more to come butthe train is getting a bit bumpy to type.
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