Saturday, September 20, 2008
Summer wrap-up
Little did I know what was in store for these past few months.
It was around February that I received a phone call from Emily when upon answering she said, "Jill I'm moving to Utah this summer." Since then, her and I were looking forward to being roommates once again, as at APU.
Emily and I were literally inseperable for the whole month of July.....really, we even shared my bed (good thing its queen size)!
Words cannot express how much the Lord has blessed me through that friendship!
It was a breath of fresh air and a HUGE rejuvenation to have Emily by my side those four weeks. I needed her.
We didn't have many funds, so we really enjoyed each other's company trying to find free events or spending time at the pool with Kate, (who is a friend of mine and Emily's that she went to high school with in the Bay Area, and now lives here in Utah). Another huge blessing was when Katie came to visit! A highlight was going out to the lake. I enjoyed my dear friend and was privileged to have her by my side as well. God is so good to me!
You'll see a few photos of Catherine (one of my roommates and good friends) and I in clothes soaking wet. You may think this is contradictory to a typical summer photo....well, that's because it is! Our sweats were soaking from a thunderstorm that we had just finished walking through around the block of our house (I know, not too smart). It was a late night that her and I were up talking, and as we heard the thunder rolling over us, the look of excitement came over each of our faces, as it was shortly suggested to go outside and witness the sky. I will never forget the gloriousness and wonder of this electricity that filled the desert air above us, and the freedom that filled my heart knowing that I serve a God who is so powerful and worthy of a such respect that could cause me to tremble and fall to the ground on my face. A night this vivid in my memory will live on.
I am still continuing to watch Sarahbellah (who is almost 1 and a half) during the weekdays, and she is a blessing as well. Shelby, (her mother and a friend of mine) drops her off at my house in the mornings. How convenient is that? Such a blessing! She is an extremely laid-back baby, who hardly gives me any tantrums.
Well, that is just a small update for now. I have much more to write, but that seems to be the typical case.
I'll be back sooner than later. Love you all.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
An encouraging day
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40: 30-31
For those of you who have been praying for me, thank you. Sincerely, it is much appreciated! You are a part of God using me here. It has been foggy in the day-to-day in seeing how the Lord is using me, but He has definitely encouraged me amidst the trials I've been facing (James 1). I will share a few short stories of ways He has encouraged me!
A few months back, I was having an extremely discouraging day for various reasons. Most of the discouragement was inward, so I decided to take advantage of the nice weather and take a walk around the city (something I like to do from time to time). I ended up walking up to the temple, and sat in front of it with my ipod playing praise music. My mind was pensive, and melancholy together, as I mindfully talked to God and asked Him what impact I was even making in Utah. (How little my faith is!) (How easily I forget!) After spending a few moments at the temple, I decided to head back down through the city, continuing to listen to my ipod's worship music to attempt to get my mind in a better place. Strolling past the city library, a disheveled-looking homeless-like man stepped out of the front doors and caught my attention by giving me a friendly wave, and proceeding to tell me (from a distance) that he had something to tell me. (Might I remind you that my ipod was still playing music, but I was able to hear him tell me this from far away). My pace slowed to a hault as he drew nearer, making eye contact. I was not uncomfortable with this man, though I should have been, (being that he was a stranger), so I let him speak to me. He walked up to me, said nothing, and gently but firmly took my hand to put it out in front of my body. His eyes were clear (not on drugs), and his mentality was stable, as he finally said, "I know you are angry at the world right now; but you have a future." He reaffirmed me again saying, "You have a future." I asked him who he was, and he said it didn't matter. What he told me, at that specific timing, was what I needed to hear, though I had no idea that simple sentence was what I needed to hear. I realized that this man had spoken a promise to me, one that aligns with Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future..." This particular verse has held much weight in my life thus far, as it has been my foundation of hope through the Lyme Disease suffering. So of course when he spoke this to me in my discouragement, and lack of hope, it meant so much!
Well, this story continues....I thanked that man, (after breaking down into tears on the sidewalk right in front of him...I know, kind of embarrassing) and continued my walk back to my starting point. About 3 steps after I had left that man, another man came walking right beside me. He asked me if I was alright, and my response was immediately on gaurd, being that he was a stranger. He told me that I didn't need to cry, and that whatever it was that was bothering me, that I didn't need to be crying about it. He was sure of this. Then he asked, "Are you a Christian?" A little taken back, though very curious as to why he was asking me this (taking into mind what had just happened with the other stranger) I responded that I was, and asked him the same. Turns out this man was indeed a Christian, who had recently moved to Salt Lake. He shared with me that he had been attending the LDS church for the previous three weeks, however, out of pursuit for a woman that he was interested in. Right away, I was straightforward with this man, informing him that the Mormon church, though using the name of Christ, was in fact not Christ-following. He needed to know this, because I could tell by the way that he was talking that he was unaware of this. And, my greatest heartache here would definitely be to see an uninformed "baby Christian" looking into the LDS church as an option. We had an extensive conversation there on the sidewalk of the busy street, and as it came to a conclusion, this man told me that he strongly felt that our meeting was, in his words, "divine intervention." He proceeded to explain that he was not even supposed to be out on a walk that day, that his schedule for work was changed, but that he just had decided to go on a walk, and randomly met me. He could not get over this occurrence, and kept saying things such as, "you have informed me of a road of destruction," and over and over saying it was "divine intervention" and "what he needed to hear." Wow.
At the time, this all seemed a little surreal, this chain of events on the street, but as I had a chance to reflect later that night, I could totally see how, what seemed to me, the Lord was encouraging me. It made sense that he would use the first man to speak to me a simple promise that I have a future (to lift my head), and immediately after that, the Lord was showing me that He indeed was still using me for good here (with speaking truth to the second man.) So, in hindsight, God encouraged me and used me. Oh, how much He loves me and is taking care of me!
From this day I truly realized (which I needed to) that my faith is so little! I know that God is so patient and merciful with me amidst that. It is evident. He shows up just at the right time! I will never forget this day.
For a further update with recent events, I have been a full-time employee at Whole Foods in the bakery department since March. The crowd of co-workers there are all x-mormons, so I'm getting a good taste of the Utah counter-culture...which has...a very, very bitter taste for anything to do with religion. I sense a large amount of hurt and mistrust. It has been quite the challenge to be surrounded by this 40 hours a week, as the lifestyle of these people have been SO extremely rebellious (mostly with the homosexuality and partying). I know that Jesus is giving me grace to handle this...that is the only way. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to handle it!
My health needs prayer, as the fatigue seems to be getting to me. It's definitely the thorn in my side! I have found excellent rife treatment (for the Lyme) in park city which I am so pleased with. I've been taking a lot of hiking trips since my knees have been stable, which has been SUCH a joy to have! It is one of my favorite activites to do here. Although I am still suffering in the body, the Lord has provided means within that for sure, and it is so evident. Praise the Lord!!
"God has eternity before him. Only God has security. It is for us to follow humbly wherever God wants to lead, and blessed are those who stay faithful to the ways God inspires them to go and who do not, in order to please others, live with an uneasy conscience in the place where others believe security is to be found. Leave your kindred, cast off your false security, be converted to the Lord. That is the road without end of our faith's pilgrimage." - Oscar Romero
For those of you who have been praying for me, thank you. Sincerely, it is much appreciated! You are a part of God using me here. It has been foggy in the day-to-day in seeing how the Lord is using me, but He has definitely encouraged me amidst the trials I've been facing (James 1). I will share a few short stories of ways He has encouraged me!
A few months back, I was having an extremely discouraging day for various reasons. Most of the discouragement was inward, so I decided to take advantage of the nice weather and take a walk around the city (something I like to do from time to time). I ended up walking up to the temple, and sat in front of it with my ipod playing praise music. My mind was pensive, and melancholy together, as I mindfully talked to God and asked Him what impact I was even making in Utah. (How little my faith is!) (How easily I forget!) After spending a few moments at the temple, I decided to head back down through the city, continuing to listen to my ipod's worship music to attempt to get my mind in a better place. Strolling past the city library, a disheveled-looking homeless-like man stepped out of the front doors and caught my attention by giving me a friendly wave, and proceeding to tell me (from a distance) that he had something to tell me. (Might I remind you that my ipod was still playing music, but I was able to hear him tell me this from far away). My pace slowed to a hault as he drew nearer, making eye contact. I was not uncomfortable with this man, though I should have been, (being that he was a stranger), so I let him speak to me. He walked up to me, said nothing, and gently but firmly took my hand to put it out in front of my body. His eyes were clear (not on drugs), and his mentality was stable, as he finally said, "I know you are angry at the world right now; but you have a future." He reaffirmed me again saying, "You have a future." I asked him who he was, and he said it didn't matter. What he told me, at that specific timing, was what I needed to hear, though I had no idea that simple sentence was what I needed to hear. I realized that this man had spoken a promise to me, one that aligns with Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future..." This particular verse has held much weight in my life thus far, as it has been my foundation of hope through the Lyme Disease suffering. So of course when he spoke this to me in my discouragement, and lack of hope, it meant so much!
Well, this story continues....I thanked that man, (after breaking down into tears on the sidewalk right in front of him...I know, kind of embarrassing) and continued my walk back to my starting point. About 3 steps after I had left that man, another man came walking right beside me. He asked me if I was alright, and my response was immediately on gaurd, being that he was a stranger. He told me that I didn't need to cry, and that whatever it was that was bothering me, that I didn't need to be crying about it. He was sure of this. Then he asked, "Are you a Christian?" A little taken back, though very curious as to why he was asking me this (taking into mind what had just happened with the other stranger) I responded that I was, and asked him the same. Turns out this man was indeed a Christian, who had recently moved to Salt Lake. He shared with me that he had been attending the LDS church for the previous three weeks, however, out of pursuit for a woman that he was interested in. Right away, I was straightforward with this man, informing him that the Mormon church, though using the name of Christ, was in fact not Christ-following. He needed to know this, because I could tell by the way that he was talking that he was unaware of this. And, my greatest heartache here would definitely be to see an uninformed "baby Christian" looking into the LDS church as an option. We had an extensive conversation there on the sidewalk of the busy street, and as it came to a conclusion, this man told me that he strongly felt that our meeting was, in his words, "divine intervention." He proceeded to explain that he was not even supposed to be out on a walk that day, that his schedule for work was changed, but that he just had decided to go on a walk, and randomly met me. He could not get over this occurrence, and kept saying things such as, "you have informed me of a road of destruction," and over and over saying it was "divine intervention" and "what he needed to hear." Wow.
At the time, this all seemed a little surreal, this chain of events on the street, but as I had a chance to reflect later that night, I could totally see how, what seemed to me, the Lord was encouraging me. It made sense that he would use the first man to speak to me a simple promise that I have a future (to lift my head), and immediately after that, the Lord was showing me that He indeed was still using me for good here (with speaking truth to the second man.) So, in hindsight, God encouraged me and used me. Oh, how much He loves me and is taking care of me!
From this day I truly realized (which I needed to) that my faith is so little! I know that God is so patient and merciful with me amidst that. It is evident. He shows up just at the right time! I will never forget this day.
For a further update with recent events, I have been a full-time employee at Whole Foods in the bakery department since March. The crowd of co-workers there are all x-mormons, so I'm getting a good taste of the Utah counter-culture...which has...a very, very bitter taste for anything to do with religion. I sense a large amount of hurt and mistrust. It has been quite the challenge to be surrounded by this 40 hours a week, as the lifestyle of these people have been SO extremely rebellious (mostly with the homosexuality and partying). I know that Jesus is giving me grace to handle this...that is the only way. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to handle it!
My health needs prayer, as the fatigue seems to be getting to me. It's definitely the thorn in my side! I have found excellent rife treatment (for the Lyme) in park city which I am so pleased with. I've been taking a lot of hiking trips since my knees have been stable, which has been SUCH a joy to have! It is one of my favorite activites to do here. Although I am still suffering in the body, the Lord has provided means within that for sure, and it is so evident. Praise the Lord!!
"God has eternity before him. Only God has security. It is for us to follow humbly wherever God wants to lead, and blessed are those who stay faithful to the ways God inspires them to go and who do not, in order to please others, live with an uneasy conscience in the place where others believe security is to be found. Leave your kindred, cast off your false security, be converted to the Lord. That is the road without end of our faith's pilgrimage." - Oscar Romero
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The Good, and the Bad!
Hello Family and Friends,
It has been about 6 months since I’ve moved to Salt Lake.
There have been relationships built here that are growing.
Some have seemed detrimental and have ended, but have been a learning experience for me. There is a culture here that I am learning to know more with time, that could be easy for me to not like at all, in human regards.
There have been circumstantial trials in my life that have taken place here that have seemed unjust (fired from job, car impounded, ect). Might I remind you also, that the first week out here I paid two visits to the emergency room!! Things of the like are hitting my two roommates as well, so please keep them in your prayers in this way also. I have to say though, that despite these things have happened the Lord has still taken care of me. Within 2 hours of losing my job, I was offered another by a woman I know! A week after this, my car was impounded, but I had the means to pay for this, which has been all in the Lord's provision for sure. It has been cool to see him working things out during the unexpected "hard times."
But Jesus is fighting for me. He has blessed me in very exciting ways. His provision of Christian friends out here has been abundant. He has sustained my health. He has opened a few clear opportunities of LDS friendships taking place. The most recent blessing that has surprised me by far has been the fact that Emily is planning on moving out here in June. I would be so encouraged to have her out here by my side! I am just blown away by the Lord's goodness to me. Also, every Sunday night I attend a class led by former Mormons who are now Christians. It's a powerful 10-week class, and I'm enjoying learning a lot from this older, married couple. They are missionaries here in Utah being used my the Lord to share the truth.
There is one LDS relationship in particular that has developed quickly and naturally; it has been very apparent to me that I am supposed to be in this friendship by the way it has been brought into my life. She is actually one of Emily’s best friends from high school (College Park). She lives out here in Utah, and ironically I ran into her at the 24 hour fitness when I first moved. Ever since, she and I have become great friends, as she invited me over to dinner with her husband (she just got married this summer). It was funny when I went over to her house because Emily was in her wedding, so I had already seen a lot of their wedding pictures. We talked non-stop and ever since have been going to yoga once a week, and random get-togethers. She is starting up a book club and recipe night that I am going to be a part of. This relationship is growing. Please keep this in your prayers! She is such a sweetheart and so fun. It will be fun when Emily gets here too, because then the three of us will get to hang out. God is so cool! =)
My dad was out here yesterday for business and we had lunch. It was good to see him. I gave him a miniature tour of Temple Square, so I've included some pictures from our little adventure. =)
As far as status, I am still single, for those at home who are wondering. I am seeking the Lord in that area of my life right now, and so far it seems that this is how it is supposed to be for the time, but it is still confusing in different ways. Pray for my heart!
As far as future plans, I am looking into going back to school and finishing, starting classes either this summer or fall. The University of Utah is in the prospects, majoring in mass communications with an emphasis in news/editorial. So basically I would like to be a journalist. I am excited to have some direction in this area.
I will share this quote with you, because the Lord has a lot of work to do in me concerning this area!
"When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I must die to myself daily for Christ to shine in this dark area as much as possible. This is a struggle for me, so know this when you think of me so you can pray for this.
Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. I have no words to express how much I need them, because I know that I am so weak without the Lord. Please know that I still believe very strongly that this is where I am supposed to be. I am hoping to come home for Stacey's baby shower in March! I can't wait to meet my nephew, and hang out with my niece again. I miss Audrey SO much!
Please feel free to email me to keep in touch! That would be the easiest way. I never turn down mail =)
Also, here is my new address:
654 Ely Place
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
And, my new phone number:
801-512-3240
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Family and Friends!
Again I return with an update of the last few months. First of all, your prayers have been heard! What a better way to start a new update than to bring you the good news of a friend of mine coming to accept Christ as Lord of his life!
He is a co-worker of my roommate and as we had been getting to know him, my roommates and I could see how the Lord had been trying to get a hold of him prior to our friendship with him. He grew up in the church (Mormon) but as of about a year or so ago, had made a decision to leave (upon his own opinion that there was no peace or satisfaction for him involved with the church). Looking back on that part of his story, I can see how maybe this was the sure beginning of God's "evident" faithfulness to Jon's salvation. We could definitely see how the Lord had been bringing other believers into his life also, as in Utah, Christians are such a minority here, and how in Jon's life somehow his best friends and other relationships "happened" to be strong followers of Christ.
Through a few conversations with Jon (he's a deep thinker), both my roommate Cat and I agreed that he was "so close" to what would seem a semi-understanding of God's place in his life.
God has been SO FAITHFUL in bringing Jon to Himself. I can see that. I was so excited to hear a few things Jon had to tell me in one particular conversation also. It was late one night, and the beginning of a conversation about God opened up. He started to ask me a few questions about God. I knew that some of the things I had to tell him were Spirit-led, as I realized what I had actually said after it came out of my mouth. So cool! =) But what he began to tell me towards the middle of our conversation was that when he first met me, he "knew" that he was supposed to learn something from me, but didn't really know what that meant. How priveleged I felt that God would do something like that through me! Jon said he felt very sure and confident about this. To me, I could see God's faithfulness to Jon through this, but also a blessing to me of letting me see how he was using my obedience to follow where I believed He was leading me (Utah). I thought this the perfect opportunity to tell Jon a little bit of my story of the process of God's specific direction of my coming to this place, hoping that this might encourage Jon of God's love for him, being that God definitely had our paths cross while I am out here, and the timing of us meeting (I happened to be able to meet him when the seeds had already been planted) I was hoping he might have picked up on the idea that maybe he was one of the reasons God placed me in this area. We all know that God would do that for the love of one person! =)
About a week after this conversation, my roommate told me that Jon had communicated to her (they are close friends) that he had made a decision to submit his life to Christ. eeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
"Thank you God for giving me opportunites to share and privileges of serving You!"
Please pray for Jon, as he is now going through some questions and emotional trials in his life. Does this surprise you? Please pray against the attacks that are coming his way.
I ask this to be your prayer of me:
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
"11With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Please continue to pray for my energy level(which prayer has definitely been answered for that), and also please pray for encouragement in the Lord for my roommates walk and building of relationships here (as there purpose for moving to Utah has also been the same as mine).
Much love, with a grateful heart,
Your friend, daughter, granddaughter, niece, sister....
Jill
Again I return with an update of the last few months. First of all, your prayers have been heard! What a better way to start a new update than to bring you the good news of a friend of mine coming to accept Christ as Lord of his life!
He is a co-worker of my roommate and as we had been getting to know him, my roommates and I could see how the Lord had been trying to get a hold of him prior to our friendship with him. He grew up in the church (Mormon) but as of about a year or so ago, had made a decision to leave (upon his own opinion that there was no peace or satisfaction for him involved with the church). Looking back on that part of his story, I can see how maybe this was the sure beginning of God's "evident" faithfulness to Jon's salvation. We could definitely see how the Lord had been bringing other believers into his life also, as in Utah, Christians are such a minority here, and how in Jon's life somehow his best friends and other relationships "happened" to be strong followers of Christ.
Through a few conversations with Jon (he's a deep thinker), both my roommate Cat and I agreed that he was "so close" to what would seem a semi-understanding of God's place in his life.
God has been SO FAITHFUL in bringing Jon to Himself. I can see that. I was so excited to hear a few things Jon had to tell me in one particular conversation also. It was late one night, and the beginning of a conversation about God opened up. He started to ask me a few questions about God. I knew that some of the things I had to tell him were Spirit-led, as I realized what I had actually said after it came out of my mouth. So cool! =) But what he began to tell me towards the middle of our conversation was that when he first met me, he "knew" that he was supposed to learn something from me, but didn't really know what that meant. How priveleged I felt that God would do something like that through me! Jon said he felt very sure and confident about this. To me, I could see God's faithfulness to Jon through this, but also a blessing to me of letting me see how he was using my obedience to follow where I believed He was leading me (Utah). I thought this the perfect opportunity to tell Jon a little bit of my story of the process of God's specific direction of my coming to this place, hoping that this might encourage Jon of God's love for him, being that God definitely had our paths cross while I am out here, and the timing of us meeting (I happened to be able to meet him when the seeds had already been planted) I was hoping he might have picked up on the idea that maybe he was one of the reasons God placed me in this area. We all know that God would do that for the love of one person! =)
About a week after this conversation, my roommate told me that Jon had communicated to her (they are close friends) that he had made a decision to submit his life to Christ. eeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
"Thank you God for giving me opportunites to share and privileges of serving You!"
Please pray for Jon, as he is now going through some questions and emotional trials in his life. Does this surprise you? Please pray against the attacks that are coming his way.
I ask this to be your prayer of me:
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
"11With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Please continue to pray for my energy level(which prayer has definitely been answered for that), and also please pray for encouragement in the Lord for my roommates walk and building of relationships here (as there purpose for moving to Utah has also been the same as mine).
Much love, with a grateful heart,
Your friend, daughter, granddaughter, niece, sister....
Jill
Friday, October 26, 2007
I'm alive!
Hey guys,
I'm finally getting access to the internet again! Just wanted to give a quick update. Since I have last written, much has gone on.
1) The opportunity opened for me to attend General Conference here in Salt Lake (a semi-annual LDS church meeting). Attending that has given me opportunities of conversation with a few of my LDS aquaintances, and it also got me "in the know" with what the church is claiming. You can watch it online if you are interested.
2) Just this last weekend I was able to attend a student conference with those from azusa pacific, biola, colorado christian, wheaton, and fuller schools along with those from BYU, and colleges here in utah. Professors were represented from each viewpoint, and dialogue about our faiths were carried on very respectfully (whole new movement here in utah...) It was a very long weekend, but good for me.
I am learning more and more as I am living here. The relationships with my co-workers are growing a little....I am so interested to get to know the people here. This next week I am moving out of the Hornoks and in with 2 girls my age into a duplex downtown. There is much more detail I would like to share, but I am running out of time here on the library computer and just wanted to let y'all know I'm alive!!
**I would ask for continued prayer in my walk with the Lord, my treatments for Lyme, and relationships here!**
THANK YOU!!!!!!
I'm finally getting access to the internet again! Just wanted to give a quick update. Since I have last written, much has gone on.
1) The opportunity opened for me to attend General Conference here in Salt Lake (a semi-annual LDS church meeting). Attending that has given me opportunities of conversation with a few of my LDS aquaintances, and it also got me "in the know" with what the church is claiming. You can watch it online if you are interested.
2) Just this last weekend I was able to attend a student conference with those from azusa pacific, biola, colorado christian, wheaton, and fuller schools along with those from BYU, and colleges here in utah. Professors were represented from each viewpoint, and dialogue about our faiths were carried on very respectfully (whole new movement here in utah...) It was a very long weekend, but good for me.
I am learning more and more as I am living here. The relationships with my co-workers are growing a little....I am so interested to get to know the people here. This next week I am moving out of the Hornoks and in with 2 girls my age into a duplex downtown. There is much more detail I would like to share, but I am running out of time here on the library computer and just wanted to let y'all know I'm alive!!
**I would ask for continued prayer in my walk with the Lord, my treatments for Lyme, and relationships here!**
THANK YOU!!!!!!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Life so far...
Hey guys,
So I've made it out here to Utah and wanted to thank you for the prayers for my travel safeties! I want to let you all know that the internet is only available to me about once a week right now, but I am doing the best I can to get the updates to you!
I am living with an emty-nester 50-something couple, (Ken and Marcia) who have been so welcoming to me. I have been getting to know them better the past few days, and am now being referred to as "Jillybean" by them, so you could easily say that the living situation has been "great." Last night they took me up to the Canyons along with some of their family and friends for a BBQ, and has been one of the highlights with them so far. Ken is a pastor at a local church, Midvalley Bible.
The work situation has been interesting, but I see good potential with the relationships there, and my patience is already being stretched =) The position I have is a teacher's aide, working with 7th and 8th grade students (with behavioral disorders). The class is 11 boys with either ADD, ADHD, or have been abused in some form. So like I said, the patience is being tuned up! Both the teacher of the class and one of the behavioral specialists are L.D.S., and because of my relations with them, I have been able to understand the L.D.S. culture on a daily basis, and definitely on a different level than I knew before.
The other part-time job is working at a wellness center in Salt Lake. I will be doing front desk work there, and the girl I am working with is L.D.S also. I start training with her tomorrow, so you can pray for that relationship as well!
I still don't know exactly what is in store for me here, but the first night I arrived, I was greeted at T.G.I. Friday's by Cat (who I'll be living with), Heidi and Daniel. I came to find out that Cat, Heidi, Daniel, my other friend Bethany, and myself all moved out here to Utah within the same 4 weeks, and at the time did not know of each other's plans. I came to find out that we all have been feeling this draw for the past 3-4 years. Do you think this timing has anything to do with coincidence? I don't think so. God has some plans going on for sure! You are just as much a part of this work for the kingdom by praying for me! Keep that in mind! I need it!
You can email me at jrlewie85@yahoo.com
Love you all so much!
Jill
Prayer Requests:
Physical Health
Building relationships with co-workers
To be Spirit-filled on a daily basis
So I've made it out here to Utah and wanted to thank you for the prayers for my travel safeties! I want to let you all know that the internet is only available to me about once a week right now, but I am doing the best I can to get the updates to you!
I am living with an emty-nester 50-something couple, (Ken and Marcia) who have been so welcoming to me. I have been getting to know them better the past few days, and am now being referred to as "Jillybean" by them, so you could easily say that the living situation has been "great." Last night they took me up to the Canyons along with some of their family and friends for a BBQ, and has been one of the highlights with them so far. Ken is a pastor at a local church, Midvalley Bible.
The work situation has been interesting, but I see good potential with the relationships there, and my patience is already being stretched =) The position I have is a teacher's aide, working with 7th and 8th grade students (with behavioral disorders). The class is 11 boys with either ADD, ADHD, or have been abused in some form. So like I said, the patience is being tuned up! Both the teacher of the class and one of the behavioral specialists are L.D.S., and because of my relations with them, I have been able to understand the L.D.S. culture on a daily basis, and definitely on a different level than I knew before.
The other part-time job is working at a wellness center in Salt Lake. I will be doing front desk work there, and the girl I am working with is L.D.S also. I start training with her tomorrow, so you can pray for that relationship as well!
I still don't know exactly what is in store for me here, but the first night I arrived, I was greeted at T.G.I. Friday's by Cat (who I'll be living with), Heidi and Daniel. I came to find out that Cat, Heidi, Daniel, my other friend Bethany, and myself all moved out here to Utah within the same 4 weeks, and at the time did not know of each other's plans. I came to find out that we all have been feeling this draw for the past 3-4 years. Do you think this timing has anything to do with coincidence? I don't think so. God has some plans going on for sure! You are just as much a part of this work for the kingdom by praying for me! Keep that in mind! I need it!
You can email me at jrlewie85@yahoo.com
Love you all so much!
Jill
Prayer Requests:
Physical Health
Building relationships with co-workers
To be Spirit-filled on a daily basis
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