Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Where's my "Go-ahead"?

So what have I been doing while in the States? A whole lot, and a whole lot of nothing. Well, that's how it feels anyway. In an effort to be honest but not complain, I will say that this entire process is indeed a long one. The Lord CLEARLY wants me to understand the idea of HIS timing. I came here with so many plans, all of which have been either canceled or re-scheduled. But, He's in control so I must give up my right to it all and fall back in His arms.

One thing I did was enjoy an amazing weekend with my ENTIRE family for Memorial Day. We had a total of TEN people at my house for the weekend and it was wonderful! Take a look at some family pictures below.



And what is next? More waiting. I'm working diligently on my Visa for Colombia. Boy is that an involved process! And I'm finishing up the last $150 per month support-need. I'm speaking at a church in Louisiana in June. AND I'm going to a family reunion in Canada. All while trying to finish up support-raising. I'm also needing to sort through my things again and decide what is and isn't necessary for Colombia.
Please pray that the Lord would bestow His peace upon me. That I wouldn't become anxious or restless as I wait for His final "go ahead" for Colombia.

I hope you have a wonderful summer and that you guys will keep in touch with me via email. I love to get news from you all! Blessings

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Hospitals, Hospitals, Hospitals

Here's a short update on the latest happenings of my not-so-boring family. My sweet 87 year-old grandmother, whom I call Oma, has been in Atlanta for a visit recently. She usually lives out in Arizona with some of my extended family. VERY LONG STORY short...she was brought by ambulance to the emergency room here in GA on Tuesday morning with what seemed to be the 4th "seizure" or stroke in the past month. Each one has gotten worse in terms of length as well as her mental state shortly following. She is dissoriented and has little to no short-term memory. She continuously asks how my parents, whom she believes OWN the hospital, can afford to feed all the staff and where exactly their rooms are located. At one point she thought it was 1988. Well, she isn't THAT bad off anymore but...big BUT...

She has to have surgery first thing Monday morning as the doctors have discovered a blockage in her carotit arteries. With more than an 80% blockage, it is vital that the surgery be performed as she is a major candidate for a serious stroke. She has been poked and tested and her little 4 foot 10 inch person is sick and tired of the commotion. In her words "this is all a bunch of rubbish!" That's my grandma. But she's a fighter and I'm trusting that she is placed securely in the fathers' hands. The surgery on Monday morning is very dangerous for a woman her age. But I have come to peace with the fact that after 66 years of marriage, 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and and 10 great-grandchildren, a quick and easy flight to heaven would be ok by me. What I dont' think I could handle would be for her to suffer a stroke and be in a vegative state. Lets all pray for a full recovery or a quick trip HOME!

So that's the happenings in Atlanta this week and next. Please keep my family in your prayers as it has been difficult to see our generally PEPPY Oma go through test after test and needle after needle.

Monday, May 12, 2008

My time in the States

I arrived back here on April 21st with the intention of being here until the middle of June. God of course was not on my schedule and my visit has been prolonged until a projected mid-July move. With more support to raise than I initially intended, God is simply proving to me over and over again that this is HIS will for my life and it is according to HIS plans and schedule. I'm not at all disappointed with what He is doing. He has gone before and paved the way. I can't sit around and ask the "why's" because His word is clear...I don't need to understand every detail, I just need to be obedient and open to what He is saying and doing. He is pouring blessings upon me financially as I continue to receive very unexpected support gifts and pledges. He is answering the need for more support already!

This prolonged stay is serving as a blessing in several ways. There is a family reunion being held in Canada this year for my grandmother's side of the family (dad's mom). This is the first of its kind in the history of the Reesor family and there will be up to 80 of us there. I can't wait to see cousins that I haven't seen in years, some I have never even met. Heritage is so very important so I am looking forward to being connected with them.

My schedule, so far, is becoming more and more jam packed. Our family is having a garage/estate sale this weekend so I'm busy getting ready for that. I MIGHT be going to Arizona next week to take my grandmother back who has been visiting here and had some complications with her health. I plan on taking a 3-4 day trip up to Cleveland, TN to be with my sister for a few days. June may slow down a little and the family reunion is scheduled for the end of June and beginning of July. Needless to say I'm a movin' girl! But I like it that way.

I'll try to keep blogging but they may serve as mundane entries seeing as there is very little exciting activity going on right now for me. And if anybody in the Atlanta area would like to stop by this Friday and Saturday for some good buys, let me know! We are truly having a MAJOR blow-out sale! :)

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Wedding Bells and Sailing

There is nothing quite like sailing through the Caribbean on a miraculously paid for mini vacation for your best friend's wedding! Well that's exactly what I had the privilege of doing last week. And what a week it was! I met Nicki in 4th grade and we have been friends ever since. On May 2nd she married Austin Overstreet on the back of the Caribbean Princess in the middle of the ocean!

All the bridesmaids posed for a little shot.




This is where the ceremony took place. We had loads of spectators all around for the big event and the ceremony was so beautiful.


Mr. and Mrs. Overstreet


On the front of the boat right before sunset! So beautiful. God is so artistic!!!

In other news...I'm here now in Atlanta for the better part of the summer. God has already started to finish bringing in the rest of my support need. Just a few more dollars to go and I'll be on that plane to Bogota. We'll be in touch!

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Raises and Cruises

Who says missionaries have to survive paycheck to paycheck? I DO!!! Well, in an effort to avoid that and to attempt to accomodate the decline of the dollar around the world, the LAM and I have decided to increase my salary. Yes, this is great news. It just has one minor complication....I HAVE TO RAISE THE MONEY FOR THE RAISE MYSELF! Hah, I love this missions world I live in. Actually its important that it doesn't sound like I'm complaining because the truth is I am very thankful that this information came BEFORE I was deployed to the field.


In other news, I am leaving this evening for a 4-day cruise. Speaking of money...no, generally speaking a missionary's salary would not pay for such a luxury. But, one of my closest and longest-known friends, Nicki Douthit, is getting married!!! So today we'll all board the Caribbean Princess and tomorrow, at see, my precious friend will say her vows surrounded by family, friends, and the Caribbean Sea!!! I'll post a few pictures when I get back to Atlanta on Monday.
All Aboard!!!