Personality conflicts

Warning long post- sorry.  I don't really care if anyone reads this, it's more for my venting I think.

I've known it for years now, and can remember even as far back as 6th grade, where my outspoken personality and stubborn ways have gotten me in "trouble" of sorts.  Well, not so much trouble I guess, just making people who have "authority" over me a little irritated.  If you've known me for any length of time, I'm sure you've seen this.  I must say on the opposite hand however, I've also made many dear friends over the years, of all ages, so I can't say that I'm offensive to everyone I guess.  Early on, like in high school and college and such I've truly hated this personality "flaw" of mine and would beat myself up about it after any incidents would happen.  But within the last couple years, I've discovered that this is who I am and really there's no controlling it.  To give some examples for those of you reading this blog that don't know this "side" of me, and I'm really going to tell on myself here:  Like in 6th grade when Mr. D* would not allow us to order Goosebumps books off the book list, and I questioned it (in what I thought was a "normal" way) and he yelled at me in front of the whole class and then when my reading teacher took me to the counselor's office the next period to discuss the matter, he stormed in and told them that I was missing a test and needed to get back to class.  Or like the time when our lovely softball coaching was running a drill and would not stop yelling at us, even though what he was asking for was impossible, and I yelled "shut up" at him.  Now I will admit this was not the best way of going about this and this is not the norm for me.  We still laugh about this one however.  Or the time in vet tech school when I needed to get some tests run on my dog and I had many of the veterinarians on my side willing to help, but because I didn't follow the normal order of things, I got a lovely email from the Dean of the Vet school telling me how dissapointed she was and how if I continued in these ways I would not be allowed to use Purdue's services again!  Yikes!  Anyhow, I've realized in almost every circumstance of my "personality conflicts" it's been at a time when either my friends or co-workers were being berated and I'm very protective of my friends, or I have a question about how authority is doing things and simply bring it to there attention where I guess most others, even if they agree, are quiet about it.  Since I've realized that this is a "personality Trait" of mine, I've tried to adopt the verse
Proverbs 3:1-6 "1 My child, never forget the things I have taught you.  Store my commands in your heart.  2 If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.  3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder.  Write them deep within your heart.  4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.  5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
I try despirately to show loyalty and kindess to my friends and co-workers.  I'd like to think that I've always been respectful when dealing with the authority figures in my life, but as my husband and friends will point out, I wear my heart on my sleeve and I can not hide what I'm thinking at all in my face.  So, it's been a battle to try to control this in me. 
The reason I bring up this long novel, is because recently I've had an "incident" at work where my boss called me into his office and began to tell me how dissapointed he was in me and that I don't appreciate what management does for me because I'm the only one to speak up on matters at work (even though I know this is not true, I just may be the only technician who has spoken up).  He then proceeded to give me some "examples" of my disrespectful behavior and acuse me of not working as hard as he does and the fact that I work "some of the fewest hours and set my own schedule" (which I work part time 25-30 hours/week and run my own department, all of which he approved and set up for me 3 years ago).  I won't go into details here really, but at first I was quite hurt and ashamed once again.  Very proud of myself that I didn't cry when in the meeting with him and that I actually stood up for myself (knowing that I have many co-workers and other veterinarians that would agree that I work very hard for him and I've always done everything they've asked of me).  Once I got downstairs I lost it, however I soon realized at least the first lesson God was trying to teach me with this.  First off, I've been dragging my feet about leaving this place for a couple years now, only really staying because I love the people I work with and most often enjoy what I do.  I've really grown to not like who I work "for" due to how they treat people often times.  Here I think God is saying "Holly- here is the last straw, the time is right, you are needed somewhere else."  So, I'm officially looking for a new job!  A good fit obviously, since we all know now, my "personality trait"!  The second thing that I realized as the day went on, was that every "example" my boss threw at me, was nothing that I could be ashamed of as a loyal friend, co-worker, and trying to live my life to help hold up others.  Every example he used was when I was in defense or helping out a co-worker in a time of need, it just didn't line up with how he thought things should have gone.  And in this way, this "meeting" was a bit of a compliment to me.  I feel I have awesome friends and could easily have great references within the veterinary community.  I've also got awesome clients that like me so much that they bring me Christmas and baby gifts even though I'm frankly just doing my job. 
On the way home that day I had another thought about the whole ordeal.  Not that I'm anywhere like him, only striving to be, but I remembered that Jesus wasn't really "liked" that well by his "authority" figures either.  It's ok to be different and outspoken, when in your heart you are being outspoken about the truth of the matter.  Knowing it's part of who I am, I try despirately to do it with respect and dignity. 
I'm sure some will roll their eyes at this, and who knows, some of you may agree with my boss.  But I'm confident I have seldom done something that I wouldn't do again if it meant standing up for a co-worker, myself, family, or my faith; even if my "authority" figures disagree.  
So, now knowing this about myself, anyone have any ideas of a career change or veterinary job that might best fit me???  I'm still waiting on God to whisper where he wants me next. 

Again, sorry this was so long....

Welcome Home!

Just an update, haven't heard from them officially yet, but our close friends who were in the process of adopting from Haiti now have their children in their arms!!! 3 of the 4 children were flown here on humanitarian parole last weekend and are now home with their parent's. What initially looked like an indefinite set back in the process when the earthquake happened, God totally turned around into a HUGE blessing for these families. Like I said, we haven't heard much yet, but these kids should now be safe and with their new families. As of last Sunday the only one we are still waiting on is little Lydia, only because her adoption process was not as far along as the others. We are still praying that she too will be granted parole and will be sent over soon. God is good!

Happy Anniversary

I love him. I love him. I love him. 4 years ago yesterday, I was blessed to marry my best friend. We met when we were 15 years old on a mission trip to West Virginia, though we had technically gone to church together since third grade, I have no memories of him before then. In true Justin fashion, he met a girl on the mission trip and we soon started "dating" (though we were still too young to drive yet). From that time other than a few short bumps in the road, we've been together ever since. If you would have asked Justin at 15 years old, he would have told you that we would be together forever. It took me a little longer to come around, but I am glad he never gave up. Today he is still my best friend and I can't imagine going through life without him. Here are some pictures from our journey together. Other than hair styles, I can't say I've changed much! Justin on the other hand....

Shortly after the mission trip when we were 15 years old. What goofy teenagers.
Celebrating Justin's 16th birthday.

Mission trip #3 in 2000.

Senior pictures. Yes, we took a risk that we would possibly not be together later in life. I'm so glad we did though. It's neat to look back at all the photos we have growing up together.

Senior spring break trip with my family to the OBX. Oh such good memories!

Throw back prom with Harvest, some time while we were in college.

Engagement picture.January 21, 2006; one of the greatest days in our lives.

One of the next greatest days of our lives, Morganne's "birth"day. I can't imagine a better father for our girls.

We are so thankful and blessed. Life isn't easy but when you are going through it with your best friend, with God's guidance, it is truly enjoyable.

Prayers are being answered!!!

As it turns out, a friend of ours from High School- Jaime Koonley, is in Haiti right now and has been for a few months teaching in a school. She is now helping at HIS Home orphanage and this is a photo of two of the kids to come home taken just days ago!!! Livie- Rebee's daughter, and Joshua- Natalie and Craig's son. What a praise!

The kids may be coming home! There is now a movement by state and government officials to get the kids that were in the adoption process OUT of Haiti to make room for the hundreds of new orphans and needy caused by the quake. Our friends are on alert that they may have to drop everything and head to Miami to meet their children!!! What an incredible blessing!

When the earthquake happened I mentioned to Justin that with as horrible as this looked- and it is, don't get me wrong- I really thought that this could be a huge answer to prayer for so many. Our friends have been waiting for over 2 years for their children to come home, and there was really no end in sight to the Haitian government's delays on their paper work. I also think that as much as these surviving Haitian's have gone through, this is bringing aid, medicine, and attention to their situation like never before and once this is settled a bit, these people may indeed get more relief that they've had their entire lives. I had to laugh, and also get frustrated yesterday at some of the comments I've heard on the media and from friends explaining the Haitian situation. One news commentator, in his description of the situation said "it's horrible, people are filthy, they are burning trash on the streets, there are no restrooms, so they go where they can. You see people carrying machetes (sp?) and guns and riots are breaking out..." I had to laugh. It's normal in Haiti to see all of this outside of this crisis. I was pleased to hear one UN official of security say that actually the violence that he's seen is less than before the earthquake. Just some irony I guess....

Esperandieu's family has decided to come to the states until things have calmed. His wife and kids will be staying in IN with friends of ours beginning next week. We are excited to have them and are so thankful for their safety. Especially with the major aftershocks they are having. As it turned out the night of the earthquake Esperandieu is usually in a class in Port-au-Prince. Had he not have been taken to Trinidad for a CC seminar, he would have been there. The classroom collapsed and all of his classmates perished. His wife Dianne usually goes to the Market on Tuesday evenings. For some reason she was delayed. The Market also collapsed killing most inside. God's hand is in everything, even when we don't understand.

Please keep praying for the safety of the Haitians and for the Pierre family and the children's trip to IN- home!

Paster Pierre (Esperandieu)'s plan

I've added a friend's blog to our list, ADOPTING JOSHUA, they are in the process of adopting from Haiti and have more updated information to share and more speciafically about the orphanages and needs of the country.

Please continue to pray!!!

Via the update email from Nehemiah:

Dear Friends,

I spoke with Pastor Pierre a couple hours ago and he informed me that there are some cracks in the walls of his house but the structure is very secure. There is though some continued fear because the aftershocks continue to come throughout the day and nights.

They are pretty fortunate because there are many homes even in his neighborhood that did not withstand the earthquake. After checking in with his immediate family he headed out to see how his brothers and sisters were doing – they are fine. There are some families and friends that are unaccounted for and two known Campus Crusade student leaders that did not survive. The Campus Crusade office in downtown Port-au-Prince is still standing.

While Pastor Pierre was out this afternoon he was able to get some food and supplies to last them a few weeks. He has plans tomorrow to get about 1000 bags of rice that can be used in the initial stages of the relief efforts. For next hours he is suggesting that they make packages and distribute them like they’ve done with the hurricanes in the past.

Several members of GAiN Canada will be arriving in Haiti in the morning and working with Pastor Pierre. The immediate need is food, water and medical aid for the people. In the next week we would like to get a medical team in and begin treating those hurt. The first team will need to be mainly medical professionals. We are looking to take in several 15 member teams throughout the next few weeks and months. If you are able to help medically and are strong enough to get past the death that is everywhere – please let us know so we can begin preparing the teams.

Pastor Pierre says if you do come know that the situation is sad, horrible and a catastrophe. His advice is that you pray that you come in strong. You have to be able to come to the situation and handle it and move on to help the people.

Thought I should share this scripture with you that our friend (Avonelle) in Trinidad had reminded me of and seems so perfect now.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

On behalf of the Pierre family I would like to tell everyone “Thank you” for all your prayers and uplifting words during these past several days.

Blessings,


Aaron Sherrick
Nehemiah Vision Ministries

Update on Haiti connections

Praise the Lord.
Esperandieu's family and house are fine, only minor damage to the house. His school building is fine also, which is such a blessing since it holds over 300 kids each week, plus Sunday services and adult education classes. They said they are now trying to collect respirator masks because of the smell, and the closer to Port-au-Prince, the worse it gets. I fear what is going to happen in the coming few weeks. Esperandieu is now out trying to assess the damage and figure out where to begin helping. If you are interested in donating see the http://www.nehemiahvisionministries.org website. It's a safe website that is ran by a friend of ours here in IN.
The orphanage that houses all of our adopting friend's kids received only minimal damage where a security wall crumbled. Where as this is not part of the actual house structure it is very important to keep looters out since they may have more medical supplies, water, and food than many other places around. Pray for their continued health and security. For a country that doensn't have much to begin with, and no real government order, this has got to be the most chaotic and scary place on Earth right now. I can already see how God is going to use this as a blessing to many of the Haitians and also those that go and help.

Please pray for Haiti!!!!!

Many of you know that Harvest has a connection with 2 different missionaries in Haiti. Yesterday the island was hit by a 7.0 earthquake just outside of Port-au-Prince and many strong aftershocks have followed since. We have 3 families at Harvest in the process of adopting children from Haiti from the His Home orphanage. They, thankfully, are safe, however the building did sustain damage to one of the main walls. Basically there are thousands that are trapped, no power (there is usually very little anyhow), and the medical system in Haiti is pretty much non-existant, so there is no real place to take the injured once they are rescued. A hospital in Port-au-Prince collapsed completely, as well as many government buildings. We've heard that Esperandieu and his oldest son Nathan are currently in Miami, but can't get a connecting flight into Haiti due to the airport being closed. They have yet to hear word from his wife and other children. We also have yet to hear from Larry Ralph, the other missionary we know and support. He, I believe, is in Haiti, but on the opposite side of the island so hopefully he and his staff are safe. (For more updates I've linked Esperandieu's blog in our blog list-Nehemiah Vision Ministries)

Here is the latest update (besides hearing that Esperandieu and his son are now in Miami) from Esperandieu Pierre:

I am currently in Trinidad with my son Nathan doing some training with Campus Crusade. I am planning to leave my trip early and head home, prayerfully it will be tomorrow. I have still to hear from Dianne but I am trusting God that she, Charissa and Lemuel are fine. I’ve been trying to reach her cell phone but the network in Haiti is overwhelmed right now. Please pray that we can make contact with each other soon. Aaron will keep you updated on the status of our family and Haiti through the NVM Blog (http://blog.nehemiahvisionministries.org)

Nehemiah Vision Ministries (NVM) was established in 2006 for several reasons: 1) to educate those who have a desire to learn 2) to feed the starving 3) provide healthcare to the sick 4) most importantly to share the Gospel to those who have not heard the truth about Jesus.

NVM is also the social arm that gives leverage to the spiritual hand that comes through Campus Crusade. Would you join me first in prayer that Satan be bound from this country? He has done enough to ruin the lives of my people. Secondly, if you would like to help us provide aid to the people that have been affected by the earthquake you can send your support to:

Nehemiah Vision Ministries
c/o Earthquake Assistance
P.O. Box 48
Westfield, IN 46074

You can also give through the secure site: Network for Good

Ke Bondye Beni-w (May God Bless you)


Aaron Sherrick Onbehalf of Pastor Pierre, NVM Founder

PLEASE PRAY!

Here is another, more discriptive, update from a different missionary in Haiti (one we don't know, but still fighting for the same team):

The sun is about to come up. The aftershocks continue. Some more noticeable than others. There is no way to even begin to share the things we’ve heard and seen since 5pm yesterday. To do so would take hours that we don’t have to give right now. Some of them feel wrong to tell. Like only God should know these personal horrible tragedies. The few things we can confirm – yes the four story Caribbean Market building is completely demolished. Yes it was open. Yes the National Palace collapsed. Yes Gov’t buildings nearby the Palace collapsed. Yes St Josephs Boys home is completely collapsed. Yes countless countless - countless other houses, churches, hospitals, schools, and businesses have collapsed. There are buildings that suffered almost no damage. Right next door will be a pile of rubble. Thousands of people are currently trapped. To guess at a number would be like guessing at raindrops in the ocean. Precious lives hang in the balance. When pulled from the rubble there is no place to take them for care Haiti has an almost non existent medical care system for her people.I cannot imagine what the next few weeks and months will be like. I am afraid for everyone. Never in my life have I seen people stronger than Haitian people. But I am afraid for them. For us.When the quake hit it took many seconds to even process what was happening. The house was rocking back and forth in a way that I cannot even begin to describe. It felt fake. It felt like a movie. Things were crashing all over the house. It felt like the world was ending. I do not know why my house stands and my children all lie sleeping in their beds right now. It defies logic and my babies were spared while thousands of others were not. There are friends and co-workers that are missing. People whom no-one can account for. People we work with and love. There are more than I can name, but in particular we wait on one single friend who lived near the Hotel Montana – which has reportedly collapsed.The horror has only just begun and I beg you to get on your knees – I truly mean ON YOUR KNEES and pray for the people of this country. The news might forget in a few days - but people will still be trapped alive and suffering. Pray. Pray. Pray. After that - PLEASE PRAY.
Tara (Livesay)Heartline Ministries

Christmas

So, this is the second time I've tried to post this due to frankly running out of time. We've had a very busy month with lots of family time and Christmas/New Year's fun. So, here are LOTS of pictures from the past month. They are out of order of occurence but oh well.

We went to Iowa for Christmas this year where Morganne got her first and second chances at sledding. She only lasted about 20-30 minutes but it was bitterly cold the first day. She wasn't too sure about the snow and getting started but once the sled started moving she really enjoyed it with Daddy. Being 8 months pregnant, I chose to not try out the sledding and instead stand safely back and take photos!

Bundling up to head outside!! I think getting ready took longer than the time we were actually out there, but it was still a lot of fun.

Grandpa Fred showing how it's done!

On the second day, Derek, Lynsey, and Annabel joined us in Iowa and it was much warmer and less windy outside. It was however, a much faster hill and required Grandpa to catch them at the bottom before heading either into the pond or into the ravine!

Lynsey taking her turn.

Grandma Sue couldn't resist the fun, though she demonstrated exactly why I didn't want to try it being as pregnant as I am.

There is no stering a saucer sled!

Derek and Annabel enjoying it. What's up with the tongue action Derek???

Thanks for the new sled Grandma and Grandpa!

Daddy kissing his snow bunny!

It's present time!

The two Daddy's reading bed time stories to their girls.

With vaulted ceilings, Daddy was able to get some real air at Grandma and Grandpa's! This is one of Morganne's favorite past times and one of Daddy's greatest workouts!

All dressed up after Christmas Eve service, I couldn't resist a good family picture in front of the fire place. At the service, Morganne made everyone laugh when she shouted "Amen!" at the end of a song, while lights were off and there was a quiet moment. She is always quite entertaining.

Christmas at Nana and Grandad's!!!

Those of you who know my Dad, know that no one but a cute, little, blond haired, blue eyed girl could get Grandad to wear reindeer antlers in a photo. Oh she's brought out the best in him and has not stopped smiling since she arrived. I can't wait to see when he has 2 little granddaughters wraped around his finger. Nana is quite excited too.

One of the best gifts Morganne got was a hand made poncho jacket, hat, and mittens from Nana.

SOOOO excited about her very own music player that she can opperate. I think we've heard "Clap your Hands" about a 100 times already.

Before Christmas we were able to take a trip to see Christmas and the Zoo. This was the first time Morganne was REALLY excited about the dolphin show and it was so much fun to watch (her- more so than the dolphins! :cP). She was even making the people around us laugh.

And lastly, can't leave out the dog's Christmas. Ripken thoroughly enjoys opening the gifts and Roz just waits until he's done to choose which one she wants to claim. It was a very good year.

For New Years we had a GREAT time once again with friends at Brittany and Bryant's house. There were the 3 toddlers, Morganne, Curtis, and Dylan and 4 pregnan women, Me, LeighAnn, Cassie, and Brittany. Oh how life is changing for all of us. We are so blessed with such close, wonderful friends.

Sorry, for such a long post. We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's. We wish the best for all of you in 2010!!!