Adulting is Hard to Do

 I just hard a few of “those days.” Have you ever had them? Days when you have to do stuff that you know needs to be done yet they are more stressful than you would like to admit? I had those days this week. It had to be done. 

When I lived and worked overseas, my dear brother, Dan, took care of all the stuff that makes my eyes glaze over. I’m so grateful for that. I had to have a Will, Power of Attorney and all the other legal stuff done before I left the States. He was my rock for all of that. Then, when I retired, I put my retirement accounts into the same company that he used. After all, he’s my older brother and he knows a lot more than me about this kind of stuff. 

Since I decided to live in a different state and at least eight hours away from family, I knew deep down that I should update all my legal documents and probably move my retirement accounts closer to where I live. But, oh, my! That’s way out of my comfort zone. So, one of my goals for this year is to do just that. I made an appointment with a financial advisor and a lawyer. 

I met with the financial advisor one day and the lawyer the next. To say I was stressed out doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt. I’m so grateful that both were very helpful and made things sound easier than I thought they would be. Now, everything is started. And, soon they’ll be finalized and I can totally have that weight lifted off my shoulders. I have at least one more thing to do. I have put it off for years. Hopefully, I will get it done this week and I can check that off of my to do list and my goals for the year list.

I need to give a shout out to the ladies in my small group. They prayed for me and encouraged me during the most stressful time. And, of course, one of my pastors and friend always supports me in prayer. I thank God for all of you. 

As I decompressed from this, I thanked God for keeping me sane and I splurged and bought myself flowers. They help to remind me that the hard times will come to an end.  And, usually, they are totally worth it because of the growth they cause. 

Have a blessed day!

A Gift from God

 When I retired, I wanted to sleep for six months. I was so tired and weary. Well, because of Covid, I slept for those six months and then more. As restrictions were lifted, I was looking for something to do, something outside of my house...yes, I wanted to see people and be among people. (I love being a part-time hermit, but the operative word here is PART-TIME.) So, I decided to volunteer at the Patrick County Visitor's Center. I had been in Patrick County for two years. I knew some stuff, and I could learn. 

So, I went to the Visitor's Center and gave them my information. A few weeks later, I received a phone call and was welcomed with open arms. The Visitor's Center is such a bright and cheerful place, packed with all kinds of information about Patrick County and surrounding areas. I learned "the ropes" and assisted people who came in to see what our beautiful county has to offer. Then...the question came...

"Sue, would you like to be paid for the time you spend here?" Would I want to be paid? Well, of course I would! There's a program through Goodwill that offers part-time training programs for seniors. So, I am now enrolled in a "Training Program." I wasn't looking for a job, but I am so grateful for this program. It gives me that little bit of a cushion each month. 

What do I do, you may wonder. I greet visitor's, helping them find information on places to see, to hike, to taste wine, to ride dirt bikes...you get the idea. I keep the brochure racks stocked and will be ordering more as needed. I drive all over the county, tidying up visitor information areas and restocking them. And, I will be learning some new computer skills! I check out places in the county that I haven't seen yet. I do a lot of odds and ends to prepare for special events. And, yes, I sweep the floors and take out garbage, too. 

This "job" or "training program" has been a blessing. I work with the best people of the county. So, when you are in the area, "Come. Get Lost. And Find Yourself...In Patrick County."

Rediscovering Wonder

Recently, I realized that I lost the “wonder” in my life. I’m not sure how long it has been gone. What I do know is that I miss it. I thought back over the last few years to see if I could discern what caused this to happen. There are several things that led to my loss of wonder. I imagine some are yet to be discovered. I needed to learn to live life again, to see it as an adventure. I needed to "open my eyes," both literally and figuratively, and see the world around me. Sometimes I forget to see beyond the obvious. I forget to see and appreciate all the blessings that God has given me through the many circumstances of life that don't always come in the form of what I would typically call a blessing.

I am retired. But, with being in a new town and "starting over," I needed something to do. So, I began volunteering at the Patrick County Visitor's Center. The people who work here are great! I have never had such an encouraging "boss." My volunteer work turned into a part time job. And, with that job came opportunities for personal growth. One week, I was warned that on Friday, I would take a County Car and drive to parts of the county to replenish tourism brochures, tidy up displays and pick up brochures that were needed in the main Visitor's Center. 

Oh, my! This person who lived overseas, learned to drive a motorcycle at age 39, and had to borrow vehicles every time she was stateside, now was worried about driving a vehicle that wasn't mine. Sandra, The Director of the Visitor's Center kept reminding me to "breathe." And, she reminded me that "Life is an Adventure!" How could I forget this simple truth?

The car was packed. I set off. And, as I drove I saw some of the most amazing scenery. Wait! What was this alien feeling? I do believe I started to discover "wonder" again. I have a long way to go. But, I'm traveling in the right direction. I'm looking forward to my next County Road Trip. I know it will reinforce that "wonder" that I'm discovering anew.

 

To Everything There is a Season

For everything there is a season and a time for everything under Heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

For going on eight years, I have lived among the Dagaaba people of Lawra in the Upper West Region of Ghana. I have worked in the surrounding villages and even call one of them, Kalsagri, my “home village.” People have invited me into their homes and into their lives. They have become family to me.

So, it is with mixed emotions that I am writing to say that September 21, 2018, I will be leaving Ghana and moving into a new chapter of life. I will have a six month long final Home Assignment. During this time I will visit my partnering churches, connect with the TMS Global Office and debrief. I will also look forward to starting over again and “nesting” in my new to me place of residence.

These past years have been amazing. God has allowed me to be His hands and feet and voice in so many places. I have seen “my boys” grow up and become teachers and nurses while the younger ones have learned to read and write. I have seen churches grow, thrive and stand on their own two feet. I have seen leaders rise up out of congregations and take their place in their church. I have seen people, young and old, profess faith in Jesus Christ for the first time. I have seen young guys get excited about reading the words of Jesus for the first time in their own language! Oh, my! It has been an amazing time here.

But, my work is done here. Ghanaians can do and should be doing what I am doing now. It is time to return to the US. It is time to reunite with blood family, and be reunited with friends, and be in the land of good medical care. And, it is time for me to enjoy my days and years of retirement.

I want to thank you for your support during my time in Ghana. Many of you have supported me even before I moved here. Please, please continue to pray for me. Pray for a healthy “Good Bye.” I want to finish well. Pray for a smooth transition. Pray, too, for the people here, who will stay as I leave. I have been a part of them for years and they, too, will feel the pain of separation.

If you support me financially, please continue to do so through my time of Home Assignment – March 2019. I will be “on the road” a lot of that time. And, if the weather doesn’t allow it (Erie, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas tend to get a LOT of snow), I will continue with visiting supporting churches after the spring thaw.

It has been a privilege to be your representative in Lawra, Ghana. God bless you!

Love,

Sue