I have really been enjoying my new job as a nurses aide.   However, it is a different rhythm to get used to.  I would work between five and six days a week with my mom but no more then eight hours a day.  In my new job I work between eight and twelve hour shifts.  What I like about that is I get some days off. While I put in about the same hours each week, in some ways I feel like I have a lot more free time.  This is not every day though.  These past few days of having off have been a time for me to step back and re evaluate how I spend my time.

Living at home has been such a tremendous blessing both emotionally and financially.  I know my time here is limited and I won't live here forever.  I try to keep the house clean when I'm away and help my family with any errands or projects they need help with, and I know they do the same for me.  Once a week I'll scrub the floors and relive the glory days of when I was a cleaning lady.  It works out great because my family can walk on clean floors and my hands smell like Febreez All Purpose cleaner for the rest of the day.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I spend a lot of time on the river trail.  I have really enjoyed my mornings of sitting at "my" bench, looking out at the river and praying to the God who made the beautiful nature that surrounds me.  This season of my life has been a lot of figuring out who I am, why I am the way the way I am, and what to do with all of that.  It has been a time of letting go and being free, and being thankful for what I have instead of dwelling on what I don't.  When I go meditate on the goodness of God  I really feel content in what I have instead of insecure of what I have not accomplished.  I realize that the Lords timing in all things is perfect, and the center of his will is the best place to be, even if I don't understand.  I love my times with the Lord alone in nature.  In the quiet stillness of my heart, I feel his love for me.  It doesn't have to be when I'm at the river, doing good, or thinking "God things".  God's love surrounds me when I'm at work and I'm in situation and I dont know what to do, or when I'm frustrated with my lack of progress on an issue I've been working on for so long.  I love when I feel Gods hand on me when I'm alone praying or worshipping, but to be honest Im much more impacted when I feel his love come on me in those day to day moments.

Working the 2nd shift has turned me into a lazy morning person. I must say laid back mornings must be the best part of working second shift.  Most folks retire in the evening and settle into bed, but for me it's the opposite.  I work all evening so the morning is my time to relax, grab a second cup of coffee and watch the today show.  I probably spend more time in jammies then I ever have in my life.  I feel like such a bum saying that but it's oh so true and my guilty pleasure.

I hope this gives a little window into who I am and what I like. More to come soon!

where are you now?

I laughed a little bit yesterday when I saw the time span between the dates of my previous and most recent entry.  My life's a little different now than 2 years ago.  Just to establish some common ground, here is a few facts about where I am.

• I am a 21 year old female and I reside in Lancaster county Pennsylvania
• After YWAM (Youth With A Mission, an accredited short term missions school that has hundreds of bases worldwide) in Queensland, Australia I went back home and started working for my mom's cleaning business.
• While working, I took a full course load at HACC (a local community college)  for general education with a degree in healthcare in mind.
• This past fall I got a full time job at Lancaster General Hospital as a Patient Care Assistant (which is like a nurses aide.)  
• Feeling conflicted about whether nursing was right for me, I saw the job as a great opportunity to see if I was cut out for the medical field. (I love it! But more on that later :)  )
• I cancelled all my classes at HACC for the fall 2012 semester and focused on working.  I have all of my nursing prerequisites done.  All that there is to complete are clinicals and nursing specific classes which start every August.  Until August of 2013, I will be just working.  It will still take me 2 years to do, but my course load will be lighter.  
• I applied last month to Lancaster General College of Nursing and Health Sciences (which I think is the college with the longest name around here)  The jury's still out on whether I'm accepted or not, but I'm  not too worried. (Shameless religious plug: God has brought me all this way and led me to where I am now.  I know that if it is his will for me to get into this school I will and if not he will make a way for something else. So even though I check the mail twice a day and wonder if it will happen I know that it's out of my hands, but into someone's that are much better. I know God will give the admissions person discernment if I am the right candidate for the program.)  
• So *if* I get into school I plan on working as an PtCA for two more years until I get my R.N.. Since I'm an employee the hospital will help me pay for tuition!  Until then I am just working and gaining lots of experience.  
• I work 2nd shift on a cardiac medical/surgical floor.  
• I still live at home but gained 2+ family members. My mom got remarried in July so I have a stepdad and a stepsister.  
• My favorite place to be is by the river.  I live in a small river town right along the Susquehanna River.  Rarely a day goes by that I don't go down.  The paved trail by my house has provided my town many miles of recreation and a park with a bench which is the best place to think and pray.  When I am dealing with an issue I'll ride my bike to the trail and 3 miles later I'm at the park.  The park has trees cleared out and opens up to this great view.  I can sit there forever watching all the water flowing in a steady direction, the birds on the rocks and the beauty of the small mountains with little cookie cutter cabins staring back at me.  Any grievance I have or issue I'm dealing with slowly dissolves as the beauty of nature surrounds me.  I realize that I start to breathe a little slower and my body relaxes. What Jesus said from Luke 22 always come to mind when I look out at the river: 

  Luke 12:22-34

  New International Version (NIV)

  Do Not Worry

  ²² Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. ²³ For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. ²⁴ Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! ²⁵ Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life^[a]? ²⁶ Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

  ²⁷ “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ²⁸ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! ²⁹ And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. ³⁰ For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. ³¹ But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

  ³² “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. ³³ Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. ³⁴ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

  
  

  I hope this gives a little window into what I have been up since I blogged last.  It's a sunny Saturday and that means I'll be at the Susquehanna. :)  God bless.
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

I can't believe I'm doing this.

I'm not sure if my hands are shaking from my apprehension or the due to the large amount of coffee I drink which has always been a morning ritual. Nevertheless, shaky hands and all, I will muddle my way through this first blog post.  I'm sure my grammar will not be perfect, and those who care about spelling and punctuation will feel smarter about their abilities which I severely lack.   

Welcome back to my blog.  If anyone is out there in cyberspace I blew off the dust to this old blog which was originally a journal chronicling my journey as a DTS student in Gold Coast Australia.  My last post was dated back from when I was still in YWAM, wide eyed about the prospect of going home to America and relishing in all God did during the past six months.  While I was away I enjoyed blogging as a form to keep folks updated.  I also enjoyed using it as an avenue to regurgitate all of the new, fabulous things I was learning. 

 Now that I am back on sweet American soil, back in my same room, drinking the same Maxwell House coffee as when I left, leaves the perfectly acceptable question:  Why go back to blogging?  Easy six word answer:  Because it is easier than journaling.   A more honest justification is because this is something I should have done a long time ago.  Not because I need an audience to fill my ego or to justify any wisdom or insight I write about, but because I feel like the Lord leading me to write again.  And while I try to journal (and still do)  I am the realizing that I am the typical 21st century young adult and typing is much more convenient.  

My friend Amelia and I were out this week and I was bouncing some of these thoughts off her.  While we drove I told her about how much I love talking to/ listening to ideas and thoughts from people in their twenties. (although I am a bit partial because I'm 21)  But really, the 20s is a fascinating stage of life! It's a paradox of thinking one has life all figured out one minute, then the next minute realizing they haven't got a clue.  It's a time of tremendous growth and maturity both physically and emotionally, but also forced on by society as we are confronted with real world issues and financial responsibilities.  This stage in life is a time of short attention spans, having a passion for causes, dreaming of the future, paying the first months rent, asking your parents hard questions, and finding yourself. With the feeling of being invincible we take any issue head on and an opinion to back it up whether it's right or wrong.  I love this stage because of all the self discovery.  Sometimes I feel like my mind is going to explode with all the thoughts in my head and my need to always connect the dots to issues. 

I am excited to be getting my feet wet in the blogging world again.  However I have put this off for so long, I'm a bit apprehensive because apart of me feels since I am 21 and not 19, my opinions have more merit.  I intend this to be a journal of sorts documenting personal life events, but more importantly my journey with Jesus Christ, my Lord and savior, who is not only the ultimate source of wisdom and knowledge but my Father, healer, protecter and savior. I have found encouragement in blogs about revelation they had about God and spiritual matters and think it is a great thing to share. So if you're able to bear run on sentences, the occasional misspelling and some thoughts from a lady whose 21 stay tuned!

I'm coming home

DTS is over.  We graduated a few days ago and had a nice ceremony.  It was different then graduating from high school in many ways, that's for sure.  It's been hard to see people leave for the airport.  We invested so much time and love into each other and I love them like family. I'm excited for the next chapter God has for me next. Connecting with family and friends again will be so nice.  First, I have to conquer the flight home.  Prayers for a smooth flight will be very much appreciated.  I loaded my ipod with new music and have some books, so  that will keep me occupied for the long journey.  Next update: I'll be in America!  (not to sound weird, but I got so happy typing that out)

Let love explode

Outreach is over!  After three days of driving and a run in with some drunk Aboriginals, I'd say  God's hand has been on this trip from start to finish. Being reunited with team PNG (our other half) has been so good.  This is the last week we are all together in the same place.  On Friday we graduate!  It has been so good to be back.

I forgot the little things in life I took for granted.  The first morning I woke up on a mattress was almost surreal. We slept on either cots or the floor for the past two months.  Having privacy is also really nice.  Some of us saw a movie in the the theaters.  I've barely watched TV for the past six months, so to see all this action on a big screen was awesome. Also drinking cold sodas and eating food without our camping sporks is nice.  It was easy to adjust to differences during outreach.  I really don't believe in talking about home much or reminiscing about how good the food used to be, because it makes me miss it more.  But now that I'm almost there, I'm more excited and will enjoy these comforts with a renewed appreciation.

The conclusion of outreach involved ministry in hospitals, youth groups, schools, after school programs, churches, and a prison.  God did some amazing things wherever we went.  So much has happened and I'm not sure where to start, so I'll save some stories for another time. The people and things that happened will stay in my heart forever.  I took a piece of this trip with me and it has forever changed my perspective on life.

When we had free time, our team had opportunity to take advantage of all the beauty the Northern Territory has to offer.  We rode camels in the desert, hiked a couple mountains, fed wild wallabys at a hostel. (which we called the "wastel" because it was were all the wallabys hung out  haha...okay, it was funnier at the time) and got to see Ayers Rock.  That was an awesome experience.  If anyone is ever in Australia, I'd strongly encourage them to see it because it's unbelievable!  The scenic three day drive was an adventure in itself. 

There is an American army base in Alice Springs.  What they do is secret, and we were surprised to find so many Americans in the center of Australia.  If you asked someone what they did and they said "I work for the base." You would know what they mean and they can't say anymore really.  Anyway, a guy who works for the base goes to the church we went to.  He invited our team over for a bbq at his house with his family.  They were so kind and hospitable to us, and we had a great time.  It felt like there was a little piece of home when we were there.  Everything from the plugs to the food was American.  It's amazing how you forget the little things that feel like home.

I had a great time on outreach.  There were defiantly highs and lows, but through the challenges I got stronger. It's impossible to go through this and not learn a thing or two about yourself.  I learned that no matter how I'm feeling, I need to choose to love. The old saying "love conquers all"  is so true.  The scriptures came more alive and evident in my life.  It was really all I had for truth.  The more I read, the more I became confident that if we don't have love in what we're doing, we have nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 "If I speak in tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophesy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have the faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."   It would be a long, hot day and every nerve in my body wanted to either be alone or fall asleep. Suddenly something would happen or come up. I had to choose to love and found that when I asked God to give a heart for this person or situation he would.  His grace is sufficient in every circumstance.  Love is the whole basis of Christianity and a powerful weapon in the kingdom of God.   In the words of a popular YWAM speaker "just look outside yourself, shut up, and love your neighbor." 

I can't believe I'll be home soon.  I'm enjoying this last week in Australia.  It's a beautiful country.  I also love YWAM.  Everything about it.  It's its own little culture.  My life the past six months has been safe, predictable, growing, free, challenging and structured.  I constantly have people to talk about the Bible with.  I've met some amazing  friends who I'll miss dearly.  I know that at home I won't be in this Christian bubble and have my days all planned out.  I'm well aware that life anywhere but here is different.  I'm excited to come home and put into practice all that has been planted and sowed in me.  I'm excited to tell others about what I've experienced. Mark chapter four sums up what I'm going through right now.  Gods desire for me (and all of us) is to go higher and to propel further in life. I know that no matter where I am, God is there because he lives in me.  He can live inside of you as well. If you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart, you can experience the greatest gift life can give.  Some scriptures:  John 3:16-17, Romans 3:23, Romans 10:9-10, 1 Corinthians 2,1 John 1:9.  Accepting Christ is a decision that only you can make.  If you have any questions defiantly talk to someone you know whose a Christian. My email is always available and I would love to talk to you.  esadler54@hotmail.com

Blessings to all, and to to those back home:  I love you and can't wait to see you :)

Another week in Alice

This week we've been doing a lot in schools.  One school in particular, we did a workshop with all week.  I enjoy what we're doing and time is going by fast. 

Over the weekend we went to Hasst Bluff, another Aboriginal community. This was the community that originally was hard to get into. But God blessed the time there. In the evening, it's common for Aboriginal people to have "sing alongs."  This is where we do our ministry because everyone is gathered.  We play bubbles and soccer with the kids first and then more and more people come.  After our program, I was amazed with how many people asked for prayer. They are very spiritually open.

I'm encouraged by how much God has been providing for us.  Whether it's rest, food or gas; God has always been faithful.  Thank you for your continued prayers.  Some things you can be in prayer for:

• peace about the future
• I want to give it my all on this trip.  I want to mentally "be here" and not anywhere else.
• wellness.  Our whole team has head colds and sore throats. Sunburn doesn't make it better either.

God is so good!

We arrived in Alice Springs safely!  It took us three days to get here.  God's hand has been on this trip the whole way, guiding us to where we need to be and when.  We are staying in an Aboriginal church, which is a lot better then sleeping in our trailer. Our contact, Vivian Wilson is great!  She wrote a book, A Life Full which is a good read. Anyway, God is doing so much!  I have been amazed by what has been happening here.  We are going into schools, praying for people in hospitals, leading Sunday schools and youth groups, doing street ministry and going to remote Aboriginal communities. Aboriginals are great.  It's a totally different culture to get used to, but I realize why I'm meant to be here.  The coolest thing has been praying for people and seeing them get healed.  Going outback to the communities is like you're in another world.  There's so much to say and not enough time at this internet cafe, but know that all is well.  It has been incredible to see what God has done since the last post.  He is so good and my team is doing well.  Please continue to keep us in your prayers.  Love you all and God bless!