Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Roommate Change

My roommate decided to move out and for the most part I'm glad. She switched rooms with another woman I know, though and I'm a little apprehensive. The woman is hypochondriac and might need a lot of my support which I'm not sure I'm ready for. She stays in bed and and is very dependent and I wish I could have chosen my alternative but God wants me to minister to this woman. Pray for me because I feel I'm going to need the Lord's patience and love!

On the wild side, I signed up for adaptive rowing and the sky gliding trip in September! There's not that much time to enjoy good weather and I have to get out there and make the most of it before hibernation season!

Monday, August 16, 2010

A Weekend of Public Vows

This weekend was as fast and furious as I thought it would be, but it was well worth it. Earlier in the week I wasn't feeling well so it was hard to be excited: I would be baptized on Saturday, and attend one of my best friend's wedding on Sunday.

Day 1: Baptism
I had my outfits all lined up. An invigorating green summer dress, a tube top that was just lovely but I still had to wear a sweater with the breeze. There were traveling delays, so I was getting antsy in the car, but for the most part my new SONY MDR-V6 headphones kept me occupied nicely!

Finally getting to Sherwood Island Beach in CT, felt like it was finally summer for me. I got to roll on the grass where the congregation was and was welcomed warmly. Dad helped put sunblock on me. I love the smell. We ate a good plate of food while Solomon got ready for worship. In church, I sit in the back and my voice is not loud. I also tend to pray a lot before worshipping. Today, I really wanted to participate because I felt it was important for support and I actually remembered words! But stuff was off and the body is not always in synch. This really frustrated me for a bit, but by the third song, while starting to sing again, it felt natural. The body was softly singing together and it sounded great, we harmonized and the spirit was present. It's always good to keep in mind that all good things are a work of the Holy Spirit, not of ourselves.

Rich prayed and we headed for the shore! I was first up. I briefly spoke about my revelation of my spiritual vow with God through Jonah Chapter 2 and that I was honored to have everyone witness the public declaration of that vow. I don't remember anything else besides waiting for Rich to say "in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy spirit," and then the gush of water on my head. I'm not fond of salt water and the sting took me by surprise. Frania lent me a towel. I'll post pictures soon when I get them.

I watched the Baez family get baptized which was amazing. Mother, father, and three girls from ages 7 to 14. It's not the baptism itself that makes you saved, it's the transformation that happens when you receive Jesus as Lord of your life and walk in His will daily. As John the Baptizer said, "I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire..." Luke 3:16

I asked my father if I could rest on the ground. Him and Faheem laid me down on a blanket so I could rest for a while. But the salty air was getting to my trach and eventually we had to boogie. Another example of how God is ultimately in control! No panic, just a calm, straightforward ride home. I needed a lot of suctioning but Chigbu was there so I was in good hands. I won't get too many moments on the beach unless I get this thing out, eh?

Day 2: Wedding
The next day I felt like I got hit by a truck which is exactly what my father said when he came through the door to pick me up! I had to get my hair done and then come back to put on my dress. The original plan was to be back by 12 and have the groom's sister help with make-up and possibly dress. But I got back almost an hour later and had to have a CNA and my dad with the rest. Plus, my dad needed to get ready which seemed to take the most time! Needless to say, we missed the ceremony but was able to see the bridal/groom party present themselves and have the first dance. I loved the song: it was a remix of shirley Bassey's diamonds are forever. Jason wore a matching teal Yankees cap, which surprised me but it is him. I just didn't think he would do it at his wedding. Maybe it's a last harah of sorts. For the speech, the first thing he said was "First of all, can everybody just shut the fuck up?" That's typical of him in party mode but I didn't think he would say that at his wedding. I guess he felt he spent all this money, this is his night, and he can say what he wants. They had a gift box and people typically give money, so hopefully he gets somewhat of a "return."

Ultimately, I had a good time and was honored to be there. There were not many people from college there and I really love Jason and Monifa. I want the best for them practically and spiritually. Pictures coming soon!

Monday, August 9, 2010

Prayer request

I am in -a lot- of pain and bed ridden again due to a UTI. The nerve pain is through the roof and my urethra is bleeding. Please pray that my pain subside and a urinalysis speedily show results so I can receive appropriate medication.