Grenada Part 2

 The day we left!!

Traffic in entering New York

Matt and James decided to pose with the guy outside our hotel

our plane from JFK to Miami

Landed in Grenada!!

in the line to go through customs

waiting outside the airport

break in between work projects

the truck we rode in

playing black 7

the view of the sunrise from the veranda outside the girls house

putting on sunblock was very normal

painting the native's house

Mary Beth and I painting

Matt multitasking

high up on the scaffold

the final color but only the first coat

Jr youth night we played Knock out with the children

Matt read them a story

we handed out glow sticks

loading up the generator to take to the crusade tent

 

this was a normal sight for the guys to have coke bottles in their hands

the beach we went swimming at

Mary Beth and I at the Chinese restaurant

James and Matt with their pile of rice

our chicken

noodles

group picture with Chris and Katrina and their family

James with Collin (chris and Katrina's son)

After we ate we took pictures on the beach in  the dark

The water falls we hiked to see on Sunday

Another group pic

Grenada Part 1

Wow so much has happened since my last blog post. It was quite a flurry of activity right before our trip and things did not go quite as planned but we had a lot of fun.
(Note: this is going to be a four part post)

This is our group the day we left!! We were happy to get to warm weather!!

From L to R: Me, Mary Beth, James, Matt, Eli, David & Alma (the admin that went on the trip)

Monday, February 15th, 2016
We were packing our suitcases and getting everything ready for the trip. But there was a damper on everything because it was snowing and they were calling for freezing rain that evening. But we all try to keep a positive attitude and praying and believing that we would still be able to get out. We were leaving at the unearthly hour of 2: 30 so that we could catch our flight out of Dulles at 6, and so we decided we weren't going to go to bed anyways that night. So a few of the girls stayed up with us to try to keep us from getting too excited. But at 11 o'clock David ( he was in charge of booking the flights and such) called us and told us that the flight has been cancelled and that he would call the travel agent in the morning and hopefully we could get a flight out the next evening. so we went to bed with a glimmer hope in our hearts.

Tuesday, February 16
We woke up this morning not knowing what was going to take place that day. But David called about 10 and told us that we had a flight out of JFK, New York on Wednesday morning so we decided to drive up to New York on Tuesday so we were on the road by 11 and made several different stops but arrived in New York at 6 that evening. We finally got some food and walked around the city for a while then we headed to bed to recharge for the next day of traveling.

Wednesday, February 17
We woke up all very excited and happy that this was the day we were finally going to get to Grenada Lord willing. we ate a very light breakfast at the motel and then headed to the airport to go through security and sit at our gate until the flight left. weed drove to the long term parking and finally got our van parked after many twists and turns of driving around. We took the train to our terminal and got our tickets and went through security and we sat at the gate for about half hour. we then left JFK to head to Miami for our first layover. We arrived in Miami at approximately 2:30. We were supposed to have about an hour layover but they were already boarding when we arrived so David grabbed a couple bags of chips before we headed on the next flight. our flight to Grenada was about three and a half hours long and we filled out our customs forms on the plane. We finally arrived safely in Grenaa at 7:45 and we went through customs. And then headed outside to expierience Grenadian air. We had some time before Chris and Katrina (the business administrator) picked us up. So we took pictures in the mean time. We then saw a truck come rattling in and we said our hellos and hopped on the back and had our first ride on Grenada! We got back to their house and they had snack for us we were very grateful cause we were very hungry. Some of the teachers came over to hang out and eat as well. We then headed to the teachers houses the guys stayed with the guys and we girls stayed with two of the girl teachers. It was amazing to crawl into bed.

:) plans and such :)

February is finally here!! It is the month we embark on our trip to Grenada!! If you can pray for us as we are gone that God would be honored and glorified in all that we do and say, and that they could see HIM through us!!

This month has been a whirlwind already with all the preparation for the trip!! We have been having meetings and planning sessions!! And when we get bored we giggle at nothing in particular!! On Monday all 7 of us that are going on the trip went to town to buy snacks and such to pack our lunches when we have a workday!! We also went to Ruby Tuesdays and laughed and told stories and had a good time!! I think this trip will be loads of fun!!

Ruth Ann came to visit me today!! Everyone at Mountain View knew she was coming because I have been so excited about it for over a month :)!! Oh we had a grand time hanging out together!! We got coffee, went shopping, and went to a Mexican restaurant!! And we chattered away at eachother!! Oh I absolutely love my sisters!!

Well I hope you have a good week!! I am sure the nest post will have lots of pictures in :)!! Until next time!

~Rose Mary

January

In exactly three weeks today ,Lord willing, me and 6 other folks are going to embark on an experience of a lifetime!! We are going to go on a mission trip to Grenada! We are all very excited , but you can pray for us that we could be a blessing to the people down there and that we would be a light. And also that we as a team would have the strength, energy, and courage that we need! 

This month has been a whirlwind of activity. We have gone to the cabin several times as day off groups and that is always relaxing!! And the one day Shirley (our dean of women) and I took two girls to the airport. I went home for a dr. Appt. and to get my drivers license renewed!! 

Then we had a last day off for two of the girls before they leave!! It was an all girls day off. It was so much fun we went to a cabin and all huddled in front of the fire during the night!! It was so much fun! The next day we did absolutely nothing!! We just sat around and ate and talked the 

whole time. That evening we went out to a Mexican restaurant. It was so good. And we talked and ate!! 

That day just reminded me how important building relationships is here at Mountain View and anywhere. And it also made me think how much of an impact we can have on those around us. Wether it be by our mood ,what we say, or how we act. But no matter what we will affect those around us in a good way or bad way wether we mean to or not.

On the 22-23rd we got about 24 inches of snow!! Oh we had such a jolly time with it. It called for sledding parties!! The one afternoon after housekeeping Lane (my coworker) and I decided to go sledding. Oh my did we ever work hard to sled. ;) the first trip down the hill I pulled her down to make the path. The second trip down we kept rocking back and forth till we made it down. The third time we actually were able to sled!! But by then we were so wore out from having to walk in two ft of snow we quit. But we had fun and laughed and laughed and got cold!! It was so worth the soreness the next day!!

Last night we had volleyball tournaments!! And oh what fun we had using our lungs the way God intended :) (just saying we screamed alot) especially towards the end!! But it is so much fun to play with the same people all night and you learn how to work together well!! And how to back eachother up!! We didn't win but we had lots of fun and laughs!!

Ok well that is all for now!! Hope you all have an amazing week!

Until next time!! ~Rose Mary 

The Heavens Declare.....

The Lord gives us mornings so that we can begin new days. Hopefully we wake up feeling refreshed and happy and ready to begin a new day that brings wonderful opportunities to serve the Lord!! 

In my opinion there is nothing better in the world than to wake up and be able to enjoy a sunrise. It is just another wonderful reminder that God cares about beauty and he loves letting us enjoy them, that is if we stop long enough to cherish the sight!! 

That is one privilege where I work right now. We get up before the sun. And we have plenty of windows throughout the facility so while we clean bathrooms we can enjoy the beauty of the mountains and especially in the morning we can watch the sun do her artwork on the landscape around us!! I cherish those moments!! 

This verse in the Bible rings true.

Psalm 19:1 KJV

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Wether it is a sunrise or looking up at the stars at night or even looking at the power of a waterfall His Glory is showcased all around us!! We just have to take time to enjoy it and bask in it's beauty. 

~Rose Mary 

Psalm 97:6 KJV

The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.

Guard Your Heart

         (Picture from Pinterest not mine)

Ever since we have been young we have been told to guard our hearts. But why we may ask. The Bible tells us plainly

Proverbs 4:23 KJV

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Everything we leave into our heart is bound to come out eventually. Wether it be good or bad. If we leave lies and deception in after awhile we will soon become a deceitful person. But if we allow God to work in our hearts and honestly seek after him. We will see the total opposite we will have a kind and compassionate heart.

It also says " for out of it are the issues of life." that means we need to give our heart condition (because we all have one wether good or bad) ,the utmost care because we tend to go by what our heart feels. If we leave our heart unattended then things can creep in that otherwise if guarded would never stand a chance. 

And God has given us the sole responsibility of guarding our hearts which means we need to be watchful each and every day for problems that could occur that could cause heart damage wether it be hurt, disappointment, or a friend desserting us. We need to take these things to Christ and allow him to help us through the issues of life. And he will assist us in keeping our heart pure and guarded!!

Well these are the thoughts that have been in my mind lately may they bless and encourage you!! May the Lord Bless you in the next week! Until next time!

~Rose Mary 

~Reflections~

Well 2016 is now upon us!! It is a good time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the coming year!! Below are some pictures to represent what I did and experienced this past year!! A lot has changed in my family and in my own life!!

 

 -December 2014-

*14th Moved to Aroda, Va for a 15 month term of service

*25th My first Christmas without anyone in my family

-January 2015-

*1st Beginning of the first year away from home

-February-

*7th First visit home

*14 Tyler and Ruth Ann got engaged!!

-March-

*7th my 19th Birthday

*20-23 Went on an amazing chorus tour

-July-

*4th WE MOVED for the first time in 18 years

-September-

*11-23 was home to spend time with Ruth Ann and family

*15 Bought my first vehicle a tahoe

*19 Tyler and Ruth Ann's Wedding

-November-

*1 visited Ruth Ann and Tyler in their house for the first time since they were married

-December 2015-

*9-13 Family Christmas at home and taking puppies to the vet

*25 Second Christmas away from home

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

-January 2016-

A new year with many possibilities!!

Lord Willing I will be farewelling from Mountain View on April 9, 2016 it just seems impossible that 16 months will have gone by since I left home on my first adventure by myself and that I actually not only survived but thrived while I was away. Especially considering how scared I was when I left home, but I have gotten to know the people I work and live with every day to the point that they are my family, church, youth group, coworkers, but best of all my friends!!

 

The Lord has taken me on a journey last year that I will never ever forget and looking back I see he worked amazing things in my life the past year. It has not been all roses but through the trials I know he had my best in mind!! I have learned so much about myself and my God while I have been here. It is a very spirit filled year and the Lord has been Good!!!

 

I hope you all make 2016 the best year yet!! Make memories, experience new things, take chances, get out of your comfort zone, but most of all make this a year to grow closer to the Lord. You won't regret it!!

 

~Until Next Time~ Rose Mary