JOY in His presence

Going through my photos for this year, I was reminded of all the places I have been able to explore, and all the people who continue to support me wherever I am. I traveled through 12 airports, gained a niece, and celebrated some beautiful couples! Reflecting on the changes and growth this past year brought on, I am only excited to keep up the momentum of learning who I am in Christ, in whatever state, province, or country that may bring me. I am so grateful for each day! Reba & Ivan Ottawa, ON Bruno Mars Buffalo, NY  Girl's Weekend Wallingford, VT Rehab Nursing Conference Seattle, WA Catalina Island, CA Merry Christmas! N. Clarendon,  Vermont Jenni & Jay Wedding Shower Vero Beach, FL Rah-cha-cha, NY Athens, Greece Notre Dame Montreal, QC Eloise Joy April 21st  Family Week  N. Clarendon, VT Dan & Ariel Otego, NY Ogunquit, ME Ottawa, ON ...

Today, I was reading a commentary on the new Winnie the Pooh movie in World Magazine, and it said "doing nothing often leads to the best kind of something" ultimately identifying the "joys of the unplanned".  This may sound weird to you as I am not technically  "doing nothing" with my time right now. But on my downtime, as I am intentionally removing myself from social media, and the blackhole of instagram explore, I feel like I am doing nothing. And for me it is not easy.  Actually it is the hardest challenge thus far.  ( I have accepted that my Spanish isn't a challenge but continual growth- framing it like this makes me feel better!) I have been redirected that this Season of rest is what my soul needed.  With my Tuesdays typically free, I was excited to have down time to balance my processing of everything I see and experience her. I was more needed in the nursery today than on the couch in front of my computer or exploring downt...

📸: www.trinjensen.com I have seen many people this week, and privileged to meet a few.  Here, the hearts are tender for the trauma in Managua Nicaragua. The stories passed from their family up north are raw. To give you (all  of the 2-5 people who might read this), each day of my week is a different combinations of service opportunities. Sundays: REST. I am learning to take a true Sabbath--key word learning. Mondays: Clinic in the morning/1st grade club in afternoon Tuesdays: Free to adventure, rest, update here, etc Wednesdays: Clinic in the morning/ Renuevos Thursdays: Clinic in the morning/1st grade club in afternoon Fridays: Clinic in the morning/ Renuevos Saturdays: VBS program for 9-15 year olds (mostly) At a bus stop that is not a typical tourist destination- the gringas stand out. I knew this, but am learning what it actually means. I was surprised yesterday, that after only meeting some smiling faces like the one above, they knew me when I drove by...

The time has come for me to leave, and I feel like there is still so much preparation to be done. I'm all packed with my various vitamin donations (over 5,000 pills) and sweet maple candy gifts for my hosts. The routine 16 hour travel day, navigating my dad through city traffic,  standing in lines, and people watching, is underway. This week as I have prepared I have been rerouted to study Esther. "And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this"(4:14) Mordecai is challenging Esther to rise up, ACT, move. Do something- now is the time.  This phrase has been mentioned to me, prayed over me, and sent to me this week by people- who I am the only mutual friend between (except Jesus) Yes I am listening.  Esther was disciplined, faithful, and prayerful. I am reminded of God's providential timing, Esther's courage, and my challenge to obey. This is my challenge today. Pray for me. To be still, listen, discern, and empowe...