Hi, friends! Is it really September? I've noticed here in Des Moines that some of the leaves on the trees are already turning. I love that!...but it also reminds me that winter is not too far off either. Not sure if I'm ready for that quite yet.
For those of you who don't know, I moved to Des Moines to be an assistant house parent at a maternity home for unwed young women. It's been quite a week, full of training, settling in, getting to know the house mom and dad a little more, and experiencing first hand the ups and downs of the emotional rollercoaster that are expected in a ministry like this. Currently there are no girls in the house which is nice in a way because it's given me a little time to adjust and get some training under my belt, but I am looking forward to serving the girls and living out what I'm learning. Sometimes you just have to learn by doing. There have been a couple times this week when I've had my confidence shaken and wondered "can I do this?". I know that some of the things I will need to do are a little out of my comfort zone and don't come naturally to me. I will be stretched in a good way, but it won't be easy. A friend reminded me on the phone last night that while it may not be easy, the Lord has equipped me to do what I need to do. I can't do it in my own strength, I know that for sure! I'm also really thankful for the team that I'm working alongside here at RH. Rusty and JoDee are amazing and I know it will be fun to work with them and learn from them.
There is a possibility that we could be welcoming a girl into the home sometime soon, but things are always changing. We trust that it's the Lord's timing, but it is frustrating to see so clearly when a girl needs help, but she can't see it herself. We can't force our help on anyone. They have to realize their need and make the decision to pursue it.
Some of you have asked me specifically what it is that I will be doing in my role as an assistant house parent. I will be living in the house with the girls, cooking with them, taking them to appointments, doing activities with them, and have countless opportunities to share the gospel with them and be an ambassdor for Christ. While RH does provide a bed, food and many of the necessitites of life, it is not just a place where the girls can come and go whenever they please, without structure. It is a program, and they know before they come in that there will be things expected of them while they live here. Our desire is to help them, teach them and equip them with skills that are important and necessary for life, whether or not they choose to parent or place for adoption. We function much like a family, which is a huge deal for many of these girls who haven't had a whole lot of stability in their families. I could go into more detail but I'll leave it at that and if you have specific questions, you can ask me. I'm really thankful for this opportunity and pray that God will use me for His glory.
I have the day off, so I've been doing a little driving around town to get some things done such as change the address on my divers license....I mean drivers license. haha. I could've changed the spelling but I thought it was funny. :) It was a good opportunity for me to learn how to navigate in a new city. I did get a little lost...but I was in the right area and I found where I needed to go with the help of Rusty (the house dad at RH). I'm sure it won't be the last time I call him for directions. :)
Right now I'm sitting at a coffee shop. I'll take you there if you come visit me. :) It shouldn't be a surprise to most of you that I've already found a coffee shop nearby.
Here are some things to pray for if you think of it:
* That we would get some girls into Ruth Habor, and that their hearts would be
softened toward Christ.
* Confidence and courage for me as I learn my role, and learn to establish respect and authority with the girls.
* That I will get settled in here without too much homesickness. I do miss home and have shed a few tears, but am doing better than I expected.
I appreciate the prayers!
For those of you who don't know, I moved to Des Moines to be an assistant house parent at a maternity home for unwed young women. It's been quite a week, full of training, settling in, getting to know the house mom and dad a little more, and experiencing first hand the ups and downs of the emotional rollercoaster that are expected in a ministry like this. Currently there are no girls in the house which is nice in a way because it's given me a little time to adjust and get some training under my belt, but I am looking forward to serving the girls and living out what I'm learning. Sometimes you just have to learn by doing. There have been a couple times this week when I've had my confidence shaken and wondered "can I do this?". I know that some of the things I will need to do are a little out of my comfort zone and don't come naturally to me. I will be stretched in a good way, but it won't be easy. A friend reminded me on the phone last night that while it may not be easy, the Lord has equipped me to do what I need to do. I can't do it in my own strength, I know that for sure! I'm also really thankful for the team that I'm working alongside here at RH. Rusty and JoDee are amazing and I know it will be fun to work with them and learn from them.
There is a possibility that we could be welcoming a girl into the home sometime soon, but things are always changing. We trust that it's the Lord's timing, but it is frustrating to see so clearly when a girl needs help, but she can't see it herself. We can't force our help on anyone. They have to realize their need and make the decision to pursue it.
Some of you have asked me specifically what it is that I will be doing in my role as an assistant house parent. I will be living in the house with the girls, cooking with them, taking them to appointments, doing activities with them, and have countless opportunities to share the gospel with them and be an ambassdor for Christ. While RH does provide a bed, food and many of the necessitites of life, it is not just a place where the girls can come and go whenever they please, without structure. It is a program, and they know before they come in that there will be things expected of them while they live here. Our desire is to help them, teach them and equip them with skills that are important and necessary for life, whether or not they choose to parent or place for adoption. We function much like a family, which is a huge deal for many of these girls who haven't had a whole lot of stability in their families. I could go into more detail but I'll leave it at that and if you have specific questions, you can ask me. I'm really thankful for this opportunity and pray that God will use me for His glory.
I have the day off, so I've been doing a little driving around town to get some things done such as change the address on my divers license....I mean drivers license. haha. I could've changed the spelling but I thought it was funny. :) It was a good opportunity for me to learn how to navigate in a new city. I did get a little lost...but I was in the right area and I found where I needed to go with the help of Rusty (the house dad at RH). I'm sure it won't be the last time I call him for directions. :)
Right now I'm sitting at a coffee shop. I'll take you there if you come visit me. :) It shouldn't be a surprise to most of you that I've already found a coffee shop nearby.
Here are some things to pray for if you think of it:
* That we would get some girls into Ruth Habor, and that their hearts would be
softened toward Christ.
* Confidence and courage for me as I learn my role, and learn to establish respect and authority with the girls.
* That I will get settled in here without too much homesickness. I do miss home and have shed a few tears, but am doing better than I expected.
I appreciate the prayers!
5 comments:
You are an amazing encouragement to me and I know that God is going to use you in big ways there!
Wow, sounds like you're on quite the adventure, Charissa! You'll be in my prayers!
Thinking of you and praying for you often..thanks for sharing some specific requests.
I know this ministry will definitely be out of your comfort zone in many ways, but I am so excited for this opportunity for you and I know the Lord will give you the strength and wisdom you need for each minute, hour, and day. Love you tons!!
i was just thinking the other day "i hope she updates her blog" :) nice to hear how it's going and you know we're praying for you. definitely can relate to leaving the familiar, getting lost (hehe) and being stretched out of our comfort zones. the Lord will ABSOLUTELY provide you with what you need, and i know you're going to learn and grow tons this year! we're proud of you and we love you!
Yay. :) So good to hear about how your move has gone and you getting settled in. Thanks!! I know you'll do a wonderful job. The Lord will give you the wisdom and strength to know what to do and how to do it at just the right moment. :) I'll be praying for you!!
And...I like your new blog look :) love you!
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