Reviews & More

After posting yesterday, a sweet friend called and invited me to the movies. We went to see Cars 2 with her brother and two other guy friends, then hung out at Marketplace Grill. It was a very entertaining evening!

So, for all you die-hard Pixar fans, you won't be disappointed. Cars 2 is better than the first, in my opinion. Maybe because Mater has a much bigger role in this one. I LOVED IT! Great humor, good plot, and fantastic portrayal of life lessons about friendship and priorities. The only thing to make note of is there is a lot of action: spy stunts, racing, etc., so if that kind of thing makes you dizzy, I'm giving you fair warning. Definitely a must-see and worth paying theater prices!

I've been here before, but thought I'd write a quick review--just for the fun of it. This place is phenomenal. It's great for casual dining or for those fancy date-nights! I have yet to try anything I didn't like on the menu, and believe me, I've tried a lot. Fun, open atmosphere and friendly staff. It's not a cheap place, but it is worth the money you pay.

I went with a group of 5 and we ordered single servings of several entrees/sides and just shared so we all got to try everything. That's a fun way of eating when you go out with pals!


*And by the way* My interview this evening went very well. I love the place already and am hoping this is where God wants me. The man who interviewed me said he has a few more interviews to conduct and will let me know his decision by July 1st. I pray that God reveals who is right for his position! Oh, and if that person is me, I hope I find a place to move to fairly quickly--as the school year is less than a couple of months away!

New Hair and Other Going-Ons

Going-Ons: new word for "what's happenin'."

Yesterday, I had 10 inches of hair gracefully removed from my head. The results are presented in the photos below:

 

Oh, except right now my hair is poofy with lots of little curls all around my face, kinda like Shirley Temple, just not quite so short. That's what happens to curly-headed folks when they get their hair wet.

Anyways, last night was a once-a-month opportunity that I did not pass up: a chance to visit with dear college/career-aged friends and enjoy a bible study together at the Williamson's place. We kind of focused on realizing that things happen, not because we've been good or bad, but because we live in this world, and we should never forget that God can take anything and turn it for good. We also need to keep in mind that the good may not be visible on this side of heaven, but the reward on the other side will be eternally worth it. The testimonies, discussion, and scripture really blessed my soul. This seems to tie in with some sermons and discussions we've had at church lately.

Isn't it neat how God works?

He knows I sometimes need to hear things several times before it really sinks in, and so He always provides those multiple learning experiences for me. Sometimes it's more than just a lesson--it's the hard stuff. I'm glad He doesn't give up on me!

Today has been a long day. I went to Ross House at 6:00 this morning to cook breakfast and get the guys going for the day, then I left work to head out to Vilonia for a work day at a widow's home. I think she suffered some tornado damage from the April 11th tornado, but was more fortunate than some. I'm very grateful for my friend, Ann, who set up the workday. What a blessing it is to have friends with such a heart for God and for people! I started by helping to paint the house, but then I became dizzy in the heat (and from climbing up that tall ladder), so we I went to weed the garden. I started to think I was having some problems with heat exhaustion--a thought that was confirmed when this morning's breakfast came back up.
I guess that sausage wanted to say hello to the azalia bush.
After that, I spent most of my time doing little jobs and hanging out in the shade as much as possible. I painted the mailbox! I had a great deal of fun doing that!
Anyway, I tried to go back to Ross House afterward, but I had (still have) a splitting headache. My supervisor sent me home because she's afraid of the possibility of this being more than just heat exhaustion. I am feeling quite useless at the moment.

Exciting news: meeting up with a possible employer tomorrow evening. It sounds promising, and I'm rather excited! I am kind of nervous, like I always get before a big test or something, and would appreciate prayer for calm nerves and wisdom. God knows exactly where He wants me, but I haven't yet figured it out.

I Know Why I Do It

Today I witnessed a breakthrough.

Today a client broke out of the prison of her own physical limitations...and communicated with me.

Global aphasia is such a scary-sounding diagnosis, and it is one that carries the weight of knowing you'll never be the same again. This beautiful woman fell victim to a stroke, rendering her in near-vegetative state and diagnosed with global aphasia. I have had the privilege of working with her for a couple of weeks, with some (though little) progress--until today.

Me: "Do you want a bite to eat?"
She: [reaches out and touches a button on a communication board] "Yes," the board's speaker blares.

She did it at least a dozen more times! And all this time we've been working on getting her to acknowledge the buttons! Today she not only did that, but USED them! Woohoo!

This is so why I do what I do! I seriously had tears in my eyes and engulfed her in a big hug (whether she truly wanted it or not, I don't know for sure, but her huge smile tells me there's a big chance she did).

I have tears in my eyes as I think about it now. How absolutely amazing it is to be able to help someone trapped within themselve to relate to and communicate with the world around them. I am so very glad that God has brought me to this point and continues to shape me into a tool He can use for His work!

Oh, and if anyone is looking for volunteer work, consider a nursing home. These guys are the most precious folks you'll ever meet! Even the hard-nosed, impatient ones have so much good in them--so much need and so much hurt that can be smoothed over with just a smile and understanding nod. My hardest client can be so downright rotten at times in his attitude, but I still love seeing his face every day. He has a lot to offer this world, still, after nearly 80 years. All of them do; they are just waiting for a younger person to come hear them out and pick up their torches. I spent about an hour after therapy let out today with one of my clients, giving her a manicure and a pedicure to cover up the hideous orange paint that she unknowingly paid to have done. Not a second of that time was wasted--we were both blessed with the company. You could, too!