Hey everyone.
I arrived home late Thursday night. I had been traveling for 39 hours and felt just so tired but was greeted by my family with big "welcome home Priscilla" banners! We ran to meet each other and embraced for a long time. I was so excited to see them again. My littlest sister grew so much while i was away that it looks like she is on stilts! haha! We stayed awake until the wee hours of the morning talking then us girls all slept together.
It's been weird being home. The adjustment is hard. I am missing TLC so much and being in the nursery with the babies everyday. I feel like a part of me is missing and i feel so empty inside - like there's a hole in my heart. Yesterday i held some babies at church and felt whole again...i realized i'm so used to having babies in my arms all the time that without them i feel empty. It's weird being around people that all speak with an american accent...cause i was living with people from all over the globe. I am so used to black babies now that white babies are weird looking. There is so much hustle and bustle and bigger cars here.
Although there are many adjustments to being back, it is good to be home again and be with family.
Thank you for reading my blog. Ok, bye bye!
love, cilla
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
having fun...coming home soon...
hey everyone!
Hope your summer is going good. i miss you all. a lot. but i'm doing GREaT!
Today we came to the shopping mall and took 5 of the toddlers with us to the supermarket and then to play in the play area at Spur's and eat lunch there. They absolutely loved it all! and it's soo much fun to them smiling and having a good time! I had a great time too. i just LOVE the kids. i return on the 19th. i hope to see you all when i get home. i miss you. I know i will have a hard time leaving tlc though.
love you guys. i give you a big hug, cilla
Hope your summer is going good. i miss you all. a lot. but i'm doing GREaT!
Today we came to the shopping mall and took 5 of the toddlers with us to the supermarket and then to play in the play area at Spur's and eat lunch there. They absolutely loved it all! and it's soo much fun to them smiling and having a good time! I had a great time too. i just LOVE the kids. i return on the 19th. i hope to see you all when i get home. i miss you. I know i will have a hard time leaving tlc though.
love you guys. i give you a big hug, cilla
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
all things in His hands!
Hey all you people,
I had another chance to get to the mall and use the internet this afternoon, so here I am updating you again. The days have all begun to blur together and though each day has its own significances, they all blend into eachother. It's hard to find words to write how I feel. I know deep in my heart that this is where God wants me now. And I have been thinking a lot about what He has for me in the future. I sometimes think some long-term work like this would be right for me. I also think of going to school when I return home. I fiddle with the idea of staying here longer. But mostly I want to be where God wants me. And that's where I am now. I know that something will work out even if it happens just before it needs to. I've been reading Blue Like Jazz by D. Miller. The book has been opening up more questions in my mind about what I think about Christianity, living in the world but not of it, living for Christ in every day, how to love everyone...even the unlovable. I long to have more of an opinion on things, but I suppose it comes with time and maturity. I guess this is a better place and time in my life than any to be able to form opinions and ideas of things in this world. Just earlier today a gal who had been here for two months left to return home. I spent time with her this morning and we spent much time together while she was here. I gave her a little gift and a note to say how awesome she is and how we'll miss her. She teared up and thanked me for being me and being her friend. I almost cried too. How is it that I can even think that I'm not having an impact or not making a difference in the lives of others? How is it that I can have such self-pity and feel so lonely? How is it that I can be so self-centered? Sometimes I hate myself for it. Then Jesus reminds me of who He made me to be and what a great person that is. Today I was reminded of that. I feel such emotion right now cause just when I am feeling so low and like am I really who I say I am and who people see me as...God sends a big reminder that hits me in the face. So this is all to say that though it is hard, God is changing me...and I may not know even how He changed me until I am home. Thank you for your prayers for the baby girl with pnemonia...she is still quite sick but doing okay. Pray for me to have a more positive attitude towards others. And that I would not look on others with judgement but instead look on them with the love of Christ. A baby is being adopted locally tomorrow. We are excited to see this sweet little one go home to her forever family though we'll miss her so much. The weather is cooling into winter. The mornings have been very cold lately...sometimes I'm shivering on the walk over to the nursery from the cottage. All things are in His hands! Much love, Cil xxx
I had another chance to get to the mall and use the internet this afternoon, so here I am updating you again. The days have all begun to blur together and though each day has its own significances, they all blend into eachother. It's hard to find words to write how I feel. I know deep in my heart that this is where God wants me now. And I have been thinking a lot about what He has for me in the future. I sometimes think some long-term work like this would be right for me. I also think of going to school when I return home. I fiddle with the idea of staying here longer. But mostly I want to be where God wants me. And that's where I am now. I know that something will work out even if it happens just before it needs to. I've been reading Blue Like Jazz by D. Miller. The book has been opening up more questions in my mind about what I think about Christianity, living in the world but not of it, living for Christ in every day, how to love everyone...even the unlovable. I long to have more of an opinion on things, but I suppose it comes with time and maturity. I guess this is a better place and time in my life than any to be able to form opinions and ideas of things in this world. Just earlier today a gal who had been here for two months left to return home. I spent time with her this morning and we spent much time together while she was here. I gave her a little gift and a note to say how awesome she is and how we'll miss her. She teared up and thanked me for being me and being her friend. I almost cried too. How is it that I can even think that I'm not having an impact or not making a difference in the lives of others? How is it that I can have such self-pity and feel so lonely? How is it that I can be so self-centered? Sometimes I hate myself for it. Then Jesus reminds me of who He made me to be and what a great person that is. Today I was reminded of that. I feel such emotion right now cause just when I am feeling so low and like am I really who I say I am and who people see me as...God sends a big reminder that hits me in the face. So this is all to say that though it is hard, God is changing me...and I may not know even how He changed me until I am home. Thank you for your prayers for the baby girl with pnemonia...she is still quite sick but doing okay. Pray for me to have a more positive attitude towards others. And that I would not look on others with judgement but instead look on them with the love of Christ. A baby is being adopted locally tomorrow. We are excited to see this sweet little one go home to her forever family though we'll miss her so much. The weather is cooling into winter. The mornings have been very cold lately...sometimes I'm shivering on the walk over to the nursery from the cottage. All things are in His hands! Much love, Cil xxx
all things in His hands!
Hey all you people,
I had another chance to get to the mall and use the internet this afternoon, so here I am updating you again. The days have all begun to blur together and though each day has its own significances, they all blend into eachother. It's hard to find words to write how I feel. I know deep in my heart that this is where God wants me now. And I have been thinking a lot about what He has for me in the future. I sometimes think some long-term work like this would be right for me. I also think of going to school when I return home. I fiddle with the idea of staying here longer. But mostly I want to be where God wants me. And that's where I am now. I know that something will work out even if it happens just before it needs to. I've been reading Blue Like Jazz by D. Miller. The book has been opening up more questions in my mind about what I think about Christianity, living in the world but not of it, living for Christ in every day, how to love everyone...even the unlovable. I long to have more of an opinion on things, but I suppose it comes with time and maturity. I guess this is a better place and time in my life than any to be able to form opinions and ideas of things in this world. Just earlier today a gal who had been here for two months left to return home. I spent time with her this morning and we spent much time together while she was here. I gave her a little gift and a note to say how awesome she is and how we'll miss her. She teared up and thanked me for being me and being her friend. I almost cried too. How is it that I can even think that I'm not having an impact or not making a difference in the lives of others? How is it that I can have such self-pity and feel so lonely? How is it that I can be so self-centered? Sometimes I hate myself for it. Then Jesus reminds me of who He made me to be and what a great person that is. Today I was reminded of that. I feel such emotion right now cause just when I am feeling so low and like am I really who I say I am and who people see me as...God sends a big reminder that hits me in the face. So this is all to say that though it is hard, God is changing me...and I may not know even how He changed me until I am home. Thank you for your prayers for the baby girl with pnemonia...she is still quite sick but doing okay. Pray for me to have a more positive attitude towards others. And that I would not look on others with judgement but instead look on them with the love of Christ. A baby is being adopted locally tomorrow. We are excited to see this sweet little one go home to her forever family though we'll miss her so much. The weather is cooling into winter. The mornings have been very cold lately...sometimes I'm shivering on the walk over to the nursery from the cottage. All things are in His hands! Much love, Cil xxx
I had another chance to get to the mall and use the internet this afternoon, so here I am updating you again. The days have all begun to blur together and though each day has its own significances, they all blend into eachother. It's hard to find words to write how I feel. I know deep in my heart that this is where God wants me now. And I have been thinking a lot about what He has for me in the future. I sometimes think some long-term work like this would be right for me. I also think of going to school when I return home. I fiddle with the idea of staying here longer. But mostly I want to be where God wants me. And that's where I am now. I know that something will work out even if it happens just before it needs to. I've been reading Blue Like Jazz by D. Miller. The book has been opening up more questions in my mind about what I think about Christianity, living in the world but not of it, living for Christ in every day, how to love everyone...even the unlovable. I long to have more of an opinion on things, but I suppose it comes with time and maturity. I guess this is a better place and time in my life than any to be able to form opinions and ideas of things in this world. Just earlier today a gal who had been here for two months left to return home. I spent time with her this morning and we spent much time together while she was here. I gave her a little gift and a note to say how awesome she is and how we'll miss her. She teared up and thanked me for being me and being her friend. I almost cried too. How is it that I can even think that I'm not having an impact or not making a difference in the lives of others? How is it that I can have such self-pity and feel so lonely? How is it that I can be so self-centered? Sometimes I hate myself for it. Then Jesus reminds me of who He made me to be and what a great person that is. Today I was reminded of that. I feel such emotion right now cause just when I am feeling so low and like am I really who I say I am and who people see me as...God sends a big reminder that hits me in the face. So this is all to say that though it is hard, God is changing me...and I may not know even how He changed me until I am home. Thank you for your prayers for the baby girl with pnemonia...she is still quite sick but doing okay. Pray for me to have a more positive attitude towards others. And that I would not look on others with judgement but instead look on them with the love of Christ. A baby is being adopted locally tomorrow. We are excited to see this sweet little one go home to her forever family though we'll miss her so much. The weather is cooling into winter. The mornings have been very cold lately...sometimes I'm shivering on the walk over to the nursery from the cottage. All things are in His hands! Much love, Cil xxx
Thursday, April 19, 2007
gazing into their eyes...
Hello all you friends and family and prayer warriors!
Greetings from SA!
I find myself feeling very much at home here now. I continue to thank God for this opportunity and have recently felt a new sense of peace that this is totally where He wants me in my life right now. I have grown to love the babies more and more and care for them so deeply. I find it hard to believe that already 3 montsh have passed which means my time is half way through here. Please pray for a small little girl who is very sick with pnemonia now and is on oxygen. Also pray for good health for all the babies as the colder winter weather approaches and the heating system isn't the best. Please praise God for all the recent adoptions...about 10 or 12 total since I arrived. Also praise for my great health and safety. Last month two other gals and I spent our 10 day holiday in Cape Town and had wonderful time seeing the coast, eating lots of ice cream, climbing Table Mountain, and getting to know eachother a lot better. Every day brings new challenges and joys as well and I love the way our group pulls together as a team and we really work together well. The nursery had a new floor put in a couple weeks ago which is beautiful. And I am so excited to be around the kids everyday...when I see their faces and look into their little eyes I know they were abandoned and left to die many of them...but I am here to love them and what a great thing that is. When I feed them I gaze into their little eyes and think about that...and I thank God for this time and to learn these things. I love you all, Cil
Greetings from SA!
I find myself feeling very much at home here now. I continue to thank God for this opportunity and have recently felt a new sense of peace that this is totally where He wants me in my life right now. I have grown to love the babies more and more and care for them so deeply. I find it hard to believe that already 3 montsh have passed which means my time is half way through here. Please pray for a small little girl who is very sick with pnemonia now and is on oxygen. Also pray for good health for all the babies as the colder winter weather approaches and the heating system isn't the best. Please praise God for all the recent adoptions...about 10 or 12 total since I arrived. Also praise for my great health and safety. Last month two other gals and I spent our 10 day holiday in Cape Town and had wonderful time seeing the coast, eating lots of ice cream, climbing Table Mountain, and getting to know eachother a lot better. Every day brings new challenges and joys as well and I love the way our group pulls together as a team and we really work together well. The nursery had a new floor put in a couple weeks ago which is beautiful. And I am so excited to be around the kids everyday...when I see their faces and look into their little eyes I know they were abandoned and left to die many of them...but I am here to love them and what a great thing that is. When I feed them I gaze into their little eyes and think about that...and I thank God for this time and to learn these things. I love you all, Cil
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Friday, March 9, 2007
Update after 7 weeks at TLC
Thank you to a few of you who have emailed or sent a letter. I am doing well here and really enjoying life at TLC. At the beginning when some volunteers said it would take about 4-6 weeks to adjust and feel at home and know what you're doing here...I didn't quite believe them. But now since it has been 7 weeks, I know what they mean and now can say I know my way around here. Though things here never stay the same for long. Life here is ever changing. The babies come and go and grow and grow some more. Since arriving 10 babies have left. 8 were adopted into loving families all from overseas. And the other 2 went back to their biological family...one with mom and one with granny. We have also received 6 new babies. They each have their own story of how and why they came here. The newest one arrived just Thursday. Her name is Freya and she was found on a doorstep. She is now 2 weeks old and we are glad she is now safe here with us. It is so amazing to see these babies come and then in time go.
The babies are continuously growing and changing. So they move into the next age group and eat different foods and wear bigger clothes and drink more milk, wear bigger nappies. We have detailed charts to keep track of all of their feedings and changings. The nursery is busy 24/7...though less busy in the night. Every 4 weeks each volunteer has to work on night-shift with two others. It is from 7p - 6a for seven nights. During night-shift we have to do chores like laundry, sweeping, mopping, dusting, cleaning bathroom, restocking nappies and wet wipes, etc. And we also have to change and feed the babies who are on 3 and 4 hourly feeds a few times each through the night. I have been on night-shift once a coupe weeks ago and quite liked it. Though by the end of the week I was glad I could be going back on day-shift.
Tuesday nights we have a volunteer meeting for an hour so where we discuss upcoming adoptions, changes in the nursery, sick babies, discipline difficulties with the toddlers, feeding problems, etc. There is a couple here who are in their 50s or 60s from Minnesota. This is their 3rd 6 month term. They are Ron and Lynn... and they are amazing. Lynn leads the meetings and always brings a homemade treat for us...often chocolate chip cookies or brownies. And then Thursdays are Tea with Thea (the founder and mother of TLC). We have a chat with her and tea and cake or pie. It's a quiet evening to get to know her and the other volunteers better.
The weather has been gorgeous. It is summer now...but fading into autumn. Then end of May brings winter. The sun is out everyday and sometimes a thunderstorm and rain in the afternoon. The days have been warm and lovely!
Each volunteer gets one day-off per week. Some things I have done on my days-off are: touring Soweto, shopping at nearby malls, going to African markets, going out to lunch, or just chillin in the cottage. We've also gone to play volleyball and to the movies. Sunday evening we go to church. It hasn't worked every week but at least a couple times a month. I always come back from church refreshed and ready for a new week. It is encouraging to be in the house of the Lord and to worship with brothers and sisters across the globe from home.
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