Did I mention that my new house is just accross a parking lot from a nursing home complex? It is. Last night Trisha and Carter spent the night (much to my delight), while they were treating their house for fleas. This morning we said our goodbyes and I closed the door behind Trish as she left.
Just then I heard this strange sound. At first I thought it was the wail of some animal, but then I barely made out words midst the wailing, "Waaaaaaaait! Haaalp Meeeeeee! Paaleeease!" I quickly opened the door back up to see who was making the noise. I looked around for some screaming kid, but then realized the voice sounded more mature. Hmmm...I shaded my eyes from the son, and peered through the chain link fence that runs between my road and the nursing home parking lot. There, in an archway that must lead to a courtyard, I saw the figure of an old man stooped over in a wheelchair. I realized that he was the source of the wailing, and that he was trying to attract the attention of Trisha and I as we stood in my driveway.
As our ears adjusted to his warbled voice, we realized that instead of yelling "Puhlease!" over and over again, he was yelling, "Pooooliice!"
"Call the police, their killin' me!" he hollered. "Police, get the police! I need the police!"
Trisha and I looked at each other quizzically. "Should we call the police?" I asked, "Just in case there is something going on?"
"Nah," decided my social-worker sister turned therapist, "I'll just go talk to him." So I sat down in her backseat next to where Carter was buckled in while she proceeded to walk around the fence and across the parking lot to the man who screamed all the more when he saw her approaching.
"Please, Lady!" he shouted,"Don't come here if you want to live, just call the police! I need the police!" By now, there were two women wearing scrubs on his side of the fence that appeared to be trying to subdue him. I couldn't hear them or Trisha from my seat in her car, but I could still hear the man yelling. Trisha must have asked him his name because I shouted, "Don Walters!!" and then, "Nice to meet you Trisha, but call the police!" At some point he yelled, "IT HURTS!!! They gave me my medicine already but it still hurts! I need the police!" Trisha was squatting down so she could be eye level with the man through the gate, but he didn't like whatever she was saying to him. "Don't you have a brain?!" he berated her, "You need to get a brain!" About that point, the two women who worked there, began to wheel him away from the courtyard and Trisha returned, on the way assuring concerned neighbors that everything was okay.
According to Trish the building closest to my road Psych Ward and this guy had only been there a couple days and was having a hard time adjusting. "He told me they were beating him," she said, "and he kept pointing to his dressed wounds. It looked to me like he may have fallen on the ground from his wheelchair or from a bed or something."
"How did the people who worked there treat him while you were there?" I asked.
"They seemed nice, but then I was right there." We stood there for a minute.
"It's hard," I finally said, "There are places that don't treat people well, but how do you know whether or not to believe someone who is behaving erratically and crazy? But then again, everyone who works there could be really nice except one mean person who really did do something to hurt the guy. That wouldn't be too hard to believe..."
I decided to keep my eyes and ears open. and I've been hoping to go visit with some of residents at some point, so maybe I can ask them how well they like the place and see what they say. All I know for sure is that I'm really glad that starting tomorrow my Grandma will be here with me.
________________________
I hope I didn't give the impression that my grandmother's current place is abusive. They have been kind to her, I just think I can offer her an even better quality of life, here living with someone who loves her.
Showing posts with label house. Show all posts
Showing posts with label house. Show all posts
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
I Get By with A Little Help from My Friends
I'm a notorious underestimater. If I say it'll take me ten minutes to get ready, I'll be ready in twenty. It takes 2 hours and 20 minutes to get Pacific City, but I always say it will take 2. How tall is my baby sister? Oh...about 4'10" (actually she's 5'2.5"). I'll try on this size--oops I'm not that small. And of course, I always underestimate any task I'm going to undertake. Like in December, I was convinced I could pack up my entire apartment in 12-14 hours. Ha! Try 30ish.
So today I was going to paint the interior walls of my new house. Yes, all the walls. I was smart enough to realize that I needed help, but I figured between Eric, Tracy, Mindy, Andrew and I, we could get it done in 6 or 7 hours. Again, HA! We painted from 1pm until 1am, and we still have 3-1/2 rooms left to paint! And that was with Amber and Zachary helping for a few hours as well. I knew this was going to be a big job--but I completely underestimated how big.
So, after a loooong day of painting today, and looking forward to day of painting tomorrow, followed by a moving day on Saturday, I'm so thankful for my friends and family and their willingness to help me get this stuff done. I seriously could not get it done without them. Thank you guys so much!
So today I was going to paint the interior walls of my new house. Yes, all the walls. I was smart enough to realize that I needed help, but I figured between Eric, Tracy, Mindy, Andrew and I, we could get it done in 6 or 7 hours. Again, HA! We painted from 1pm until 1am, and we still have 3-1/2 rooms left to paint! And that was with Amber and Zachary helping for a few hours as well. I knew this was going to be a big job--but I completely underestimated how big.
So, after a loooong day of painting today, and looking forward to day of painting tomorrow, followed by a moving day on Saturday, I'm so thankful for my friends and family and their willingness to help me get this stuff done. I seriously could not get it done without them. Thank you guys so much!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Golden Key
It all started with a golden key that I received this evening. But what is it for?
Hmm....here's a door. I wonder if it will work.
It works! I'm sure you can guess what door my golden key opens...
That's right, it's the door to my new house.
After several years of working and saving and praying...the Lord has blessed me with a house!
I figured I'll wait to take inside pictures until everything's in place...so stay tuned.
After several years of working and saving and praying...the Lord has blessed me with a house!
I figured I'll wait to take inside pictures until everything's in place...so stay tuned.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Living It
Tomorrow I leave for a week of camp in Estacada, Oregon. This will be the fourth year that my friend Amber and I have planned, prepared for and directed a week of camp for Jr. High Girls. This year I will also be our morning speaker.
Our theme for the week is Olympics and in the mornings I will be comparing our lives in relationship to God to a race. We'll be talking about how running our the right race (in relationship with God) will result in a wonderful prize (eternity with that God). We'll be talking about seeking out coaches to mentor us (like Paul & Timothy's relationship), and surrounding ourselves with teammates who encourage us to love God and people more and do what's right. We'll be talking about training ourselves and how that is difficult but it gets easire over time, and how it is definitely worth all the hard work. On Thursday we will be talking about hardship and pain. We'll see how in Hebrews 11, many people before us have obeyed God, even when it was hard, because they had faith that they would one day receive a reward that is better than all the suffering they have experienced. We'll also talk about how God has a different perspective on our hard times than we do. That's because we're just flailing about in them, but God is working them out according to his plan for our lives. He will use these hard times to grow us, to strengthen us, and to draw us closer to him.
That's what I'm planning on saying this week. But saying it is soooo much easier than doing it. The last couple days have been very difficult. On Wednesday I talked with two different people who are going through gut-wrenching, life-altering hardships. How do I offer hope to someone who feels as if they are drowning in pain and grief and uncertainty? In the end, all I can do is cry with them, pray with them, and remind them that God has not left them and that nothing that is happening is beyond his control. There is hope, dear world, even when you cannot see it or feel it or imagine it! Jesus himself experienced betrayal, abandonment, emotional and physical suffering; but in all that he knew that the pain would end in the conquering of sin. And when our character and our lives have been perfected in His presence--and sin is no more, and the curse is no more, and this fallen world is no more--then, THEN, you will experience the fullness of joy, and you will not have to fear this pain ever again.
So I've said it. But the Lord is calling me to live it. Yesterday my car broke down, leaving me stranded on the side of the road. Yes, the car that was to drive me and two counselors out to camp tomorrow. I need to get a new car, but how am I going to afford that? This morning I found out that there is a problem with my loan application. We're going to see if we can fix it, but there is a possibility that my home-buying dream may not be working out afterall. And then there is something else, which I would rather not share in this public forum, but it has fairly serious ramifications for my life and has caused me much anxiety over the past few weeks. I'm not trying to pretend that these things are comparable with the pain that some of you have experienced or are experiencing, but it has been enough that I have had to verify whether or not I could truly practice what I preach (to use a cliché).
So I'm sitting here and I'm kind of wondering why I'm writing this all here. But I think this is why. It's because I want to say to myself and to all of you that I believe that God is in control of my life. Nothing is happening to me without his consent, and I trust him to fulfill his promise to work all things for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). Does that make our pain stop? No. But it does give us hope for the future whether that future will be fulfilled in this life or in the next. God does not promise to give his people easy lives, free from problems or pain or suffering. Instead he asks us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, one who bore so much burden for the sake of others. But he does promise to never leave us, to guide us, to comfort us, to give us peace, to use what we are going through to strengthen us, and to work it for good in our lives. And he also promises us a beautiful future day when it will be said:
I would truly appreciate your prayer this week for my friends, for our week at camp and for me. That all would bring glory to God, whatever may come.
Our theme for the week is Olympics and in the mornings I will be comparing our lives in relationship to God to a race. We'll be talking about how running our the right race (in relationship with God) will result in a wonderful prize (eternity with that God). We'll be talking about seeking out coaches to mentor us (like Paul & Timothy's relationship), and surrounding ourselves with teammates who encourage us to love God and people more and do what's right. We'll be talking about training ourselves and how that is difficult but it gets easire over time, and how it is definitely worth all the hard work. On Thursday we will be talking about hardship and pain. We'll see how in Hebrews 11, many people before us have obeyed God, even when it was hard, because they had faith that they would one day receive a reward that is better than all the suffering they have experienced. We'll also talk about how God has a different perspective on our hard times than we do. That's because we're just flailing about in them, but God is working them out according to his plan for our lives. He will use these hard times to grow us, to strengthen us, and to draw us closer to him.
That's what I'm planning on saying this week. But saying it is soooo much easier than doing it. The last couple days have been very difficult. On Wednesday I talked with two different people who are going through gut-wrenching, life-altering hardships. How do I offer hope to someone who feels as if they are drowning in pain and grief and uncertainty? In the end, all I can do is cry with them, pray with them, and remind them that God has not left them and that nothing that is happening is beyond his control. There is hope, dear world, even when you cannot see it or feel it or imagine it! Jesus himself experienced betrayal, abandonment, emotional and physical suffering; but in all that he knew that the pain would end in the conquering of sin. And when our character and our lives have been perfected in His presence--and sin is no more, and the curse is no more, and this fallen world is no more--then, THEN, you will experience the fullness of joy, and you will not have to fear this pain ever again.
So I've said it. But the Lord is calling me to live it. Yesterday my car broke down, leaving me stranded on the side of the road. Yes, the car that was to drive me and two counselors out to camp tomorrow. I need to get a new car, but how am I going to afford that? This morning I found out that there is a problem with my loan application. We're going to see if we can fix it, but there is a possibility that my home-buying dream may not be working out afterall. And then there is something else, which I would rather not share in this public forum, but it has fairly serious ramifications for my life and has caused me much anxiety over the past few weeks. I'm not trying to pretend that these things are comparable with the pain that some of you have experienced or are experiencing, but it has been enough that I have had to verify whether or not I could truly practice what I preach (to use a cliché).
So I'm sitting here and I'm kind of wondering why I'm writing this all here. But I think this is why. It's because I want to say to myself and to all of you that I believe that God is in control of my life. Nothing is happening to me without his consent, and I trust him to fulfill his promise to work all things for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). Does that make our pain stop? No. But it does give us hope for the future whether that future will be fulfilled in this life or in the next. God does not promise to give his people easy lives, free from problems or pain or suffering. Instead he asks us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, one who bore so much burden for the sake of others. But he does promise to never leave us, to guide us, to comfort us, to give us peace, to use what we are going through to strengthen us, and to work it for good in our lives. And he also promises us a beautiful future day when it will be said:
_____________________________________________"The dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away!"
I would truly appreciate your prayer this week for my friends, for our week at camp and for me. That all would bring glory to God, whatever may come.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
They Accepted!
Just wanted to let everyone know that my offer on a house was accepted!
If everything goes well, our closing date should be early July.
Someone called me "Kristi the homeowner." which may be premature, but sounded terribly exciting to me.
So, I'm not sure how early is "too early" to post pictures of a house with a sale pending, but I'm too excited not to. :-)
The front of the house (obviously).
Living Room (with gas fireplace).
Kitchen & part of Dining Area.Saturday, May 17, 2008
Waiting
That's what I'm doing.
Yesterday I was sick. Today I feel somewhat better, but I'm still weak and tired. I'm waiting to have energy again.
I made an offer on a house, but still don't know if they'll accept or reject it. I don't even know when I'll know by. I'm waiting and hoping.
I miss being a part of a church community. I've visited lots of places, but haven't yet decided where I want to settle. I'm waiting for peace regarding this decision.
It's killin' me! I just want to feel! To know! To decide! To take some action! And yet...... I'd rather be waiting in the Lord's will than acting outside of it.
*Sigh*
Okay, Lord. I'll wait for your timing.
Yesterday I was sick. Today I feel somewhat better, but I'm still weak and tired. I'm waiting to have energy again.
I made an offer on a house, but still don't know if they'll accept or reject it. I don't even know when I'll know by. I'm waiting and hoping.
I miss being a part of a church community. I've visited lots of places, but haven't yet decided where I want to settle. I'm waiting for peace regarding this decision.
It's killin' me! I just want to feel! To know! To decide! To take some action! And yet...... I'd rather be waiting in the Lord's will than acting outside of it.
*Sigh*
Okay, Lord. I'll wait for your timing.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
My Life 6.0 - The Update We've All Been Waiting For
If I were to divide my life into different versions of me, the way software companies release different versions of a program, I would be on the verge of my sixth release. Each release is similar in many ways, and often retains the same structure as the previous versions, but is different in some key way.
A run down on my life's versions (or stages, if you prefer), with a few characteristics of each release:
My Life 1.0 - Childhood
playing in the yard, unaware of the scariness of life
My Life 2.0 - Bad Adolescence
6th-9th grade, selfish, angry, low self-esteem.
My Life 3.0 - Good Adolescece
Increasing love for God, others, and self. Fun.
My Life 4.0 - College
Venturing out, working, learning how to minister.
My Life 5.0 - Cascade
2005-2008, first true independence, ministry-focused.
And now, what we've all been waiting for! What will the next version of my life hold?
My Life 6.0 - Grandma
Learning to be a servant, taking big financial steps.
So, the exciting news that I am bursting to tell all of you is that I've just been pre-approved for a home loan! This is an exciting dream come true for me. I am looking to buy a ranch-style home on the east side of Portland for me and my Grandmother to live in. My gram has Parkinson's Disease, and is currently in a care home, but we will soon be transitioning her into my home so that I can become her full-time caregiver. I am very excited about this opportunity to love and serve an amazing woman who means so much to me. I think that since I love her,, and don't merely view her as a patient, I will be able to improve her quality of life and provide the companionship that her current home is lacking.
If I'm honest, I'll admit that I'm also a little bit scared. When you live alone, your selfishness isn't visible, because your concerns are all you consider. But I'm afraid that living with Gramma, my selfishness will become quite visible as I learn to consider her concerns as well. I have felt quite strongly that it has been the Lord leading me to this though, so I will be trusting him to give me humility and a loving servant's heart each day.
So, that is what my plans are for the future. If you feel so inclined, please pray for the home-buying process, that God would provide me with an affordable home that will work well for both Gramma and me, and is close to my parents. Also, please pray for my heart, that it would be soft and humble and selfless and that I would follow the beautiful example of Jesus, who willingly submitted to death in order to serve the needs of those he created and loves.
A run down on my life's versions (or stages, if you prefer), with a few characteristics of each release:
My Life 1.0 - Childhood
playing in the yard, unaware of the scariness of life
My Life 2.0 - Bad Adolescence
6th-9th grade, selfish, angry, low self-esteem.
My Life 3.0 - Good Adolescece
Increasing love for God, others, and self. Fun.
My Life 4.0 - College
Venturing out, working, learning how to minister.
My Life 5.0 - Cascade
2005-2008, first true independence, ministry-focused.
And now, what we've all been waiting for! What will the next version of my life hold?
My Life 6.0 - Grandma
Learning to be a servant, taking big financial steps.
So, the exciting news that I am bursting to tell all of you is that I've just been pre-approved for a home loan! This is an exciting dream come true for me. I am looking to buy a ranch-style home on the east side of Portland for me and my Grandmother to live in. My gram has Parkinson's Disease, and is currently in a care home, but we will soon be transitioning her into my home so that I can become her full-time caregiver. I am very excited about this opportunity to love and serve an amazing woman who means so much to me. I think that since I love her,, and don't merely view her as a patient, I will be able to improve her quality of life and provide the companionship that her current home is lacking.
If I'm honest, I'll admit that I'm also a little bit scared. When you live alone, your selfishness isn't visible, because your concerns are all you consider. But I'm afraid that living with Gramma, my selfishness will become quite visible as I learn to consider her concerns as well. I have felt quite strongly that it has been the Lord leading me to this though, so I will be trusting him to give me humility and a loving servant's heart each day.
So, that is what my plans are for the future. If you feel so inclined, please pray for the home-buying process, that God would provide me with an affordable home that will work well for both Gramma and me, and is close to my parents. Also, please pray for my heart, that it would be soft and humble and selfless and that I would follow the beautiful example of Jesus, who willingly submitted to death in order to serve the needs of those he created and loves.
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