It has been busy here at the Hager home. Yesterday was so warm and beautiful that we planted most of our garden. Jack and the kids took a hike while I planted the flowers. Now all we need to do is pray that it doesn't get below freezing. It is not "normal" to get below freezing this time of year here in MO. but with the crazy weather across our nation, who knows what could happen!
A week ago Sunday we saw our first hail storm. Jacob and I got our butterfly nets and stood on the porch catching the hail. They were the size of ping pong balls. We had just done a study in Science class on hail so this was perfect timing. Monday we looked around the house and saw no damage and we were thankful. Until...our neighbor called and informed us that all of our (three) neighbors were getting new roofs. I looked again, from ground level, and didn't think we had any damage. I called the insurance company just the same and asked to have someone come out and just take a look. Three hours later I am getting a new roof, new siding, and the house (back side) repainted. I am thankful for my neighbor Vicki for calling me!!
I do plan on finishing my journal on Jamaica. I just get busy with everyday life, you know the cleaning, taxing, schooling, cooking, etc. that by the time that is all done, I am too tired.
Like now, it is time to get the kids up and at it. Time for school!!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
What a day!
Today is one of those rare days. Janelle and I are the only ones home! I appreciate days like today because they don't happen often. When one family member is missing the chemistry in the home changes.
This is a good thing! Today Janelle and I will have a fun girls day out. We spent the morning hacking Jack's facebook, soon we will go out to town, have lunch, Janelle wants a hair cut and then off to finish her Life guarding course.
That gives me the afternoon of just me!!!! What shall I do?? First things first, I will do what every mother would do..clean the house. Then some quiet time of reading, maybe even on the front porch. OH YA!
Once again my back has been giving me some problems, I am wondering if my Lord is trying to tell me to make some changes in my life. I am not able to do the things I have always done, like rota til the garden, or carry a laundry basket upstairs. Some of these seem to be no brainers but some are the everyday chores of a mom. My pride gets the best of me during these times. I am a "I can do it myself" kind of person. I don't like asking for help. Pride. Pray with me as I learn to follow Jesus and learn to let go.
This is a good thing! Today Janelle and I will have a fun girls day out. We spent the morning hacking Jack's facebook, soon we will go out to town, have lunch, Janelle wants a hair cut and then off to finish her Life guarding course.
That gives me the afternoon of just me!!!! What shall I do?? First things first, I will do what every mother would do..clean the house. Then some quiet time of reading, maybe even on the front porch. OH YA!
Once again my back has been giving me some problems, I am wondering if my Lord is trying to tell me to make some changes in my life. I am not able to do the things I have always done, like rota til the garden, or carry a laundry basket upstairs. Some of these seem to be no brainers but some are the everyday chores of a mom. My pride gets the best of me during these times. I am a "I can do it myself" kind of person. I don't like asking for help. Pride. Pray with me as I learn to follow Jesus and learn to let go.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Day 18
No, I was not in Jamaica for 18 days.
I have been back from Jamaica for 18 days.
And what I realized in these past 18 days? I have come to realize that the reason Jamaica was an amazing experience and the reason I grew closer to the Lord while there, and the reason I want to go back was.....Not because of the warm weather, or because of the children we blessed and were blessed by or the wonderful team that God put together...But because I spent time with my Lord each day. I had a good 30-45 mins each morning with Him, I had time each evening before bed with Him.
Now that I am home again, life gets ahead of me. The kids need me, meals need to be prepared, laundry needs to be done, meetings, school, cleaning, work, meals, sleep, taxiing the kids, driving lessons, Dr. appointments, meals, and on and on my list goes. (Yes, I did mention meals 3 times, they do seem to want 3 meals a day:) )
So when do I spend time with the Lord? Early morning? Coffee and news come first, then the kids wake, I spend a few minutes on the computer, and my day has begun! Evening before bed? My head hits the pillow and I am asleep! Life just gets too busy or do I get too busy?
Where and what do I change? I guess I don't need to know that the price of gas is going up, I know when I fill my tank tomorrow. Charlie Sheen needs Jesus, I don't need to know more than that do I ? I guess the news can wait, but my time with Jesus each morning can not.!!!!
I don't need to go to Jamaica to meet with Jesus, even though it was easier with out the daily duties of life. But my I need to put Him first each and every day.
18 days, that is how long it took me to learn this simple lesson!!
I have been back from Jamaica for 18 days.
And what I realized in these past 18 days? I have come to realize that the reason Jamaica was an amazing experience and the reason I grew closer to the Lord while there, and the reason I want to go back was.....Not because of the warm weather, or because of the children we blessed and were blessed by or the wonderful team that God put together...But because I spent time with my Lord each day. I had a good 30-45 mins each morning with Him, I had time each evening before bed with Him.
Now that I am home again, life gets ahead of me. The kids need me, meals need to be prepared, laundry needs to be done, meetings, school, cleaning, work, meals, sleep, taxiing the kids, driving lessons, Dr. appointments, meals, and on and on my list goes. (Yes, I did mention meals 3 times, they do seem to want 3 meals a day:) )
So when do I spend time with the Lord? Early morning? Coffee and news come first, then the kids wake, I spend a few minutes on the computer, and my day has begun! Evening before bed? My head hits the pillow and I am asleep! Life just gets too busy or do I get too busy?
Where and what do I change? I guess I don't need to know that the price of gas is going up, I know when I fill my tank tomorrow. Charlie Sheen needs Jesus, I don't need to know more than that do I ? I guess the news can wait, but my time with Jesus each morning can not.!!!!
I don't need to go to Jamaica to meet with Jesus, even though it was easier with out the daily duties of life. But my I need to put Him first each and every day.
18 days, that is how long it took me to learn this simple lesson!!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Day 3
Last evening debrief time was good. So exciting to hear the teens perspective of the day. Teens being blessed by children. Tomorrow we will be going to two different places again. Tonight we put a quick program together to present at the orphanage. We have planned a Bible story/song/skit for the children. David and Goliath.
I was able to send an email home. Glad for some kind of communication.
Slept good, woke when the rooster crowed. Figured it was 4am again, so I rolled over to go back to sleep. Not two minutes later my alarm went off.It's 6am.
Humid this morning. Sitting on the patio, where we have all our meals, enjoying this strong cup of coffee. Lord, open my eyes and hearts to hear and see you today.
7:15 pm. It was another wonderful day! I watched Janelle this evening during devotions. She looks tired. Lord, show her why you have brought her here.
After a delicious breakfast we went to St. James School. This is a prep school (students pay to go here) We listened to 1-2 graders sing a song in their language, then off to the 3yr. old class. They read to us,and sang us their songs. They are so tiny. Four of our students were able to show a rope illusion or the color bracelet story. Their eyes were huge as they listened.
A few of our students were doing Bible Quizzing. Janelle was Quiz Master, (she reads the questions and decides if the answers are correct). She has decided that she likes to do this part of the quiz.
Before heading to the villa, we stopped at a local grocery store. It was interesting to purchase spices, coffee, and snacks. My total came to $1,782.00. that was the most expensive grocery bill I have ever had, in their form of money.
For Lunch we had fried egg sandwiches, chips and fruit. I could do with out the egg.
This afternoon we went to either the orphanage or the Aids Hospice. 11 of us went to the orphanage where we were quickly informed that these kids are not truly orphans. They are here because a parent or parents can not take care of them, or the state has removed them from their home situation. This is like a holding place until a foster home can be found. We were taken to the babies room first. The room was filled with babies in their cribs. We were not sure if we were permitted to hold them, and held back for a moment, until someone said that we were welcomed to hold a child. Our team did not take long to fill their arms with a baby. Some of these children had miss-shaped heads, an indication that they lay in bed for long periods of time. I watched Scott pick up a little guy and I wondered if he had ever held one so small before. It did not seem to come naturally at first. He told me that he was the baby in his family. Yet it took just moments for Scott to bond with this little boy. Scott told the group during devotions tonight about how much holding that boy meant to him. We held babies that had no names, yet God knew. We cuddled, touched, tickled and talked with God's children. It was a precious time. After tending to the babies we were taken to the class room where all the children were being taught. There was about 20 children ranging form 3 years old to 8 years old. It was here that the teens provided a skit, Bible story and song about David and Goliath for the kids. They liked our Goliath for he was our tallest young man on the team. It was fun to sit with them, talk with them and just love on them.
5 of the team members went to the Aids hospice, I had a hard time deciding which place I wanted to go, so I let Rick put me where he needed me most, the orphanage. Those who went to the hospice were given the opportunity to pray, talk, and listen to the patients. Not all the patients had aids, some had ailments that just needed 24 hour care. Much like our nursing homes in America.
Our afternoon was spent back at the villa swimming, playing cards, pool or taking a nap.
Dinner: Rice, beef and peppers,Cho-Cho with carrots and green beans was once again delicious. I am enjoying having all my meals prepared for me.
While at the grocery store today, a few of our guys bought ice cream for our team. How thoughtful of them.!!
I was able to send an email home. Glad for some kind of communication.
Slept good, woke when the rooster crowed. Figured it was 4am again, so I rolled over to go back to sleep. Not two minutes later my alarm went off.It's 6am.
Humid this morning. Sitting on the patio, where we have all our meals, enjoying this strong cup of coffee. Lord, open my eyes and hearts to hear and see you today.
7:15 pm. It was another wonderful day! I watched Janelle this evening during devotions. She looks tired. Lord, show her why you have brought her here.
After a delicious breakfast we went to St. James School. This is a prep school (students pay to go here) We listened to 1-2 graders sing a song in their language, then off to the 3yr. old class. They read to us,and sang us their songs. They are so tiny. Four of our students were able to show a rope illusion or the color bracelet story. Their eyes were huge as they listened.
A few of our students were doing Bible Quizzing. Janelle was Quiz Master, (she reads the questions and decides if the answers are correct). She has decided that she likes to do this part of the quiz.
Before heading to the villa, we stopped at a local grocery store. It was interesting to purchase spices, coffee, and snacks. My total came to $1,782.00. that was the most expensive grocery bill I have ever had, in their form of money.
For Lunch we had fried egg sandwiches, chips and fruit. I could do with out the egg.
This afternoon we went to either the orphanage or the Aids Hospice. 11 of us went to the orphanage where we were quickly informed that these kids are not truly orphans. They are here because a parent or parents can not take care of them, or the state has removed them from their home situation. This is like a holding place until a foster home can be found. We were taken to the babies room first. The room was filled with babies in their cribs. We were not sure if we were permitted to hold them, and held back for a moment, until someone said that we were welcomed to hold a child. Our team did not take long to fill their arms with a baby. Some of these children had miss-shaped heads, an indication that they lay in bed for long periods of time. I watched Scott pick up a little guy and I wondered if he had ever held one so small before. It did not seem to come naturally at first. He told me that he was the baby in his family. Yet it took just moments for Scott to bond with this little boy. Scott told the group during devotions tonight about how much holding that boy meant to him. We held babies that had no names, yet God knew. We cuddled, touched, tickled and talked with God's children. It was a precious time. After tending to the babies we were taken to the class room where all the children were being taught. There was about 20 children ranging form 3 years old to 8 years old. It was here that the teens provided a skit, Bible story and song about David and Goliath for the kids. They liked our Goliath for he was our tallest young man on the team. It was fun to sit with them, talk with them and just love on them.
5 of the team members went to the Aids hospice, I had a hard time deciding which place I wanted to go, so I let Rick put me where he needed me most, the orphanage. Those who went to the hospice were given the opportunity to pray, talk, and listen to the patients. Not all the patients had aids, some had ailments that just needed 24 hour care. Much like our nursing homes in America.
Our afternoon was spent back at the villa swimming, playing cards, pool or taking a nap.
Dinner: Rice, beef and peppers,Cho-Cho with carrots and green beans was once again delicious. I am enjoying having all my meals prepared for me.
While at the grocery store today, a few of our guys bought ice cream for our team. How thoughtful of them.!!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Day 2
Day 2: I am sitting here having coffee, watching the sun rise and enjoying my time with my Lord. Kids are starting to wake slowly. As each one comes out here where I am sitting they carry their Bibles and sleepy eyes and they too begin their day with Jesus. What an awesome sight.
Yesterday we started our journey at 8am. We loaded up into 2 vans for our ride to the mountains. Traffic here is awful, people everywhere. I was for sure we were going to hit someone. (we didn't) The first school was a small country school of about 250-300 students. Concrete buildings, man made chairs and desk that 3 students cram in to sit.
Five of our students have volunteered to help with Bible Quizzing and the rest of were assigned to class rooms. Scott and I took on a class room who did not have a teacher for the morning hours. (she was taking a state required teaching test) We tried to help with their school work but we were not much help, we then pulled out our ropes and they were wide eyed as they heard us tell our stories of creation, sin and the love of Jesus.
They were amazed at our illustrations and were eager to learn the ropes themselves. As we present a simple Gospel message using these ropes I, we, can only pray that we are planting a seed in the hearts of these young children.
The group we had were in 5th grade. The work they were doing was equal to our 3rd grades. Once they reach 6th grade the children take a test that will determine which high school and university they will go to. If they do well they have a future, if not they will be labeled and put in jobs of poverty. They told us that the suicide rate goes up each march, right after taking this test. Sad.
The kids love touching my skin. We are so white. They kept touching my hair asking if it was real. LOL. They have no concept of our ages. They thought that the young man, Scott who was in the class with me was my husband. They asked many questions. "Do you dance?" "No." "Aren't you married?" "Yes" "Then you have to know how to dance!" I quickly changed the subject on this one. LOL
We came back to our villa to have lunch, of tuna sandwiches, chips and fruit. After lunch we broke up into our two groups. My group went to a large city school. Upon arrival we were introduced to the principal, (we give a soccer ball and pump to each school), and then a teacher took us to different class rooms where we would talk to the students. We felt that we were intruding and didn't really feel welcomed. After a bit we gathered up our group and squeezed into a small room to help the Bible Quizzers study and prepare them for Fridays tournament.
I am in Awe! I miss you Jack and Jacob, yet I know your are well. Having this opportunity to plant seeds, to be a blessing to these kids and adults is breathtaking and a privilege. Thank you Lord!
Dinner tonight was Chicken, baked potatoes and green beans. Fruit. Time to get back for group Devos.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Day 1 Part 2
Tonight for dinner we had Beans and Rice, (they call it peas and rice) with jerk chicken, collard greens and fruit. Fruit was pineapple, mango and papaya. I don't think I have ever had fruit quite like that. It was ripe to perfection.
We are staying in a villa, with a pool, and a view that is breath taking. Windows are open, and and we are wearing shorts, in the middle of winter. I am enjoying this! Janelle and I share a room that would be similar to a hotel room. We have our own bathroom, but they say to shower quickly, because you may run out of water. They were right. I learned that already.
Tonight we had group devotions. We will be studying 2 Peter 1, this week. Dean (one of the leaders) will be leading this devo. each evening. He is not feeling well due to a sinus cold. We are praying he heals quickly to join us on our daily trips. Yet as sick as he felt today, once he started talking he seemed to get his energy back! P.T.L!!! It was a long day yesterday so Rick had the teens in bed with lights out at 8pm, NO one complained.!
Tomorrow is our first day to go out to the schools. We will have 5 teens do the Bible Quizzing and the rest of us will interact with the kids. These kids will range from 5 years old to 11 years old. I am excited to get going. We will be using our rope illustrations that we have learned to share Jesus with the kids, or the bracelets with colors (like the wordless book).
Breakfast is at 7:30 and we will leave at 8:00. Cambridge School is our first school for the day, it is up in the mountains and will take about and hour to get there. This Afternoon we will break our group into 2 so that we can go to 2 different schools. John Rollins School is a country school, and Barracks Road is in downtown Montego Bay. Janelle will be going to John Rollins and I will be going to Barracks Road. I am thrilled that she is comfortable to not need me to be with her all day.
I better get some sleep! Morning will be here soon. Thank you Lord for the safe flights, this amazing group of teens and adults. We are ready to spread the Gospel to all your people while we are here. Thanks again for this opportunity.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Jamaica Journal
Janelle and I had the blessing of going to Jamaica with some friends from Colorado. This mission trip allowed us to go into Jamaica's public schools and do Bible Quizzing. The schools knew what material in the book of John to cover and had about 4 months to prepare for the National Tournament while we were there.
It was Janelle's first mission trip ever and I loved being able to share this journey with her. I enjoyed my time with the Lord each morning as I watched the sun rise, sitting with a cup of coffee and my Bible.
Here is my journal:
Sat. Feb 5, 2011
We have eaten dinner with our new friend Frances who will be joining us to Jamaica, we have checked into our hotel and we're now winding down to get some rest before our wake up call at 3:45. Jamaica here we come!! Lord, what do you have planned for me, for us, on this trip? I do not know what is expected of me, which really means I am not in charge. I really am okay with that. ( I think)
I am ready to do, ready to learn, willing to serve, and excited at what is ahead. Open my eyes to see as you see Lord.
Sun. Feb.6, 2011
It is Super Bowl Sunday. We are at the KC airport ready to board. Seems weird that we will be in Jamaica in just a few hours. Did not sleep great, too excited I guess. Praying this morning for the Colorado group to arrive in TX on time. There is a little concern about the weather in Denver.
Lord your timing is perfect, so we trust in your schedule and that all goes smoothly with the flights today.
We are in flight to Dallas. Janelle is journaling and I just glanced at Frances, she is doing the same. I am tired, should probably sleep, but this leg of our flight is only a bit over an hour. I guess I will wait for the next flight.
A gentleman joined us on our shuttle from the hotel to the airport this morning. He is from the DC area, has a girlfriend from Germany, he's 40 years old, he ref's at college basketball games. He grew up in a small town of about 5000 people, always told himself he'd leave small town America and he did. He loves the large city life. He is also a detective. It was amazing how much you can learn from someone in just a 12 minute car ride. I guess this is my first lesson learned, listen...everyone has a story to tell. We did have the opportunity to share where we were going and what we were doing, but he did most of the talking.
We are on our second flight, we are on our way to Jamaica!!! All flights went smoothly, and all 17 of us are on the plane! Yeah! Thanks Lord!
Our plane is not full so some of us have moved our seats. I scooted over to the next seat which left the seat next to Janelle open. Alex (one of the girls on the team) took this opportunity to move over and sit with Janelle. I am so glad that she is making Janelle feel welcomed and apart of the team. Janelle is the only teen who does not know everyone. Thanks Alex.
We are also filling out paper work for customs. Once less thing to do when we arrive. 3 hours and 15 min. flight.
I was just talking with Rick (or team leader) and he was telling me how Jack sent out a news letter saying that Janelle and I were going to Haiti! What was he thinking? I thought it was funny. So I think I will text Jack and tell him that we have arrived in Haiti with out any problems.
So much more I could write, but I think I will interact with the team. Thank you Lord, once again for this opportunity.
It was Janelle's first mission trip ever and I loved being able to share this journey with her. I enjoyed my time with the Lord each morning as I watched the sun rise, sitting with a cup of coffee and my Bible.
Here is my journal:
Sat. Feb 5, 2011
We have eaten dinner with our new friend Frances who will be joining us to Jamaica, we have checked into our hotel and we're now winding down to get some rest before our wake up call at 3:45. Jamaica here we come!! Lord, what do you have planned for me, for us, on this trip? I do not know what is expected of me, which really means I am not in charge. I really am okay with that. ( I think)
I am ready to do, ready to learn, willing to serve, and excited at what is ahead. Open my eyes to see as you see Lord.
Sun. Feb.6, 2011
It is Super Bowl Sunday. We are at the KC airport ready to board. Seems weird that we will be in Jamaica in just a few hours. Did not sleep great, too excited I guess. Praying this morning for the Colorado group to arrive in TX on time. There is a little concern about the weather in Denver.
Lord your timing is perfect, so we trust in your schedule and that all goes smoothly with the flights today.
We are in flight to Dallas. Janelle is journaling and I just glanced at Frances, she is doing the same. I am tired, should probably sleep, but this leg of our flight is only a bit over an hour. I guess I will wait for the next flight.
A gentleman joined us on our shuttle from the hotel to the airport this morning. He is from the DC area, has a girlfriend from Germany, he's 40 years old, he ref's at college basketball games. He grew up in a small town of about 5000 people, always told himself he'd leave small town America and he did. He loves the large city life. He is also a detective. It was amazing how much you can learn from someone in just a 12 minute car ride. I guess this is my first lesson learned, listen...everyone has a story to tell. We did have the opportunity to share where we were going and what we were doing, but he did most of the talking.
We are on our second flight, we are on our way to Jamaica!!! All flights went smoothly, and all 17 of us are on the plane! Yeah! Thanks Lord!
Our plane is not full so some of us have moved our seats. I scooted over to the next seat which left the seat next to Janelle open. Alex (one of the girls on the team) took this opportunity to move over and sit with Janelle. I am so glad that she is making Janelle feel welcomed and apart of the team. Janelle is the only teen who does not know everyone. Thanks Alex.
We are also filling out paper work for customs. Once less thing to do when we arrive. 3 hours and 15 min. flight.
I was just talking with Rick (or team leader) and he was telling me how Jack sent out a news letter saying that Janelle and I were going to Haiti! What was he thinking? I thought it was funny. So I think I will text Jack and tell him that we have arrived in Haiti with out any problems.
So much more I could write, but I think I will interact with the team. Thank you Lord, once again for this opportunity.
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