I never knew it was possible to love old people so much. Yes, I mean this with complete sincerity as my heart oozes with kind thoughts of my residents that I take care of. I started a job, working with the elderly about a month ago. I am now a Caregiver to the residents at the local rest home. With no previous experience, I jumped into the job- not knowing what to expect. I honestly worried about not liking the people, not being able to handle the 'messiness' of taking care of the elderly and not being able to relate to them. But on all accounts, I was wrong.
I guess I'm learning more about myself during this time than I thought. I have a naturally NURTURING personality and I love to take care of people and encourage them. As a Caregiver, I do just that. I mostly work the late afternoon / evening shift and I get to put the residents into bed for the night. I find myself speaking gently to them, looking out for their needs, wishing them a good night and even praying over some, as God calls me to. I am so surprised at the JOY this brings me and the joy I see in them. I never expected this. I never expected for God to show me so much about Him, through these people. He is just as gentle and nurturing with me as He looks after my needs and my messiness.
My time here these past few months has had its ups and downs. I sometimes wonder why I am still here and what God has for me. But slowly, He is unraveling truths for me. I've gone through days of homesickness and missing my family. Yet, I still feel this unmistakable peace about being here.
--The snow has now covered the mountains here. It's winter!! It snowed all day here on Sunday. There were snowmen up all over town, even one at the rest home. It's been about three years since I've had a winter- I'm loving it (even though I am still adjusting to the COLD).
--I'm going to borrow some gear from the ywam school here and learn to snowboard this season. I will fall on my butt heaps of times, but it will be fun to give it a go. I feel like I might be in a season myself right now- a season to try new things and rediscover who God has made me. Though the process is rough, I love the outcomes that spring forth from letting God move and shape me.
Prayer Requests:
1) I want to get even more personal with God. Yet, with every new thing in my life, there are even more distractions. Pray that I take the time to HEAR God's voice in my life and desire more of Him.
2) My job as a caregiver has blessed and surprised me so much. It's a ministry that I never expected. Pray that I may be a light to the residents and God will show me how to pray for them. Pray that I may also be a light to my co-workers
3) Please pray that I adjust to the cold. I am such a wimp! :)
thanks-
nicki
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