Hey all! By the grace of God I have arrived. This is of course despite many technical difficulties both on the part of the airlines and 2 of the 3 planes I rode on. Also despite getting cream poured on me on my long flight and then having my luggage not arrive in Amsterdam.
It has been an interesting 30 or so hours. On the sweet side, I had just about the most wonderful send off ever. I had a little family goodbye thing the night before, and then Jasper, Caroline, and my parents saw me off at the airport Tuesday morning. Back to the unsweet side I have a bruise the size of my fist on my thigh and I rode on planes for about 15 hours with constantly changing cabin pressures, with a pretty bad sinus infection that was quite painful and I have not fully recovered my hearing over 9 hours later.
Jamie picked me up. We called the luggage people to give them my address since I had forgotten it. then drove home. Here at Firstfruits was the whole gang pretty much, including Jess, Melanie, and Melanie's little daughter, Leona, who is probably the cutest kid in the entire world. I would post a video or photo, but I think you would just have to meet her to grasp her full cuteness. Also, Jess had made a welcome sign for me! Made me so happy! It was very sweet.
Today was busy, we ate lunch, dropped Jess off, did some errands (including money exchange) and then Jamie and I hung out and talked at Starbucks. Then we came home and the above mentioned gals plus Becky and Rachel all ate dinner. They are an ABSOLUTE DELIGHT! Then we went to a Glenwood Baptist praise event. By that time I almost fell asleep during the sermon (though it was a good service) just out of sheer sleep deprivation.
Pray that they send my suitcase tomorrow! I am sleepy! I am sleepward bound!
GOD IS GOOD! I HAVE SUCH PEACE.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Wanna support me?
Hey Bloggers!
As you may know, I just graduated! Huzzah! I am very excited that God has blessed me by enabling me to graduate with Honors from OU in just three years with a Bachelor’s degree in Russian and a minor in History in addition to my Associate’s degree in Substance Abuse Counseling from OSUOKC. At this momentous time in my life, an amazing opportunity has come up that I really feel passionately about: to serve through a charity in Wales caring for young pregnant women and new mothers!
How did all this happen? After I went to Wales last summer on our church’s mission trip, I felt I might be led back there. Then this new opportunity threw itself at me. There is a charity in Cardiff, Wales called “Firstfruits” which provides a safe environment for two to three young pregnant women or new mothers and their babies. Two “House Mums” minister to the women and one of them, Jamie Howell, is leaving in June and was looking for a replacement. I really have a heart to care for women who are trying to rise above difficult backgrounds or addiction issues. This charity really seems like a perfect fit and I cannot wait to get over there and start helping! I was just offered the position a couple of weeks ago, but I am expected to report for duty in early June. Now that I have graduated, all of my attention is directed towards this endeavor.
How can you help? “Firstfruits” charity is only about a year old and does not yet have the financial support to pay a salary for its House Mums. The good news is that they will pay for my accommodation and some food expenses for my one year of service. I will only be responsible for finding support to cover living expenses which are estimated to be about $750 per month (not including airfare).
I am so grateful for the outpouring of support and encouragement from friends and family since I have told them about this new endeavor. It really seems that God is in this thing. Please consider joining with others as they support this charity. Even a few dollars a month could make all the difference. More important, though, is your prayer support. Once I get over there I will update my blog regularly so you will be able to see how best you can pray for this great work.
You can send donations to me directly through the Paypal account here on my blog (look left) or send tax deductible donations by using the form below and sending it with any financial contribution or commitment. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me! My email is DeahJo@gmail.com . Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers!
Sincerely,
Deah Jordan Rice
Tax deductible donation for: Going Public (Firstfruits), Wales, Deah Jordan Rice
I would like to make a:
One time contribution of _____
Monthly contribution of __________
If possible, please indicate day it will be given (ie-1st, 15th) _____
Make checks payable to: Henderson Hills
Memo: Wales, Deah Rice
Send to: Henderson Hills, Attn: Missions
1200 E I-35 Frontage Rd.
Edmond, OK 73034
A little more about Firstfruits
Background
Firstfruits was birthed after Rachel Cooper recognized through her involvement at crisis pregnancy centers that housing, independent living, education, and employment were common needs that came with unexpected pregnancies. Rachel’s church, Glenwood Faith Community, adopted Firstfruits as one of their community projects. In April 2008, a house owned by a church member became available and was leased to Firstfruits at a low rate. In the following months, volunteers furnished the home. It can accommodate up to three women at a time, with space for one baby per mother.
Mission Statement
“And I will provide a place for my people…and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed…” 2 Samuel 7:10
Aim
“To improve the lives of vulnerable, pregnant women and new mothers, helping them to develop their physical, mental, social and spiritual capacities.”
Objectives
1. To provide a safe and secure living environment
2. To offer emotional support through trained counselors
3. To offer practical support in the development of life-skills, particularly those most relevant for new mothers.
4. To provide accurate and timely information on education and employment opportunities.
Website:
http://www.first-fruits.co.uk/
As you may know, I just graduated! Huzzah! I am very excited that God has blessed me by enabling me to graduate with Honors from OU in just three years with a Bachelor’s degree in Russian and a minor in History in addition to my Associate’s degree in Substance Abuse Counseling from OSUOKC. At this momentous time in my life, an amazing opportunity has come up that I really feel passionately about: to serve through a charity in Wales caring for young pregnant women and new mothers!
How did all this happen? After I went to Wales last summer on our church’s mission trip, I felt I might be led back there. Then this new opportunity threw itself at me. There is a charity in Cardiff, Wales called “Firstfruits” which provides a safe environment for two to three young pregnant women or new mothers and their babies. Two “House Mums” minister to the women and one of them, Jamie Howell, is leaving in June and was looking for a replacement. I really have a heart to care for women who are trying to rise above difficult backgrounds or addiction issues. This charity really seems like a perfect fit and I cannot wait to get over there and start helping! I was just offered the position a couple of weeks ago, but I am expected to report for duty in early June. Now that I have graduated, all of my attention is directed towards this endeavor.
How can you help? “Firstfruits” charity is only about a year old and does not yet have the financial support to pay a salary for its House Mums. The good news is that they will pay for my accommodation and some food expenses for my one year of service. I will only be responsible for finding support to cover living expenses which are estimated to be about $750 per month (not including airfare).
I am so grateful for the outpouring of support and encouragement from friends and family since I have told them about this new endeavor. It really seems that God is in this thing. Please consider joining with others as they support this charity. Even a few dollars a month could make all the difference. More important, though, is your prayer support. Once I get over there I will update my blog regularly so you will be able to see how best you can pray for this great work.
You can send donations to me directly through the Paypal account here on my blog (look left) or send tax deductible donations by using the form below and sending it with any financial contribution or commitment. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me! My email is DeahJo@gmail.com . Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers!
Sincerely,
Deah Jordan Rice
Tax deductible donation for: Going Public (Firstfruits), Wales, Deah Jordan Rice
I would like to make a:
One time contribution of _____
Monthly contribution of __________
If possible, please indicate day it will be given (ie-1st, 15th) _____
Make checks payable to: Henderson Hills
Memo: Wales, Deah Rice
Send to: Henderson Hills, Attn: Missions
1200 E I-35 Frontage Rd.
Edmond, OK 73034
A little more about Firstfruits
Background
Firstfruits was birthed after Rachel Cooper recognized through her involvement at crisis pregnancy centers that housing, independent living, education, and employment were common needs that came with unexpected pregnancies. Rachel’s church, Glenwood Faith Community, adopted Firstfruits as one of their community projects. In April 2008, a house owned by a church member became available and was leased to Firstfruits at a low rate. In the following months, volunteers furnished the home. It can accommodate up to three women at a time, with space for one baby per mother.
Mission Statement
“And I will provide a place for my people…and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed…” 2 Samuel 7:10
Aim
“To improve the lives of vulnerable, pregnant women and new mothers, helping them to develop their physical, mental, social and spiritual capacities.”
Objectives
1. To provide a safe and secure living environment
2. To offer emotional support through trained counselors
3. To offer practical support in the development of life-skills, particularly those most relevant for new mothers.
4. To provide accurate and timely information on education and employment opportunities.
Website:
http://www.first-fruits.co.uk/
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