tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23514675980091550832012-02-11T23:18:08.562-05:00Musings about being a career missionary in Canada with refugees from around the world. Many of these reflections get jostled out as I walk and bike to work.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.comBlogger451100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-47522452526774670272012-02-10T23:50:00.001-05:002012-02-11T12:59:10.371-05:00

It's been over 4 years since I became part of the Welcome Home team, serving refugees from all over the world right here in downtown Kitchener, Ontario.  What an amazingly full and stretching time these years have been! Right from day one, however, I knew that although I had lots of training and a heart full of love, I was missing a significant piece of my equipping to be a full-time missionary

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-78486483936788042092012-01-22T16:03:00.002-05:002012-01-22T16:08:01.921-05:00

The first candid shots of my son and his bride's wedding are beginning to populate my inbox, and with it come many mostly wonderful memories. Most delightful surprise:  My 2 yr old grandson leaning forward from the pew behind me during the rehearsal, tapping me on the back and loudly whispering, “Hi, gramma!”  I’m pretty sure he was hoping I’d help him escape for a game of

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-934988439118232802012-01-03T21:16:00.000-05:002012-01-03T21:16:00.514-05:00

For someone who didn’t do any Christmas shopping, I sure spent a lot of time returning and exchanging today!  I’m musing about customer service and thought I’d work through the highs and lows of the day by sharing it with you. The last of my family left today.  That meant that my car was all mine again and stores were actually open.  I managed to lug everything that needed to be attended to in

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-87271912744189839032011-12-20T20:50:00.000-05:002011-12-20T20:50:42.160-05:00

What can I say, I'm a mom at heart! This morning our Welcome Home staff made our annual Christmas breakfast for our unique family- pancakes, fruit cup, whipped cream, scrambled eggs- it certainly wowed the refugees as they walked in to the kitchen! We haven't shared a "family only" meal all fall, and I remembered why it's so important as I watched our friends who meet each other in the

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-21023847219211148622011-11-27T18:44:00.001-05:002011-11-27T23:14:15.203-05:00

Christmas was coming, and the yearly challenge to be solved just could not be ignored any longer:  What to buy for our family? Something that said, “We love you, we value you, we’re glad we’re family!”   Complicating Factor Number One:  Our loved ones were spread across the country, and we had no idea what special gift to give, that wouldn't already be sitting in their well-stocked home.

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-67026021461746077822011-09-05T11:29:00.000-04:002011-09-05T11:29:06.999-04:00

For many Canadians, the long weekend begins a day early, so Welcome Home’s jaunt to Grand Bend last Thursday counts.   Other than a nice reprieve for our staff team, there were two most awesome things about our beach day.  The first is something I noticed with my children too: the beach is a great “equalizer”.  You see, we house men and women from many countries, with many different

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-69613106956123297302011-07-13T08:15:00.000-04:002011-07-13T08:15:55.168-04:00

It was a gorgeously sunny weekend for camping at Guelph Lake, full of many surprises of both kinds- the wonderful and the not-so-wonderful.  EVERYONE from Welcome Home came- after weeks of inviting, attempting to explain what "camping" was (including one trip to the campground to let some of them see it in person) and right to the last minute, uncertainty over who would be coming.   Whew- we JUST

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-11877204476377978972011-06-20T10:34:00.000-04:002011-06-20T10:34:49.665-04:00

For the first time in three years, I made it to church on Father's Day!  Two years ago, my counsellor's advice was to be gentle with myself in my time of grief, so I participated in the worship online and when the message started, found something else to do.  Last year I tried to stick my head in the sand by going to the  Airshow with one of my sons.  Wouldn't you know it, EVERY pilot dedicated

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-63321178168117931132011-05-06T12:06:00.000-04:002011-05-06T12:06:50.085-04:00

I'm having an interesting change of pace these weeks- Marcee's in Bolivia for a few weeks and last week "Sharon tall" had travel to SK for a family emergency... diminishing our ranks greatly. We're in the home stretch, and I'm starting to breath easier. What stressed me out?  We had three new women move into our wonderfully crammed house during the past month, the last arriving the very day

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-59178625688379348252011-04-25T22:30:00.000-04:002011-04-25T22:30:49.794-04:00

I’ve been attending Easter services since before I was born, but this time was different. I brought my new Muslim friend, an Iraqi refugee, with me. Her English was so limited that I’m not even sure she knew what she was getting herself into. It was her presence beside me that caused me to see everything through a new set of lenses. As we walked into the church, I cringed and applauded her

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-57040635711128271832011-04-19T12:41:00.000-04:002011-04-19T12:41:51.488-04:00

It  was Scott's turn to share some devotional thoughts at our weekly staff meeting, and he read the familiar I Cor 12 passage, asking his usual thought-provoking question, "What body part do you think you are?"  It was easier to think about what the others were- John and Sharon "tall" being hands and arms, with their very practical ways of showing God's love.  Scott being a mouth, with his

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-64480936144016513632011-03-09T22:29:00.000-05:002011-03-09T22:29:28.172-05:00

I've been trying NOT to make so many assumptions.  Sometimes I do well, other times I fail miserably. I met with a small group of adults who contacted me about volunteering at Welcome Home.  After an introduction to our ministry, I launched into a series of opportunities that we had for them to choose from.  I was met with blank stares.  I stewed over it as I walked home that evening, and again

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-33597046718320771632011-01-31T10:33:00.000-05:002011-01-31T10:33:46.572-05:00

I love to reduce, reuse and recycle, and repair...now there's "redistribute".  An article I read suggests that redistribute may become the "5th R" and become a key form of sustainable commerce.  It's part of the new movement to collaborative consumption. I like this trend. However... I have noticed that whereas I used to have to drive all over town wondering "now where did I see

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-64447135784504454502011-01-24T10:13:00.002-05:002011-01-24T10:32:23.595-05:00

Caregiver syndrome... is a condition of exhaustion, anger, rage, or guilt that results from unrelieved caring for a chronically ill dependent. Wikipedia I've been experiencing aspects of this syndrome, but for a very different reason. You see, last year I started looking around for peers to connect with.  As a director of a shelter for refugees, my world is very large and very small.  I'm

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-89574035170648268502010-12-26T23:12:00.000-05:002010-12-26T23:12:54.121-05:00

"O Come Emmanuel" Video These last few days, my daughter and I have watched an eclectic assortment of movies.  We started with Crash, since the library called to say my turn had finally come.  Then we enjoyed a Christmas Day viewing of The most excellent King's Speech, which reminded me of the other British historical movie, Amazing Grace, which I own, so we had to end the day watching that! 

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-22563494046530859422010-12-18T11:07:00.000-05:002010-12-18T11:07:52.259-05:00

Recently I realized I'd make a really, really lousy refugee!  I was privileged to participate in 4 days of  leader's meetings.  The food was incredible, the time away from my normal routine was refreshing, the worship was inspiring, the new friends were intriguing and I learned a LOT. However, I was very, very frustrated, at least initially. I came with no frame of reference for the work we

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-84830290568791804812010-11-25T17:16:00.000-05:002010-11-25T17:16:25.897-05:00

Anneke Kaai Ps 62 It’s now three years since I started sharing my life with refugees at Welcome Home, a good time to reflect on what I’m trying to accomplish. If I think in most basic terms, it’s providing a warm bed and a safe place to live. In addition, it’s creating a community around each refugee to share their settlement journey. This includes the staff at Welcome Home, but increasingly,

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-77136875026141465712010-08-13T16:39:00.000-04:002010-08-13T16:39:20.132-04:00

I've been reading the story of Abraham, and it's interesting how a new perspective on my life gives me a different perspective on his!  I'm also surprised to see how much space in such a relatively short Book is used for some seemingly meaningless material... or is it??  So, today I recognized that Abraham's purchase of a grave for Sarah is similar to his agreement with Abimilech over the well.

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-80764900017811114372010-07-29T17:35:00.000-04:002010-07-29T17:35:10.696-04:00

When my youngest child was still shorter than me, I purchased a really good backpack for a ridiculously low price.  In no time at all it was too small for him, so I took it as mine.  It’s now twelve years later, and if anyone dared, I’m pretty sure they’d be telling me that it’s time to get rid of it! Why is it hard to let this backpack go?? It’s traveled many wonderful places with me, a trusted

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-43844012728794004492010-07-17T11:38:00.000-04:002010-07-17T11:38:27.300-04:00

I'm still learning about how to be a missionary.  One question that I've wrestled with this spring is... to paint or not to paint my toenails.  Let me explain. My previous career included pedicures as part of my wardrobe.  I also brought home a much higher salary.  This spring my daughter and I enjoyed a Mother's Day outing and got our toes painted in our usual flambouyant style.  When I

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-39750268196878906702010-05-18T20:26:00.000-04:002010-07-17T02:17:13.106-04:00

I've been thinking a lot about names recently- partly because my grandson Cole was dedicated today, and I wanted to present him with a gift which gave both the meaning and a scripture-prayer for his life.The other reason, is that I received divorce papers this week. When I got married 33 yrs ago, I took my husband's family name as a vow of "your people shall be my people". Ruth 1:16 Now,

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-63170884951174957582010-05-10T19:16:00.000-04:002010-07-17T02:17:13.107-04:00

Today I watched M, an Ethiopian man, teach L, the teenager, how to cook for her and her younger brother.The generous families at Kitchener MB had given each refugee some groceries, including a package of frozen chicken, so first we talked about expiry dates and freezers- just in time to save the chicken from being thrown out!  Then they gathered round as he showed her how to cut the chicken and

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-65472040674629142032010-04-17T19:53:00.000-04:002010-07-17T02:17:13.109-04:00

Three months ago I walked into my condo to find water everywhere! I’m still waiting for the laminate to NOT be back-ordered, but last week the insurance paid for tile to be installed in my laundry room.At the end of the day, I walked into my condo and stepped into water! Needless to say, I was extremely disheartened, to the point that I wondered whether I was “cursed”- do I even believe in that??

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-69289531563844687722010-03-08T22:13:00.000-05:002010-07-17T02:17:13.110-04:00

Two songs have captured the hearts of our nation in the past few months and no, it's not the national anthem, which the Conservatives briefly contemplated changing! I Believe- Canada’s ‘other anthem’ for the 2010 Olympics  What Faith Can Do- #1 single on Christian Radio- on the charts for 24 weeks in a row It’s interesting that both these songs talk about believing.  There are subtle

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-20342294888373176432010-02-25T13:50:00.000-05:002010-07-17T02:17:13.112-04:00

It's been something to watch the Olympics and hear the stories behind the podium.  The athlete's ups and downs, and dogged perseverance towards a goal, have been inspiring.  Rarely does the media report on all the injuries, missed jumps, and failures when we recognize an athlete- but it's all part of the journey!  No wonder the Apostle Paul uses athletic metaphors to challenge us to keep our

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-65954176950217639932010-01-18T20:01:00.000-05:002010-07-17T02:17:13.114-04:00

As a newly single again person, I have no lack of well-meaning suggestions coming my way.  Among the options, I've been told to check out online dating and ... speed dating!  Personal "earthquakes" aside, I can see that moving into Welcome Home is a lot like speed dating.  Sure, when a newly arrived refugee inquires about moving in, we try to tell them as clearly as we can about what this

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-78177164273636305432009-11-17T18:11:00.000-05:002010-07-17T02:17:13.116-04:00

An image of gaunt children wearing rags always tugs at my heart strings to the extent that I simply cannot watch those TV specials.  The need is so obvious, the cry of outrage against such injustice bubbles up, ready to explode!In contrast, the pictures we have of Welcome Home residents look like any other multicultural Canadian - drinking coke in the park, camping in the wilderness, eating meals

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-52296973634357336652009-10-03T18:09:00.000-04:002010-07-17T02:17:13.117-04:00

I'm still flush with post-Ride 4 Refugees exhilaration and just HAVE to share some of my thoughts! The Ride intersects with my life in several wonderful ways:Physically- this year I wasn't actually able to ride my bike until late August. To be able to complete 25 km today and smoke my son and nephew in the last km is a real gift. Wonder if we'll do 50 km again next year??Family- my youngest son

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-46714325073807849242009-09-09T15:24:00.000-04:002010-07-17T02:17:13.119-04:00

It's 2 years since I began to share my life and God's love with refugees right here in KW. As I've seen so clearly, "the ends of the earth" are right next door- what will we do about this Great Commission? I digress...I'm experiencing some firsts:Never before have I seen such a large turn-over of residents in such a compressed time. No, we haven't made everyone mad; they realized that sharing

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-1218288195014012062009-08-25T21:02:00.000-04:002010-07-17T02:17:13.120-04:00

It's her first month in this country and she's the only one fasting from sun-up to sundown for Ramadan. As we talked about her day, she asked why I looked so sad. Surprised by her perceptiveness, I told her a bit of my journey this past year. She murmured her sympathies and asked if I had any children living with me. When I told her of my first grandchild and a daughter's wedding and my

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-43749663935082960222009-08-05T19:39:00.000-04:002010-07-17T02:17:13.121-04:00

27 years ago I was pregnant with my first child and shopping in a corner grocery store that carried many Mexican foods. Makes sense, since I was living in California. The smell of corn tortillas still makes me nauseous... Funny how smells evoke such strong memories!I was chatting with a man who looks my age, but is over 10 years younger than me. It was his birthday and I asked if he was going

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-14472600344187194462009-06-01T10:19:00.000-04:002010-07-17T02:17:13.122-04:00

I've been reading Lawrence's The Book of Negroes during my move- grabbing a moment here and there. The story of Aminata, a young girl taken captive and transported to the USA as a slave is captivating, heartbreaking and inspiring.To avoid beatings, I hurried to do the work quickly and kept myself company by imagining encouraging words from my father. What a difference a father would make. A

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-73098032361117619312009-04-27T22:52:00.000-04:002010-07-17T02:17:13.124-04:00

I was riding my bike home tonight and came upon these valiant sentinels, proudly displaying their colours in the dark! I had never realized that unlike tulips which close up when it's raining or the day is coming to an end, the daffodil defiantly shouts its glories rain or shine!I want to be like those daffodils. Too often I'm a fair-weather flower, crumbling under adversity and hiding out the

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-35764873353024005372009-04-21T16:12:00.000-04:002010-07-17T02:17:13.125-04:00

I began an experiment today- every 60 minutes my Blackberry chimes to remind me that God is in control, He's with me, and He's at work in my world! It's something that I'm doing with some fellow travelers, based on Soul Revolution by John Burke.It began as a rather non-descript day, with no clear, demanding agenda to give focus to my time. So, I prayed this prayer, "Good morning, Christ. I love

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-24866799697683000662009-03-24T16:12:00.000-04:002010-07-17T02:17:13.127-04:00

Well, it's 18 years since we made the move from the rolling prairies to this wonderfully hilly ("Can we stop so I can run down that hill, mom?") country.Today I took a hike up Mt Trashmore, as it was then known. It's an amazing spot where the beauty of the surrounding region can be clearly seen, especially on such a brisk day. I remembered rolling into town full of anticipation and also a bit

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-50506716470865417022009-02-23T11:24:00.000-05:002010-07-17T02:17:13.128-04:00

One of the great things about taking the bus in the winter is that "who cares what the weather and driving conditions are", they're not MY problem! No worries over my car not starting, the driveway or roads not being plowed, the pending ice storm... As long as I'm willing to wait and dressed warmly (thanks for the new parka, mom and dad) it's a carefree time.However, there's always a down side.

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-65845150799431957312009-01-16T15:57:00.000-05:002010-07-17T02:17:13.130-04:00

Yesterday I was grateful to hop on a toasty warm bus after doing the "bus stop shuffle" to keep my toes from freezing. Icy roads and frigid conditions meant that the bus wasn't all that successful in starting and stopping. Now I may be mis-reading the bus driver's actions, but it seemed to me that when he found a stretch of open road, he sped up and enjoyed the chance to just go! So much so

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-26127718139875222732009-01-02T13:23:00.000-05:002010-07-17T02:17:13.132-04:00

I’ve chosen to become a transit user and as I’ve logged some hours on the bus, I’ve had a few insights about transit time.Life is slower and requires more margin. I can’t hop on my bike 20 minutes before an appointment and arrive there sweaty, but on time! While I may chafe, this in-transit time has given me space to think, to pray and/or use my “Crackberry”. I get to choose my attitude and how I

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-42231381722604336262008-12-08T16:27:00.000-05:002010-07-17T02:17:13.133-04:00

I heard a song yesterday that challenges me to find courage in the midst of personally difficult circumstances. "You can spend your whole life building something from nothing and a storm can come and blow it all away; build it anyway!" (Check out the rest of the lyrics here.) As I listened, I realized that I know what this looks like. I've seen it lived it out by the amazing folks I work with.

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-8592222149943954642008-10-09T09:59:00.000-04:002010-07-17T02:17:13.135-04:00

My how time flies! I’ve been part of the Welcome Home team for almost a year now. This fall we did some reshuffling of our roles. Like pieces of a puzzle, we worked at defining the gifts and skills each team member brings.My role has shifted to more of the day-to-day management of Welcome Home including:leading and investing in the staff team dreaming up, strategizing and implementing plans for

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-89300225769293589502008-06-15T22:05:00.000-04:002010-07-17T02:17:13.136-04:00

I've got good memories and bad ones, too, of nicknames that have been stuck on me like crazy glue. Most, mercifully, I've forgotten. Then, like a blast from the past, a sibling lovingly sneaks one into a conversation...I've recently acquired a new nickname, at least at Welcome Home. Several of the Columbian guys have decided my name should be "Shar-ita".We have a plethora of "Sharons" creating

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-80391604967375803502008-06-06T12:09:00.000-04:002010-07-17T02:17:13.138-04:00

I've been watching the corn start to sprout in the fields I whiz by on my bike...It's amazing to see new life popping through the soil and almost 'growing before my very eyes'!As I ride (training for the Ride 4 Refugees, actually), I think about the lessons to be learned. How a seed must die to multiply, the miracles of new life, and the incrementality (is that a word?) of much of our

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-57002767368296407912008-03-17T11:29:00.000-04:002010-07-17T02:17:13.140-04:00

How do you say good-bye to a good friend?! I've only been here a couple of months and it seems too soon to face the reality of grief. I am missing my new friends who've "moved on" or "graduated" from Welcome Home. Welcome Home is a short-term housing community. We offer a place to live for a year and a supportive environment in which to adjust to life in Canada. But, from day one we're preparing

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-19518233669505290322008-03-07T17:58:00.000-05:002010-07-17T02:17:13.142-04:00

I've never really been in the presence of a "Great One", have you?I wonder if I'd know what to do- much as I wonder whether to shake hands or kiss a cheek when greeting one of my new refugee friends...This past weekend, at the Leading Women 2008 Conference, something repeatedly happened that was totally unscripted (imagine trying to script "now everyone will...":) and has rarely happened at the

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2351467598009155083.post-29069947405741471132008-02-16T13:44:00.000-05:002010-07-17T02:17:13.144-04:00

I always wanted to be a missionary, but...I never realized that God would bring the world to Kitchener/Waterloo, and that I would be called to be a missionary in my own city!I never realized how much difference being "sent" by my church would make. I knew it was very important to me, to God and to my congregation, but even though I had been volunteering at Welcome Home for 4 months, it feels

Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11227773732071283638noreply@blogger.com0