1. Sugar can suppress the immune system.
2. Sugar upsets the mineral relationships in the body.
3. Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and crankiness in children.
4. Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
5. Sugar contributes to the reduction in defense against bacterial infection (infectious diseases).
6. Sugar causes a loss of tissue elasticity and function, the more sugar you eat
the more elasticity and function you loose.
7. Sugar reduces high density lipoproteins.
8. Sugar leads to chromium deficiency.
9 Sugar leads to cancer of the ovaries.
10. Sugar can increase fasting levels of glucose.
11. Sugar causes copper deficiency.
12. Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
13. Sugar can weaken eyesight.
14. Sugar raises the level of neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and
norepinephrine.
15. Sugar can cause hypoglycemia.
16. Sugar can produce an acidic digestive tract.
17. Sugar can cause a rapid rise of adrenaline levels in children.
18. Sugar malabsorption is frequent in patients with functional bowel disease.
19. Sugar can cause premature aging.
20. Sugar can lead to alcoholism.
21. Sugar can cause tooth decay.
22. Sugar contributes to obesity
23. High intake of sugar increases the risk of Crohn's disease, and ulcerative
colitis.
24. Sugar can cause changes frequently found in person with gastric or duodenal
ulcers.
25. Sugar can cause arthritis.
26. Sugar can cause asthma.
27. Sugar greatly assists the uncontrolled growth of Candida Albicans (yeast infections).
28. Sugar can cause gallstones.
29. Sugar can cause heart disease.
30. Sugar can cause appendicitis.
31. Sugar can cause multiple sclerosis.
32. Sugar can cause hemorrhoids.
33. Sugar can cause varicose veins.
34. Sugar can elevate glucose and insulin responses in oral contraceptive users.
35. Sugar can lead to periodontal disease.
36. Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.
37. Sugar contributes to saliva acidity.
38. Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity.
39. Sugar can lower the amount of Vitamin E (alpha-Tocopherol in the blood).
40. Sugar can decrease growth hormones.
41. Sugar can increase cholesterol.
42. Sugar can increase the systolic blood pressure.
43. Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity.
44. High sugar intake increases advanced glycation end products (AGEs)(Sugar bound non-enzymatically to protein)
45. Sugar can interfere with the absorption of protein.
46. Sugar causes food allergies.
47. Sugar can contribute to diabetes.
48. Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy.
49. Sugar can contribute to eczema in children.
50. Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease.
51. Sugar can impair the structure of DNA
52. Sugar can change the structure of protein.
53. Sugar can make our skin age by changing the structure of collagen.
54. Sugar can cause cataracts.
55. Sugar can cause emphysema.
56. Sugar can cause atherosclerosis.
57. Sugar can promote an elevation of low density lipoproteins (LDL).
58. High sugar intake can impair the physiological homeostasis of many systems in
the body.
59. Sugar lowers the enzymes ability to function.
60. Sugar intake is higher in people with Parkinson’s disease.
61. Sugar can cause a permanent altering the way the proteins act in the body.
62. Sugar can increase the size of the liver by making the liver cells divide.
63. Sugar can increase the amount of liver fat.
64. Sugar can increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the kidney.
65. Sugar can damage the pancreas.
66. Sugar can increase the body's fluid retention.
67. Sugar is enemy #1 of the bowel movement.
68. Sugar can cause myopia (nearsightedness).
69. Sugar can compromise the lining of the capillaries.
70. Sugar can make the tendons more brittle.
71. Sugar can cause headaches, including migraine.
72. Sugar plays a role in pancreatic cancer in women.
73. Sugar can adversely affect school children's grades and cause learning
disorders.
74. Sugar can cause an increase in delta, alpha, and theta brain waves.
75. Sugar can cause depression.
76. Sugar increases the risk of gastric cancer.
77. Sugar and cause dyspepsia (indigestion).
78. Sugar can increase your risk of getting gout.
79. Sugar can increase the levels of glucose in an oral glucose tolerance test over
the ingestion of complex carbohydrates.
80. Sugar can increase the insulin responses in humans consuming high-sugar diets compared to low sugar diets.
81. High refined sugar diet reduces learning capacity.
82. Sugar can cause less effective functioning of two blood proteins, albumin, and lipoproteins, which may reduce the body’s ability to handle fat and cholesterol.
83. Sugar can contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
84. Sugar can cause platelet adhesiveness.
85. Sugar can cause hormonal imbalance; some hormones become underactive and others
become overactive.
86. Sugar can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
87. Sugar can lead to the hypothalamus to become highly sensitive to a large variety of stimuli.
88. Sugar can lead to dizziness.
89. Diets high in sugar can cause free radicals and oxidative stress.
90. High sucrose diets of subjects with peripheral vascular disease significantly increases platelet adhesion.
91. High sugar diet can lead to biliary tract cancer.
92. Sugar feeds cancer.
93. High sugar consumption of pregnant adolescents is associated with a twofold
increased risk for delivering a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infant.
94. High sugar consumption can lead to substantial decrease in gestation duration among adolescents.
95. Sugar slows food's travel time through the gastrointestinal tract.
96. Sugar increases the concentration of bile acids in stools and bacterial enzymes
in the colon. This can modify bile to produce cancer-causing compounds and colon
cancer.
97. Sugar increases estradiol (the most potent form of naturally occurring estrogen) in men.
98. Sugar combines and destroys phosphatase, an enzyme, which makes the process of digestion more difficult.
99. Sugar can be a risk factor of gallbladder cancer.
100. Sugar is an addictive substance.
101. Sugar can be intoxicating, similar to alcohol.
102. Sugar can exacerbate PMS.
103. Sugar given to premature babies can affect the amount of carbon dioxide they
produce.
104. Decrease in sugar intake can increase emotional stability.
105. The body changes sugar into 2 to 5 times more fat in the bloodstream than it
does starch.
106. The rapid absorption of sugar promotes excessive food intake in obese subjects.
107. Sugar can worsen the symptoms of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
108. Sugar adversely affects urinary electrolyte composition.
109. Sugar can slow down the ability of the adrenal glands to function.
110. Sugar has the potential of inducing abnormal metabolic processes in a normal healthy individual and to promote chronic degenerative diseases.
111. I.Vs (intravenous feedings) of sugar water can cut off oxygen to the brain.
112. High sucrose intake could be an important risk factor in lung cancer.
113. Sugar increases the risk of polio.
114. High sugar intake can cause epileptic seizures.
115. Sugar causes high blood pressure in obese people.
116. In Intensive Care Units, limiting sugar saves lives.
117. Sugar may induce cell death.
118. Sugar can increase the amount of food that you eat.
119. In juvenile rehabilitation camps, when children were put on a low sugar diet,
there was a 44% drop in antisocial behavior.
120. Sugar can lead to prostrate cancer.
121. Sugar dehydrates newborns.
122. Sugar increases the estradiol in young men.
123. Sugar can cause low birth weight babies.
124. Greater consumption of refined sugar is associated with a worse outcome of schizophrenia.
125. Sugar can raise homocysteine levels in the blood stream.
126. Sweet food items increase the risk of breast cancer.
127. Sugar is a risk factor in cancer of the small intestine.
128. Sugar may cause laryngeal cancer.
129. Sugar induces salt and water retention.
130. Sugar may contribute to mild memory loss.
131. As sugar increases in the diet of 10 years olds, there is a linear decrease in the intake of many essential nutrients.
132. Sugar can increase the total amount of food consumed.
133. Exposing a newborn to sugar results in a heightened preference for sucrose relative to water at 6 months and 2 years of age.
134. Sugar causes constipation.
135. Sugar causes varicous veins.
136. Sugar can cause brain decay in prediabetic and diabetic women.
137. Sugar can increase the risk of stomach cancer.
138. Sugar can cause metabolic syndrome.
139. Sugar ingestion by pregnant women increases neural tube defects in embryos.
140. Sugar can be a factor in asthma.
141. The higher the sugar consumption the more chances of getting irritable bowel
syndrome.
142. Sugar could affect central reward systems.
143. Sugar can cause cancer of the rectum.
144. Sugar can cause endometrial cancer.
145. Sugar can cause renal (kidney) cell carcinoma.
146. Sugar can cause liver tumors.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Random things I have to say
In addition to the previous blog, I had written about the upcoming possibilities I would have in terms of a job, I also have the opportunity to become a teacher's aide, IF and only IF a job opens up, which leads to another opportunity that I, unfortunately, can't speak about at the moment, hehehe. I'm super excited about all the possibilities I have, but it makes it almost hard. Luckily, my life and future lies in God's hands. So, no need to stress, right?? I wish it was that easy, but as a human being, I stress and worry. The past few days have been less overwhelming and stressful, so I've really and truly been blessed. I really feel that God has lifted a huge burden off my shoulders. Such a great feeling not worrying/stressing/feeling overwhelmed. I love it! :)
I'm also going to be trying something new with my diet. A little experiment, you could say. I'm going to attempt to cut out all the chocolate, soda pop, and unhealthy things like that. More water, less caffeine! We'll see how it goes. I'll be starting this tomorrow. I'm excited and a little not-so-sure at the same time, only because I don't know how long it will last. hehe. However, my teammate and friend, Zach, has done an amazing job of not consuming unhealthy things; I thought I'd try to do the same. I've been going to the gym as well, but not on a regular basis. I, maybe, go about 3-4 times a week, which I'm hoping to increase to 5-6 times a week (a little cardio, walking, weight-lifting, ab work). So, wish me luck!
If you have the chance to purchase any David Gray music, please do so! He's absolutely amazing and has really relaxed me the past few days. I've been listening to his music and really feel more at peace. Music is a huge part of my life. When I'm sad, mad, upset, homesick, irritated, annoyed, etc., I turn to music (and, God, of course), but music plays a part as well in calming my nerves. David Gray is good! Download him if you're able to.
Do you ever feel like you get into a routine and you can never get out of that routine? If so, me too! I've been feeling like the past few weeks are just a routine, like, I'm almost not into what I do. I just go because it's "routine." That's bad! I'm hoping to take one of the days that I have off this week to relax and do something on my own, like... shopping! I enjoy shopping and it's not so stressful to be in the mall on a Thursday. I like to browse around and watch people. I don't necessarily go to shop and buy things. Most of the time, I go to just browse. I enjoy being out of the flat and around other people and on my own for a change. A girl's got to have that sometimes. I'm hoping my "get-away" day will get me out of this routine-groove and back into a more enthusiastic attitude.
That's all I have for now... stuff just started going through my mind and I wanted to let it out somehow, so it came as a blog. :)
Until next time, love to you all...
I'm also going to be trying something new with my diet. A little experiment, you could say. I'm going to attempt to cut out all the chocolate, soda pop, and unhealthy things like that. More water, less caffeine! We'll see how it goes. I'll be starting this tomorrow. I'm excited and a little not-so-sure at the same time, only because I don't know how long it will last. hehe. However, my teammate and friend, Zach, has done an amazing job of not consuming unhealthy things; I thought I'd try to do the same. I've been going to the gym as well, but not on a regular basis. I, maybe, go about 3-4 times a week, which I'm hoping to increase to 5-6 times a week (a little cardio, walking, weight-lifting, ab work). So, wish me luck!
If you have the chance to purchase any David Gray music, please do so! He's absolutely amazing and has really relaxed me the past few days. I've been listening to his music and really feel more at peace. Music is a huge part of my life. When I'm sad, mad, upset, homesick, irritated, annoyed, etc., I turn to music (and, God, of course), but music plays a part as well in calming my nerves. David Gray is good! Download him if you're able to.
Do you ever feel like you get into a routine and you can never get out of that routine? If so, me too! I've been feeling like the past few weeks are just a routine, like, I'm almost not into what I do. I just go because it's "routine." That's bad! I'm hoping to take one of the days that I have off this week to relax and do something on my own, like... shopping! I enjoy shopping and it's not so stressful to be in the mall on a Thursday. I like to browse around and watch people. I don't necessarily go to shop and buy things. Most of the time, I go to just browse. I enjoy being out of the flat and around other people and on my own for a change. A girl's got to have that sometimes. I'm hoping my "get-away" day will get me out of this routine-groove and back into a more enthusiastic attitude.
That's all I have for now... stuff just started going through my mind and I wanted to let it out somehow, so it came as a blog. :)
Until next time, love to you all...
Thursday, February 5, 2009
It's been a while!
For those of you who may not know the newest news, I have decided to move back to Texas on July 1st. That’s the earliest we can leave the field to prepare for college, a job, etc. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the field here, I’m just ready to get back to the States and start a job. I have several opportunities that lie in front of me, so I’m trying to keep my options open at the moment, but realize I have to make a decision soon because I’ll be leaving in less than five months!
I have been looking into getting my teaching certificate through a program called iteachTexas. It’s web-based and takes 6-months to complete. During the 6-month period, I’ll be taking different courses as well as working a full-time job as a teacher. It’s a probation-certificate which just means, “I’m working on my certificate and will have it very soon.” So, that’s an option and will probably happen this year or next depending on how things work out.
Another option is to work as a substitute teacher where I’ll be able to sub anywhere from three to five days a week and with having a college degree, I’ll be paid more than a sub without a degree would. Kind of strange because I don’t think subs really do all that much, but hey, I’m not complaining! :)
I’m also looking into subbing as well as doing something else on the side, but nothing I want to really bring up at the moment until I get the “official” word that it’s do-able! If it’s possible, I’ll for sure jump into it and then let you all know what it is I’ll be doing! :)
It’s been the most stressful and overwhelming time of my life; the time where I have to decide what I want to be when I grow-up. Haha. I’ve experienced the social work part of my degree that I actually went to college for, but unfortunately, during my internship I realized that I probably made the wrong decision, but it was obviously way too late to change my mind and go a different direction because I had three months left until graduating from college.
What I realized about social work was that there was way too much paperwork involved and not enough interaction with the people around me. I’m a people-person and this job spends more time in the office than with people. It wasn’t for me and probably never will be. The difference between a teaching certificate and a social work degree is that with a certificate, I’ll be around kids all day long. It will be my job to be around people and I love that!
I’ve been working with primary one here in Scotland. Primary one is the same as kindergarten. It’s just a different name for it. I have really fallen in love with the children and it has opened my eyes to the world of teaching. I think it’s something I would love, enjoy, and look forward to each and everyday. Children can be a handful sometimes, but that’s a known fact already! :) I’m really looking forward to seeing where God places me and how He’s going to work through me in the next few months.
So, my flight back to Texas will be with a really good and old friend of mine from high school. Before I planned on moving back for good on July 1st, I was planning to visit July 1st – 24th, so my ticket was already bought and so, I got to thinking, maybe someone could come visit that last week of June and fly back to the States with me to surprise my family (no one knew I was planning this “surprise” trip other than my mom). I messaged Kayla Graham and she was so excited and we jumped on this idea of her coming to visit that last week in June and it worked out great, because she doesn’t like to fly alone anyways, so luckily I was able to plan the flights back on July 1st to where we could sit by each other on each flight (Glasgow to Manchester to Chicago to Dallas to Amarillo). But, now that I’m leaving for good on that day, it still worked out perfectly. Sure, I bought a roundtrip ticket, BUT come to find out, this ticket is $500-$600 cheaper than a one-way ticket would have been. I guess it worked out in a good way!
My high school buddy, Kayla, will be arriving in Glasgow on June 24th and leaving with me on July 1st at 7am from Glasgow. We’ll be arriving in Amarillo on July 1st at 8:10pm. During the week she’s here, I’m hoping to be able to take her to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, and possibly one other place that I haven’t decided on where we should go yet. It’s exciting and I can’t wait to see her!
Because we have three weeks worth of vacation/holiday time while we are here in Scotland, Melanie and I have decided to take 3-days off and head to Paris, France for my birthday. We’ll be leaving March 23rd and arriving back here on the 26th. We plan on visiting the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, a couple other churches, the Louvre, and no telling what else! It will be really neat to see the sights and have a few days of rest and a break.
So, I guess that’s all I really have for now. :) I’m actually thoughtless right now! I hope each of you know how much you’re loved, missed, and thought of by me! Have a blessed day!
Until next time, love to you all…
I have been looking into getting my teaching certificate through a program called iteachTexas. It’s web-based and takes 6-months to complete. During the 6-month period, I’ll be taking different courses as well as working a full-time job as a teacher. It’s a probation-certificate which just means, “I’m working on my certificate and will have it very soon.” So, that’s an option and will probably happen this year or next depending on how things work out.
Another option is to work as a substitute teacher where I’ll be able to sub anywhere from three to five days a week and with having a college degree, I’ll be paid more than a sub without a degree would. Kind of strange because I don’t think subs really do all that much, but hey, I’m not complaining! :)
I’m also looking into subbing as well as doing something else on the side, but nothing I want to really bring up at the moment until I get the “official” word that it’s do-able! If it’s possible, I’ll for sure jump into it and then let you all know what it is I’ll be doing! :)
It’s been the most stressful and overwhelming time of my life; the time where I have to decide what I want to be when I grow-up. Haha. I’ve experienced the social work part of my degree that I actually went to college for, but unfortunately, during my internship I realized that I probably made the wrong decision, but it was obviously way too late to change my mind and go a different direction because I had three months left until graduating from college.
What I realized about social work was that there was way too much paperwork involved and not enough interaction with the people around me. I’m a people-person and this job spends more time in the office than with people. It wasn’t for me and probably never will be. The difference between a teaching certificate and a social work degree is that with a certificate, I’ll be around kids all day long. It will be my job to be around people and I love that!
I’ve been working with primary one here in Scotland. Primary one is the same as kindergarten. It’s just a different name for it. I have really fallen in love with the children and it has opened my eyes to the world of teaching. I think it’s something I would love, enjoy, and look forward to each and everyday. Children can be a handful sometimes, but that’s a known fact already! :) I’m really looking forward to seeing where God places me and how He’s going to work through me in the next few months.
So, my flight back to Texas will be with a really good and old friend of mine from high school. Before I planned on moving back for good on July 1st, I was planning to visit July 1st – 24th, so my ticket was already bought and so, I got to thinking, maybe someone could come visit that last week of June and fly back to the States with me to surprise my family (no one knew I was planning this “surprise” trip other than my mom). I messaged Kayla Graham and she was so excited and we jumped on this idea of her coming to visit that last week in June and it worked out great, because she doesn’t like to fly alone anyways, so luckily I was able to plan the flights back on July 1st to where we could sit by each other on each flight (Glasgow to Manchester to Chicago to Dallas to Amarillo). But, now that I’m leaving for good on that day, it still worked out perfectly. Sure, I bought a roundtrip ticket, BUT come to find out, this ticket is $500-$600 cheaper than a one-way ticket would have been. I guess it worked out in a good way!
My high school buddy, Kayla, will be arriving in Glasgow on June 24th and leaving with me on July 1st at 7am from Glasgow. We’ll be arriving in Amarillo on July 1st at 8:10pm. During the week she’s here, I’m hoping to be able to take her to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, and possibly one other place that I haven’t decided on where we should go yet. It’s exciting and I can’t wait to see her!
Because we have three weeks worth of vacation/holiday time while we are here in Scotland, Melanie and I have decided to take 3-days off and head to Paris, France for my birthday. We’ll be leaving March 23rd and arriving back here on the 26th. We plan on visiting the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, a couple other churches, the Louvre, and no telling what else! It will be really neat to see the sights and have a few days of rest and a break.
So, I guess that’s all I really have for now. :) I’m actually thoughtless right now! I hope each of you know how much you’re loved, missed, and thought of by me! Have a blessed day!
Until next time, love to you all…
Monday, February 2, 2009
January Newsletter
NEW HAPPENINGS.
There are a couple of things that have just begun this month that are new to me and I haven’t been a part of while being here. The ladies of the church have decided to meet every other Wednesday at Alex and Gillian Gear’s home (our coordinators). For the two times we met this month, we first discussed what we would like to study and had a prayer night on the other night. We will be studying out of a book that goes along with the books: Ruth and Esther. The book we decided to read is called, “Be Committed: Doing God’s Will Whatever the Cost.” It sounds like it will be an interesting study and I’m really excited about learning more about the books Ruth and Esther. I’ve never actually sat down and studied these two books of the Bible, but it’s about time I did! I’m looking forward to it.
The youth nights for the high school and college aged kids are held every other Friday (the Fridays that don’t fall on the same weeks we meet for ladies’ study). For the past two weeks, we have had several youth from our church come, but they’ve also invited friends to come along as well. We’ve really had a great turn out each time. We hold these nights at the community hall, which is the building the church meets at every Sunday and Tuesday. We play ping-pong, foosball, Wii, Xbox, card games (Uno, spoons, etc.), Jenga, chess, and lots of other things. Snacks and soda are provided at each youth night at a very low price. There’s talk of holding a movie night some night and having pop corn and soda. It really seems like this is a great outreach to those out in the community and everyone seems to have a great time as well.
BURNS SUPPER.
Because I don’t really know much about Robert Burns or why there is a Burns supper or Burns night, I researched it on Wikipedia and found this.
Robert Burns (also known as Rabbie Burns, Scotland's favorite son, the Ploughman Poet, the Bard of Ayrshire and in Scotland as simply The Bard) was a poet and a lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and is celebrated worldwide. He is the best known of the poets who have written in the Scots language. He is regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic Movement and after his death became a great source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism. A cultural icon in Scotland and among the Scottish Diaspora around the world, celebration of his life and work became almost a national charismatic cult during the 19th and 20th centuries, and his influence has long been strong on Scottish literature.
Burns Night, effectively a second national day, is celebrated on January 25th with Burns suppers around the world. The format of Burns suppers has not changed since Robert's death in 1796. The basic format starts with a general welcome and announcements followed with the Selkirk Grace. After the grace comes the piping and cutting of the haggis, where Robert's famous “Address to a Haggis” is read and the haggis is cut open. The event usually allows for people to start eating just after the haggis is presented. This is when the reading called the "immortal memory", an overview of Robert's life and work, is given; the event usually concludes with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.
We celebrated Burns night at Vicki Onsaturday’s home. There was a crock pot full of haggis, mashed potatoes, and mashed turnips/carrots. Tom Brydson did the piping and cutting of the haggis. He did, indeed, read “Address to a Haggis” where he got so into it and right before cutting the haggis, his dentures popped right out of his mouth and onto the floor! We had a good laugh, as did he, but continued on and cut open the haggis. However, we didn’t sing Auld Lang Syne at the conclusion of the night, but we did sing along as Drew Phillips played his guitar. Mixtures of Scottish and American tunes were played. It was an amazing night of fellowship!
WHAT’S HAGGIS?
There are many recipes, most of which have in common the following ingredients: sheep's 'pluck' (heart, liver and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet (which is raw beef or mutton fat), spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally boiled in the animal's stomach for approximately three hours. That’s exactly what we had at Burns night. It’s quite good mixed in with mashed potatoes! Another modern haggis-based dish is 'Flying Scotsman', which is chicken stuffed with haggis. I have also tried this with a peppercorn sauce and it is absolutely delicious! I’ve had haggis only three times while being here.
UPDATES ON THE WORK.
While working at the primary school, I’ve started to learn the teachers’ names (almost all of them, and there are quite a few), which has been difficult because I’m in one area of the school all day. But, it has gotten to the point where teachers will ask for me, by name, to come and help every afternoon with their class. Every Wednesday afternoon, I work with Miss Robertson’s primary one and two class with painting. I have never seen kids so excited to see me and always asking, “Can I be with you?” I have a blast painting with them and getting to know them better each time. They’re such a joy and so innocent. They serve as reminders for me to always be child-like in faith.
ShopMobility is such a blast! The elderly have really gotten to know me and vice versa. It’s been a pleasure working on the bus and I couldn’t imagine myself being stuck in the office part of the job! A lady named, Nancy, was on the bus one Monday (she’s normally on Wednesdays and Fridays), but she had said something to Alex (driver of the bus) and Louise (worker/driver of the bus when Alex isn’t there) that, she “can tell that she [Neysia] loves her job by the way she smiles all the time. She’s good.” Being like Jesus really does make a difference and I can only give him credit for the way I am in everything I do. People are watching you all the time.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I can never thank you enough for all that you have done and continue to do for me and for the work being done here in Scotland. God is really being glorified through your support! Thanks for making a difference with me!
Prayer requests:
* Our families
* Our team and the work being done in East Kilbride
* Michael Todd still recovering
* West Mains Church of Christ
* 2007-2010 AIMers on the field:
-Albania
-New Zealand
-Mexico (3 teams)
-Honduras
-South Africa
-Grass Valley, California
-Childress, Texas
Until next time, love to you all...
Friday, January 23, 2009
December newsletter (sorry I'm so late posting on here!)
NEW SCOTLAND TEAM ANNOUNCED.
For those of you who haven’t heard, Scotland will be receiving another AIM team. The team consists of four young ladies: Cassey Clayton from Lovington, New Mexico and she is nineteen years old; Ashley Bolm from Idaho Falls, Idaho and she is nineteen years old; Sommer Centeno from Clovis, California and she is eighteen years old; and, Jessica Rusher from Mustang, Oklahoma and she is twenty-one years old. We will be adding on a great group of girls and we can’t wait to have them here with us!
CASSEY CLAYTON
JESSICA RUSHER
ASHLEY BOLM
SOMMER CENTENO
KIRKTONHOLME PRIMARY PRESENTS: “SPARKLE” & “WHOOPSY DAISY ANGEL”
On December 16-17, the school I volunteer at performed two plays with the same basic story line: the birth of Jesus. I was surprised when I found out that the school would be performing something that has to do with Jesus and IN the school. You would NEVER see that happen in America and for them to have done something like that over here was mind-boggling to me. The nursery (age 4) performed, “Whoopsy Daisy Angel.” It was about the angel who went to tell the shepherds that Jesus had been born, but this angel was the type of angel who was never on time and something wrong always happened when she was around. Her one shot was to complete this task and she did.
The primary 1 – 7 performed “Sparkle,” which was about the Star of Bethlehem leading the way to where Jesus was. There was one particular star that was young and didn’t out-shine all the rest. The stars were arguing over which star the Maker was going to choose. “I’m brighter so the Maker will choose me.” But, the make chose “Sparkle” and her name was changed to “Star of Bethlehem.” She showed the shepherds and wise men the way to Jesus.
I wasn’t able to watch them perform “Sparkle,” because I was working somewhere else that day, but was able to watch them rehearse several weeks before the actual performance. I did, however, get to watch the nursery perform “Whoopsy Daisy Angel” and they did a fantastic job. I still find it fascinating that they performed stories that were based on Jesus. I guess I shouldn’t be so fascinated, but something like this wouldn’t be allowed in America especially in the schools.
WORK UPDATES.
This month was a pretty slow month. The schools were released for holiday for about two weeks, lunch club was off for those two weeks because the lunch comes from the schools and with the schools being closed, there were no lunches, and ShopMobility went on as usual, for me at least. Those who work on the days that the holidays fell on didn’t have to work.
The ShopMobility bus wasn’t all that busy because most of the elderly had already finished their shopping and didn’t want to face the holiday rush and crowds in the town center. I don’t blame them. It was hard enough for me to walk through the center and I can’t imagine what it was like on a scooter or power chair.
I’m really looking forward to getting back to work, especially with the primary school. I’ve really become attached to the children there and have really missed them!
We still meet as a team every Tuesday at Starbucks to have a Bible study. The neat thing about having it in a more public place is that people really start to wonder what you’re doing there every Tuesday morning and those who sit around you stare, listen, and look down to see what book you’re reading and studying out of. I think there will come a time when someone will come up to us, sit down, and start asking questions. I’m patiently waiting for that day. :)
CHRISTMAS GATHERINGS.
We had a Christmas youth club and church party on December 16th, which was a lot of fun. Santa Clause came and gave the children boxes of chocolate; we played lots of games, listened to Christmas music, and enjoyed each others’ company.
ShopMobility hosted a Christmas party on December 18 at a hotel called, The Bruce, which is right beside the town center. We had dinner and a night filled with music. There were several other groups there, other than ShopMobility; people from schools and other organizations.
There was a girls’ night out on December 20th for the women in the church. We went to The Wishing Well to have dinner, play games, and play Secret Santa. I had a blast with all the women and got to know them a little better.
A SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS WITH THE PHILLIPS’.
I wasn’t real sure how this Christmas was going to turn out because it was my very first Christmas to miss and I wasn’t even in the same country. I was surprised when I woke up Christmas day and found myself happy and not the slightest bit homesick. It was truly a blessing because I would rather be cheerful than upset and tearful all day.
Melanie and I made a tent in our living room on Christmas Eve with our couch and two chairs and sheets. We placed our top mattresses from our beds underneath the tent and placed our television on the floor so we could watch Christmas movies all day and through the night, at least until midnight. The tent is a tradition me and my brothers and sister do every Christmas Eve, so I wasn’t about to go this Christmas without sleeping in the traditional tent.
We sprinkled magical reindeer food out our window onto the grass outside our apartment that night and to our surprise, it worked! Santa came and filled our stockings with lots of goodies! Melanie and I opened all our gifts we had received from home and from our friends here in Scotland. I think it took me about two to three hours to finally straighten the living room and organize all the gifts I had received!
That afternoon, we went to Drew and Sheena Phillips’ home to have a Christmas dinner and watch a few movies together. Our team was invited to spend the Christmas day with them, which made it really nice. We had a wonderful dinner and had a great time together watching movies and chit-chatting.
I was able to talk with my entire family on Skype, again, which made it really nice. They ate pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, Christmas cookies, and drank tea for me. Wasn’t that thoughtful? I did miss my family on Christmas day, but there was something about this holiday season that didn’t feel like Christmas. Maybe it was the fact that I’m overseas and it just seemed like any other day because I wasn’t around my family or maybe it was just because it really didn’t feel like Christmas had come. Despite the fact that it didn’t feel like Christmas, I still counted my blessings and thanked God for Jesus and my family.
RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR *2009*
We spent New Years Eve at our coordinators’ home, Alex and Gillian Gear. Several members of the church were there and most of the youth group. We played Taboo and Pictionary, had a table full of finger foods, and watched the fireworks go off on the television at Edinburgh as we rang in the New Year. Once the clock struck midnight, everyone went around hugging everyone and telling them, “Happy New Year!” Even after the New Year was over (a few days later), people still hug you and kiss you on the cheek and tell you “Happy New Year.”
TO MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
I am constantly grateful for your support and prayers for the work my team and I are doing here in Scotland. Thanks to those who sent Christmas cards and gifts. It truly made Christmas in Scotland feel more like Christmas at home. You all are such a blessing to me. Again, thank you for helping me make a difference in the lives of the Scottish people.
For those of you who haven’t heard, Scotland will be receiving another AIM team. The team consists of four young ladies: Cassey Clayton from Lovington, New Mexico and she is nineteen years old; Ashley Bolm from Idaho Falls, Idaho and she is nineteen years old; Sommer Centeno from Clovis, California and she is eighteen years old; and, Jessica Rusher from Mustang, Oklahoma and she is twenty-one years old. We will be adding on a great group of girls and we can’t wait to have them here with us!
CASSEY CLAYTON
JESSICA RUSHER
ASHLEY BOLM
SOMMER CENTENO
KIRKTONHOLME PRIMARY PRESENTS: “SPARKLE” & “WHOOPSY DAISY ANGEL”
On December 16-17, the school I volunteer at performed two plays with the same basic story line: the birth of Jesus. I was surprised when I found out that the school would be performing something that has to do with Jesus and IN the school. You would NEVER see that happen in America and for them to have done something like that over here was mind-boggling to me. The nursery (age 4) performed, “Whoopsy Daisy Angel.” It was about the angel who went to tell the shepherds that Jesus had been born, but this angel was the type of angel who was never on time and something wrong always happened when she was around. Her one shot was to complete this task and she did.
The primary 1 – 7 performed “Sparkle,” which was about the Star of Bethlehem leading the way to where Jesus was. There was one particular star that was young and didn’t out-shine all the rest. The stars were arguing over which star the Maker was going to choose. “I’m brighter so the Maker will choose me.” But, the make chose “Sparkle” and her name was changed to “Star of Bethlehem.” She showed the shepherds and wise men the way to Jesus.
I wasn’t able to watch them perform “Sparkle,” because I was working somewhere else that day, but was able to watch them rehearse several weeks before the actual performance. I did, however, get to watch the nursery perform “Whoopsy Daisy Angel” and they did a fantastic job. I still find it fascinating that they performed stories that were based on Jesus. I guess I shouldn’t be so fascinated, but something like this wouldn’t be allowed in America especially in the schools.
WORK UPDATES.
This month was a pretty slow month. The schools were released for holiday for about two weeks, lunch club was off for those two weeks because the lunch comes from the schools and with the schools being closed, there were no lunches, and ShopMobility went on as usual, for me at least. Those who work on the days that the holidays fell on didn’t have to work.
The ShopMobility bus wasn’t all that busy because most of the elderly had already finished their shopping and didn’t want to face the holiday rush and crowds in the town center. I don’t blame them. It was hard enough for me to walk through the center and I can’t imagine what it was like on a scooter or power chair.
I’m really looking forward to getting back to work, especially with the primary school. I’ve really become attached to the children there and have really missed them!
We still meet as a team every Tuesday at Starbucks to have a Bible study. The neat thing about having it in a more public place is that people really start to wonder what you’re doing there every Tuesday morning and those who sit around you stare, listen, and look down to see what book you’re reading and studying out of. I think there will come a time when someone will come up to us, sit down, and start asking questions. I’m patiently waiting for that day. :)
CHRISTMAS GATHERINGS.
We had a Christmas youth club and church party on December 16th, which was a lot of fun. Santa Clause came and gave the children boxes of chocolate; we played lots of games, listened to Christmas music, and enjoyed each others’ company.
ShopMobility hosted a Christmas party on December 18 at a hotel called, The Bruce, which is right beside the town center. We had dinner and a night filled with music. There were several other groups there, other than ShopMobility; people from schools and other organizations.
There was a girls’ night out on December 20th for the women in the church. We went to The Wishing Well to have dinner, play games, and play Secret Santa. I had a blast with all the women and got to know them a little better.
A SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS WITH THE PHILLIPS’.
I wasn’t real sure how this Christmas was going to turn out because it was my very first Christmas to miss and I wasn’t even in the same country. I was surprised when I woke up Christmas day and found myself happy and not the slightest bit homesick. It was truly a blessing because I would rather be cheerful than upset and tearful all day.
Melanie and I made a tent in our living room on Christmas Eve with our couch and two chairs and sheets. We placed our top mattresses from our beds underneath the tent and placed our television on the floor so we could watch Christmas movies all day and through the night, at least until midnight. The tent is a tradition me and my brothers and sister do every Christmas Eve, so I wasn’t about to go this Christmas without sleeping in the traditional tent.
We sprinkled magical reindeer food out our window onto the grass outside our apartment that night and to our surprise, it worked! Santa came and filled our stockings with lots of goodies! Melanie and I opened all our gifts we had received from home and from our friends here in Scotland. I think it took me about two to three hours to finally straighten the living room and organize all the gifts I had received!
That afternoon, we went to Drew and Sheena Phillips’ home to have a Christmas dinner and watch a few movies together. Our team was invited to spend the Christmas day with them, which made it really nice. We had a wonderful dinner and had a great time together watching movies and chit-chatting.
I was able to talk with my entire family on Skype, again, which made it really nice. They ate pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, Christmas cookies, and drank tea for me. Wasn’t that thoughtful? I did miss my family on Christmas day, but there was something about this holiday season that didn’t feel like Christmas. Maybe it was the fact that I’m overseas and it just seemed like any other day because I wasn’t around my family or maybe it was just because it really didn’t feel like Christmas had come. Despite the fact that it didn’t feel like Christmas, I still counted my blessings and thanked God for Jesus and my family.
RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR *2009*
We spent New Years Eve at our coordinators’ home, Alex and Gillian Gear. Several members of the church were there and most of the youth group. We played Taboo and Pictionary, had a table full of finger foods, and watched the fireworks go off on the television at Edinburgh as we rang in the New Year. Once the clock struck midnight, everyone went around hugging everyone and telling them, “Happy New Year!” Even after the New Year was over (a few days later), people still hug you and kiss you on the cheek and tell you “Happy New Year.”
TO MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
I am constantly grateful for your support and prayers for the work my team and I are doing here in Scotland. Thanks to those who sent Christmas cards and gifts. It truly made Christmas in Scotland feel more like Christmas at home. You all are such a blessing to me. Again, thank you for helping me make a difference in the lives of the Scottish people.
Don't go through each day thinking you'll get another one.
>> Live in the moment <<
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Bad days better
Because with God, things are better...
You have made my day
Even in stormy weather
I’m dancing in all the rain
Cause you make bad days…
Great is the way
When you come to mind
I am smiling ear to ear
Sweet thoughts of you
I’m always in the mood
To twirl around with you
While it’s raining
Even if it’s a dream
Great is the way
That I am unafraid
When I see you
All my fear goes away
Bad days are coming
Rainy days are always around
But if I can see you
One glance upon you
The sun comes out
I’m dancing in all the rain
Cause you make bad days better
By: Shane & Shane
You have made my day
Even in stormy weather
I’m dancing in all the rain
Cause you make bad days…
Great is the way
When you come to mind
I am smiling ear to ear
Sweet thoughts of you
I’m always in the mood
To twirl around with you
While it’s raining
Even if it’s a dream
Great is the way
That I am unafraid
When I see you
All my fear goes away
Bad days are coming
Rainy days are always around
But if I can see you
One glance upon you
The sun comes out
I’m dancing in all the rain
Cause you make bad days better
By: Shane & Shane
Friday, January 2, 2009
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