Day 1 "For thier lives are precious in His sight."

Day 1: May 13th, 2013 Unfortunately, I am not much of a blogger. However, there was a request that I would keep a blog of my days here at World Relief Jacksonville so my blogs will be consisting of a summary of my activities, responsibilities, and progress in the clients and my own life. Enjoy! When I discovered I was going to be an Intern for an organization who's calling is to "stand for the vulnerable" refugees from all over the world, I felt the familiar sting of inadequacy. "I do not know what I am doing- where I am going- what languages they will be speaking- or anything of this nature... Lord how are You going to use me" said a little voice in my head as I approached the slow creeping traffic of 95. My typical prayers that I normally use for defense were not fighting of the anxiety so I decided on arrival I needed more ammo; and only the Word of God was a big enough weapon for this job. As I sat down in the desolate waiting room, I coolly, yet desperately, parted my Bible right onto a long lost Psalm God pierced my heart with years ago... 12 For he will rescue the poor who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. 13 He will have pity on the poor and helpless and save the lives of the poor. 14 He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious in his sight. (Psalm 72:12-14) Oh Lord... I may be the least adequate person in this radius, but you are so sufficient and You love these people more then every employee and intern combined here. Thank you Lord for Your promises. My anxiety finally eased as I read those words, and soon enough I heard a soft familiar greeting I used to receive every morning while I lived in Egypt. "Sabah el kheir" (good morning in Arabic) said a sweet warm woman as she walked through the door. Before I could sloppily squawk back in the little Arabic I know, a Middle Easterner World Relief employee responded with a smile and a "Sabah el noor". Little did I know that within the next few hours I would have met three different employees who could speak fluent Arabic and knew the places I have lived, the church I so loved to attend and even the café that I spent most of my time at while living in the Middle East. I almost fell out of my seat when I found out my work station neighbor is from Iraq, and instantly connected as we joked around with each other. I forgot how much I missed the little things like the high fives they give out when you say something that makes them laugh, or the lack of rush I feel when I am in conversation with them. The Lord is so sweet to not only provide the big important things, but the I think the most valuable part of my first day however was the staff meeting I attended. I do not know what my favorite part was, but the Staff meeting was definitely highlight. I realized that the statement "everyone loves their job here" that my preceptor Brenda proclaimed was indeed true! I sat there, amazed, as I saw the staff's fresh passion they have for the refugees. The director, Elaine Carson, but more commonly known as “Mrs. P” opened up the staff meeting with prayer and ever so sweetly and simply invited the Lord into our meeting. It was as if she was having a conversation with an old friend or family member. To know the director of this organization shares in intimacy with the same lover of my soul and Father I instantly was put at peace and felt the Lord's instant conformation that He hand picked this internship for me. I could not be more blessed and am overflowing with gratitude that the Lord would use someone like me to represent someone like Him. Thank you Jesus. Responsibilities, Duties, & Objectives *Create a program for home health visits - research and glean from other World Relief health programs - study and research "Staying Healthy" by the Florida Literacy Coalition - research Health Literacy Projects - start compiling health bios on clients - research private funding for literacy and in house English - observe the clients needs and document what actions have worked and failed - research "home health assessments" and the Minnesota refugee health screenings * Keep a Google Blog * Study Oxford Picture Dictionary * Home Health Visits - asses the needs of the clients - observe current health status - observe environmental factors, risks and safety - take action on what needs attention (minor health needs, sanitation, food safety) - check medications and administration of meds - transport to medical appointments - assist with translating medical needs between medical personnel and client - follow-up appointments to chart progress Keep World Relief and myself in your prayers! In Christ Alone Meg