Don't let the difficulties of the present moments overshadow the reality of God's promises. God's promises still stand. And God's promises are stronger than our failures.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Day Two - Home Away From Home


Our second day of travel started out kind of rough. It rained. And rained. And rained some more. Everyone who knows me very well knows that when I get scared I sing Jesus Loves Me, usually quite loudly. Well driving through Alexandria in the pouring rain with interstates above me and interstates below me circling in all directions I'm pretty sure Jerry could hear me singing way up there in front of me! But we arrived safely and spent the afternoon settling in to our new apartment.

Is this not the cutest thing? The housekeepers who work in the residence hall clean the apartments between volunteers and they had it spotless! The cute little elephants on the beds are shaped from a bath towel and a hand towel. :) The bed coverings, pillows and window treatments were all made by a volunteer and are beautiful! She made them for all the apartments and windows in the cafeteria and other buildings. The bedroom has only the beds, end tables and a dresser but is plenty of room for us.






The bedroom is right next to the living area and my husband, who is so hot natured that he freezes me wherever we are, is a happy guy in both of these rooms because they are cold! and the temperature can't be changed because it affects several other rooms on this end of the hall. I have a fleece throw to put over me when I'm stitching or watching tv and also a long sleeved denim shirt to wear. I even put a little electric throw on my bed!




The bathroom is small but certainly has all the necessities. :) It will be interesting to see how we adjust to having one bathroom since at home we each have our own. We are so spoiled and don't even realize it - so many people in the world don't even have one bathroom. :(





The closet is more than adequate - and no that's not all the clothes I brought. :) It took a little while to bring in all the clothes I felt like I "had to have." Trust me, I filled it up. But I left Jerry a little room in there.






This is Jerry's chair. You can see my office beyond it.







And this is my chair. Before I put all my stitching stuff and my Bible study stuff, and my blanket and my Ott light and my Puffs on it. Jerry's end table still looks just like it started. Why is that men don't have all the stuff that we women do? He put his things inside the table but I want mine out where I can get to them easily!








And here's the kitchen. Where I won't have to do much cooking at all since we eat in the cafeteria all week. And diet all weekend to make up for the cafeteria all week! I'll show you a menu for the week next post - oh my goodness can you say good? We walked at 5:30 this morning - if I don't walk the 20 pounds I lost before I arrived will be back on in a very short time!
Our first missionaries arrived on Sunday afternoon - all 48 of them. They are processing health kits and birthing kits this week. A truckload of health kits and school kits will be shipped out to Haiti on Thursday - somewhere 12,000 and 15,000 of them. These groups came from Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas and Missouri and will go back home on Friday. They range in age from 13 to 70+. Some are processing the kits, some are painting a house, some are sorting clothing at the local women's shelter, some are sewing baby layettes and school bags. There's plenty of work and thankfully, there are eager hands and hearts. More later!

17 comments:

Jacquie said...

I'm kinda jealous, Marlene. That looks like FUN!

Glad y'all made it safely.

Cindy said...

I'll enjoy hearing more about your time here in the days ahead. Thanks for the tour of your apartment!

Needled Mom said...

It looks like a comfortable place for the two of you. I would not like the cold, but my hubby would.

You are going to be busy. Have fun.

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

How cute are those elephants! Looks like a cozy little place!

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Marlene, your home away from home looks very comfy and all that you need. I know the work you and your husband are doing will be so special to so many. Keep us posted.

Lori said...

I'm with you on the rainy driving conditions. Yuk!

But you're apartment looks wonderful! I certainly could live in it. Praying you have a wonderful summer experience.

Amy said...

I'm glad ya'll are getting all settled in! You are such an inspiration!

Arkansas Patti said...

Those are really nice accomadations. I was expecting much more primitive.
The elephants are a special touch.
Your husband reminds me of my brother. He says he knows he has the house too cold when he sees his wife knitting with her gloves on.
Keep us posted.

Glenda said...

Everything looks very cozy! What a great work you are doing! Looking forward to hearing lots more about your experiences.

Tracy P. said...

You might just decide it's so nice and simplified that you'll want to stay forever. ;-)

Michelle said...

Your apartments looks very cozy, and I know you and Jerry will make a huge difference in a lot of lives. God bless you!

Marge said...

Your apartment is very adequate, isn't it? Looks like you will be well taken care of. I'm curious to see your menu for the week at the cafeteria! Hope you asre settle in by now, and are ready to get to work!

Many blessings to you and hubby. You are a blessing to others!
Marge

Susannah said...

Thinking of you and your hubby, Marlene.....and sending good wishes. God bless..

Susannah

FabricFascination said...

I love having just the necessities, it is so freeing! It sounds like you will be having a wonderful time. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

Phyllis said...

Geez - it looks like a nice place to stay for a while! Wish my place was that clean :)

Purple Pam said...

You are both brave souls. I pray your mission is as successful and fulfilling as it can be for you. Take care.

prashant said...

Your apartment is very adequate
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