Already Over

I know that Christmas is already over, but I just want to say that I hope you had a wonderful day and that you have a wonderful New Year, too! May God bless you greatly in 2011. When hard times come, remember that Christ came to earth to save us from our sins and to give us life to the full. Christmas is the time to focus on his birth. Jesus is the reason for the season, and he gives us hope to live for him. Merry Christmas!

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” ~Luke 2:8-12

Yours,
Jessica

Living life in this foreign country

It's been so long since I've last posted! Since my last post, I have returned to the US and am now attending Cedarville University. The past few months have been full of changes, some good, others not so good. I have learned so much, and made so many new friends. God has blessed me beyond measure, and I'm so thankful for his faithfulness!

Not to say that I haven't had my share of homesickness, because I certainly have, but God has encouraged me in various ways each time I've felt sad, depressed, lonely, out of control, etc. He's a great God, and I owe my everything to him.

I've gotten to meet some amazing Christians, improve my photography and drawing skills, learn how to get along with different people, and how to fit in to this strange culture. I've found a wonderful church, been given great mentors, and made lasting friendships.

However, I haven't been spending as much as time with God as I should be because I'm busy with college, and I regret that. God deserves my everything, not just a part. I need to change that. It will be difficult, but it is worth it. Nothing is more important than being right with God.

Below is my prayer for you. God bless!

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. ~Ephesians 3:20-21

The end???

Can this really be the end? Am I really graduating in less than two days? It doesn't seem real. In a little over a month, I'll be heading back to the US, and leaving behind this beautiful country where I spent my childhood. From the August lockdown to Carnival to Encounter to Christmas break to vacationing in Madang to the Yearbook trip in Lae to the Senior Retreat to these end of the year events, this year has flown by in a blur. Just like a joyride, it's been full of fun and adventure, but there's also been risks, and hard times, like when Luke N. was hit by a PMV while riding home from Aviation one day and suffered terrible injuries, or the day that Matthias' house burned to the ground in less than an hour. Often more is required of us than we'd like to give, but God always proves faithful and helps us do more than we ever imagined was possible. The road hasn't always been rocky. Sometimes it's been smooth and easy-going, like most of the sports tournaments down in Goroka. Thankfully, God has watched over and protected all of us along the bumpy ride, especially on the way back from Encounter traveling down the steep mountain "tracks". This year has in no way been perfect. Some have become addicted to smoking. Reckless driving has become a normal occurrence. Still, God is present, and he has been working. I have learned to love people no matter what they're like, and no matter whether they're doing right or wrong. Every person has been made in the image of God and therefore deserves to be loved, regardless of who they are. I am putting 1 Corinthians 13 into practice, especially 1 Corinthians 13:14-17 which says, "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." Many people that I have gotten to know have not been good examples, but they have helped me to become more loving. If I wanted to sum up this year from my perspective with one word, I would have to say that word would be love. I'm not as loving as I should be, but I have matured in love these past 12 months.

Need a vacation? How about Madang, Papua New Guinea?

Imagine relaxing on a comfortable wooden chair near a tiny beach at a comfortable resort. Or imagine spending an afternoon snorkeling through an under water world. Picture lounging on a little "dock" in the dark, watching the reflection of lights on the water and gazing up at the Southern cross in a beautiful, unpolluted sky. Sounds perfect, right? You can experience all of these things, and many more in Madang, Papua New Guinea. The trip there will take a long time, and could be quite expensive, but it's so worth it! You'll love Jais Aben Resort (www.jaisabenresort.com), where you can stay comfortably in cute air conditioned cabins. It's far out from Madang, but that means that it is less populated and really feels like a vacation. It is worth taking a walk along the shore, looking out to sea. You'll probably see several canoes with nationals carrying fresh produce from home to the market in town and back again. Snorkeling is also a wonderful thing to spend a few hours doing. Papua New Guinea has the best snorkeling in the world, besides the Great Barrier Reef in Australia! If you'd prefer to stay in town, Madang Resort (www.madangresort.com/madang.html) is the best place around. Offering a variety of rooms, some with views over the water, others with views of the large salt water pool, and still others with views of beautiful gardens, Madang Resort has something for everyone. You will want to visit the market and used clothing stores located nearby. There are beautiful artifacts for sale in the market, and quality, cheap clothes in the used clothing stores. It is most certainly a worthwhile experience! If you desire a small and far out but gorgeous place to stay or simply spend a day relaxing at, then Malolo Plantation Lodge (http://www.pacificislandtravel.com/png/hotels/mdg_maloloplantation.html) may be the perfect spot for you. Malolo Plantation Lodge sits along the Bismarck Sea, with a gorgeous black sand beach stretching for miles. Virtually empty, it's certainly a great place to spend a lazy afternoon. Eat lunch at the restaurant, head down to the beach for body surfing, hit the pool for a while, and head back down to the ocean before the afternoon's over. You'll love the warm ocean water and the view of KarKar Island in the distance. Want to go out for a tasty pizza dinner or still looking for a place to stay? Madang Lodge (www.madanglodge.com/) is located in town, central to the main shopping centers. There is a picturesque view of the ocean and the gardens are beautifully cared for. Watching the sun set while eating a pleasant dinner outside in the restaurant at Madang Lodge is an experience that you'll never forget! There are so many other awesome things to see and do in Madang, but they would take much too long to describe and there isn't much room left as it is. I'll leave you with this: Madang is a pristine beauty in the Pacific. You'll love everything about it, from the lovely, sandy beaches to the wonderful views to the peaceful atmosphere. Next time you're looking for a place to vacation, why not head to Madang, Papua New Guinea?

 

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Image-ine, new photography blog

I just created a new photography blog, Image-ine, that you may want to check out. Here's the address: http://jessicaruthimaging.blogspot.com/. It's also listed under my Worthy Websites gadget. If you take a look, please tell me what you think! Thanks. :)

Reflections

I can't believe how fast this year has gone by! I'm kind of in shock that I am graduating for high school in just a couple of months. This year has been a great one in so many ways, and I am sad that I will be saying goodbye to not only my friends and family, but also Ukarumpa, this place that I love so much. I'm looking forward to college, but I'm not ready to say goodbye. Ukarumpa is my home, and even though it's not perfect, it is special to me.

Anyways, there have been so many bad things happening lately both in Ukarumpa and all around the world (not that there isn't bad going on all the time; it just seems like there have been tons recently). A house fire, people trapped in a coal mine, earthquakes...this world is full of evil and heartbreak. Sometimes I can't understand why God lets these terrible things happen, but I have to remember that trials are what make us grow up. They can also draw us closer to God. When we are living without any troubles, we begin to think that we can do everything on our own, but when we face difficulties, we realize that we can't do much on our own. When we face troubles, it is also an opportunity for other Christians to show love. Hardships are almost impossible to handle alone, but with the help of God and others, we can make it through and not only grow stronger, but also refine our faith and help us get to know God so much better. God promises to comfort us in our troubles, and He will be faithful. With God on our side, and other Christians to help us, we have nothing to fear. We can be joyful and trust God no matter what happens. Let's remember 1 Peter 1:7 and live every day of our lives for God.

These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains srong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. ~1 Peter 1:7

Choose today to follow God and live for Him. Life with God is the best way to live life.