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.

Christmas Break

Yes, my Christmas break is finally here! While I am glad to have a break from school, I feel a bit like I have a lot of free time that I am wasting. I have been reading books and spending time catching up with people who I haven't chatted with for a while, but it feels like I could be doing so much more. I often feel so lazy. I know that God accepts me as I am, but I want to do something big. Sometimes I forget just how much God cares about me doing something as simple as sending someone a note of encouragement. This season I may or may not do something incredible like leading someone to Christ, but I can at least encourage others and make a difference in their lives that way. This break I'm going to take the time to read through the Psalms and Proverbs & write in my prayer journal to God, as well as pray for as many people as I can think of. I'm also going to give a gift to someone needy & take the time to listen to anyone who wants me to. I'm going to be a good friend this season, instead of looking for someone to befriend me. After all, it's more blessed to give than receive and this is the perfect time of year to give of yourself.

I could call this "my break", but instead I've decided to call it "God's break" since it really is His time and He's given it to me to use wisely. :)

I am praying that you will really put your generosity to work, for in so doing you will come to an understanding of all the good things we can do for Christ. I myself have gained much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because your kindness has so often refreshed the hearts of God's people. ~Philemon 1:6-7

What's been happening

What have I been up to lately? Lots of things! Here's just a glimpse of what I've been doing:

Recently, on October 31st, I participated in Carnival, which is like a fair for little kids that the high schoolers put on. I was in the Barbeque Booth, and our theme was Sponge Bob. The theme of all of Carnival was Shipwreck Cove. The day was busy, and I came home at 7, exhausted and sun burnt, but pretty happy. I got my friend Becca to paint a guinea pig on my face, and that was pretty cool.

This week I've babysat twice for the families I normally babysit for. The kids have been fairly good, and we've had lots of fun. On Monday afternoon, the kids and I played Capture the Flag with some of their friends and we had a blast.

Sunday was wacky. I went to youth group and that was very good. We had a guest speaker. After youth group, one guy, Chun, went to get in his car and leave. He has to push start the car, so he was trying to do that, but it was on a steep hill, and he couldn't get it to start. It started rolling backwards, and he couldn't stop it so it swerved into a ditch, and he was pinned between a street sign and the car door. As soon as it happened, the rest of us ran out to help him. He said that his leg hurt, but besides that he was okay. We had to push the car out of the ditch into the road and thankfully Chun was able to start the car once it was in the road. The door on the driver's side is messed up, but I think they got it closed in the end and Chun drove off.

After that, the rest of us all headed over to the high school to get photos of the ferris wheel at night for Yearbook. It took forever to put the lights on the ferris wheel, get the cars in the right places to shine light on the ferris wheel, and get everything else ready. At least someone had their Ipod with them, so we had music to listen to and a couple of the guys were wrestling. It was raining, so the seats were soaking wet, but we dried them, and finally after an hour, four of us girls got on, all wearing brightly colored shirts and holding flashlights. We were on there for more than 15 minutes, and after a while it got boring, but it was fun for some time. The two photographers took tons of photos and we finally finished. Then they took all of the lights down and we left. It was a great night, besides Chun's accident.

Now I'm working on Yearbook stuff, and I need to start scholarships ASAP. Please pray that I will be motivated to do them this week. I love photography, so being on the Yearbook staff this year is a blessing! Thank you for praying!

That's all for now. :)

Love,

Jessica