tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561361643357667462024-03-05T19:19:21.441-08:00Made for ThisI don't know exactly what I'm made for, but I do know I want to spend my life doing just that, whatever that is...Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-33128416710369441042015-04-19T23:31:00.001-07:002015-04-19T23:33:40.867-07:00The Promise in Trials<div>Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. </div><div>James 1:12</div><div><br></div><div>*disclosure* </div><div>This "trial" I'm about to share with you is meant to be light-hearted. Yes, I'm giving you permission to laugh at my pain if you must...just have a tad bit of compassion please. ;) </div><div><br></div><div>I'll just shoot it straight:</div><div>I went to jail. </div><div><br></div><div>Yes, I am now a convict. Cold-hearted criminal. I have a record, ya know. Of what, I'm not exactly sure. But I do know it costs a lot of money. </div><div><br></div><div>It all began 3 years ago. May 19 at 5:27am. I was moving back to Louisiana from Colorado and had already been on the road for 4 hours. I came upon a snowstorm and all of a sudden there was a car on the side of the road. I switched lanes quickly, but without using my blinker. Then came the blue lights...the whole works. The worst part is that my insurance had just renewed, so I didn't have my new card with me...so that, my friends, is what I call, "BUSTED". Luckily, the officer told me if I sent in my proof of insurance with a plead, that they would drop my charges. </div><div><br></div><div>So I did. </div><div><br></div><div>I never recieved a confirmation letter, and I called and called trying to confirm that they had gotten my plead, with no answer or return call. So I just assumed/hoped/thought it was all taken care of. </div><div><br></div><div> And then I went to Africa and forgot about the whole thing. I moved on with my life, ya know. I just figured if something had gone wrong that they would let me know or send me a bill...or something...</div><div><br></div><div>Fast forward to March 16, 2015. I was running some errands for my boss, heading to wal-mart for laundry detergent. I saw an officer so I followed my p's and q's, but low and behold here came those blue lights a flashin'. </div><div><br></div><div>"Here in Colorado we use our blinkers 100 ft before our turn."</div><div><br></div><div>He said I did a good job using my blinker in the round-about, but when I was switching lanes to go to wal-mart, it was not on for 100ft. But, he's going to cut me some slack and just give me a seatbelt ticket. Whew! </div><div><br></div><div>Yet when he comes back, he tells me to step to the back of my car...okay...then to turn around and put my hands behind my back...I am confused, but I do it...and when I felt that metal on my wrist I speedy quick turned around and asked him what the heck he was doing! He then informs me that there's a warrant out for my arrest in Aurora...and it all comes back to me. Welp, my charge had not been dropped after all. </div><div><br></div><div>I tried to tell that officer that he could not take me to jail but I don't guess he believed me. I also asked if we could talk about it, but he just said after he put the cuffs on me. He also kept asking me if there was anything sharp on me that could poke or stab him. I probably would have laughed at that if I had not been crying so hard. </div><div><br></div><div>He cuffed me and put me in the back of his cop car and off we go to Garfield county jail. At least I had drank a good cup of mountain mama coffee earlier that morning. </div><div><br></div><div>To make a long story short, I remained in jail about 4 hours, and I cried the entire time. I tried to stop but I just couldn't. I tried to sing like Paul and Silas...but I couldn't. I tried to think positively, like maybe I'm in here for a reason...to make a difference in someone's life! But nope. I just cried. </div><div><br></div><div>I used my one phone call and got in touch with a bondsman who got in touch with my boss who bailed me out. </div><div><br></div><div>So there you have it folks, my latest trial. It was actually pretty traumatic for me. Not only that, but that same week I got an infection and had to go to the doctor, my phone quit working, my boss was giving me less and less hours...everything was falling apart. I went to court and the judge ordered that all my fines be paid within 10 days. Between bail, tickets, court fees and gas money it completely broke the bank for me. I literally do not even have one dollar. This is a whole new level of trusting in the Lord for me. I know He is faithful and will provide...but it's hard when you look at your bills and then at your money (or lack thereof) and it doesn't quite add up. I get one bill paid and another comes in. I'm sure some of you have been there before. </div><div><br></div><div>I heard a song on the radio that really hit home with me. It says, "All we have is a promise like a thread. Holding us, keeping us from fraying at the edge..". I realized that the ONLY that had been holding me together is the one who created me. In the midst of this trial, God has been right here with me...speaking to me and encouraging me to keep going, keep trusting, keep holding onto Him, and to remain steadfast. </div><div><br></div><div>Since then, I've gone to the Aurora courthouse and gotten everything straightened out and now working at an elementary school as a paraprofessional. I am so thankful for each person who has loved and supported me through this crazy time! And esp. for those who have given me free food. ;) </div><div><br></div><div>For those of you reading this who are going through trials that are not so funny, I encourage you to remain steadfast to the Lord. He is on your side! Or if you've never let the Lord help you with the trials of your life, maybe this is a good time to give Him a chance. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">He doesn't promise to take away them away, but he does promise to those who love Him the crown of life for those who stand the test.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Love your little jail bird, </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Camille </span></div>Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-83462372361913111872014-04-16T15:05:00.001-07:002014-04-16T22:12:02.011-07:00HOPEI am so tired. <div><br></div><div>Exhausted.</div><div><br></div><div>Spent. </div><div><br></div><div>It's been a month of long bus rides for visa renewal, different visitors, surviving malaria, spending lots of time with our team, celebrating passover, hard goodbyes, packing, loading and then finally the 10 hour drive to Jinja, when I'll be until I fly out in May. </div><div><br></div><div>And this is the moment that I'm supposed to be passed out in this comfy bed, but instead I lay wide awake. </div><div><br></div><div>My brain has finally decided to slow down and process all the changes that have been happening and there's nothing I can do about it. </div><div><br></div><div>First of all, I think about what I'm going to tell you all when I get home and you ask me how my time in Africa was. </div><div><br></div><div>I don't really know what to tell you because I didn't start a school or any cool organization that fights world hunger. I didn't do much of anything spectacular. So I don't really have those answers yet. </div><div><br></div><div>Then I lay here and think about my sweet friend Nacuk. I love her as if she were my own niece. </div><div><br></div><div>We had a wonderful "last visit" yesterday with my friend Florence translating. I told her I was leaving but I would miss her so much and would check on her through my hutmate Elise. </div><div><br></div><div>We hugged and took pictures. We also gave many things like coloring books, old towels, shirts, lotion and containers to Nacuk and her family so they were very happy! </div><div><br></div><div>I thought it would be so hard and sad telling her goodbye. Surprisingly it wasn't. She was smiling as she walked away with Florence and a load of goodies that she was carrying on her head. </div><div><br></div><div>Yet I lay here and think of her, sleeping on the dirt floor of her hut, probably without a blanket, wearing the same clothes she has had on for days and days and most likely her family have gone to bed hungry once again. </div><div><br></div><div><b><i>I grieve for her.</i></b></div><div><br></div><div>Then immediately this verse comes to mind:</div><div><br></div><div>"...that you may not grieve as others who have no hope..."</div><div>1 Thessalonians 4:13</div><div><br></div><div>I realize Paul is talking about the 2nd coming and getting caught up in the sky stuff, but the Lord used these words to remind me of 1 thing. </div><div><br></div><div><b>HOPE. </b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div>We have <i>hope. </i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>I think of that day that I brought Nacuk home and Florence was sitting outside with her family and they were singing Christian songs and talking about the bible. </div><div><br></div><div><b>HOPE. </b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div>In the midst of hunger, sickness, poverty and hardship...there is <i>hope.</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>I do not grieve as others who do not have hope. </div><div><br></div><div>I have hope. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I knew walking into this that I could not save Africa. </div></div><div><br></div><div>But I have <i>hope. </i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>Because I know the One who can. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXOC3iYF0IiEHLnBVm5RIgYnd7LEfhRFzmz6mOeznK2OXkICc9BdCS-Q_GSTlha2T_8C2MfHsK_UL5xx5O_1d-wXDY3LL3Gx6j6rsXecaW-UwcdS2pZRgCVLPSau3llbQ3Fyr9JIbYMQ/s640/blogger-image--214193124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXOC3iYF0IiEHLnBVm5RIgYnd7LEfhRFzmz6mOeznK2OXkICc9BdCS-Q_GSTlha2T_8C2MfHsK_UL5xx5O_1d-wXDY3LL3Gx6j6rsXecaW-UwcdS2pZRgCVLPSau3llbQ3Fyr9JIbYMQ/s640/blogger-image--214193124.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-33636197624301853282014-04-09T02:55:00.001-07:002014-04-09T02:55:40.585-07:00American Honey: Life in LyricsI love country music. It makes me think of home, small town Louisiana. <div><br></div><div>I was laying in the hammock a few months ago listening to Lady A. There's a line in the song 'American Honey' that I relate to. It says: </div><div><br></div><div>"Couldn't wait to get going </div><div>But wasn't quite ready to leave.."</div><div><br></div><div>Now, this was just a few days before what I like to call, "The Great Reveal" happened. </div><div><br></div><div>It was late that night when Wari came to speak to Kenneth. He explained how he was being greatly persecuted because of his association with us (the white people), and also how he would never know who the true believers in the churches were as long as we were there. Basically, our presence was no longer needed or beneficial in our small area. </div><div><br></div><div>Our team happened to all be together that night, and after some discussion we all felt strongly that after 4 years in Karamoja, it was time for the Williams to move on. </div><div><br></div><div>The Lord spoke to me that night to "keep my agenda open" but I knew it meant that I also would not be returning to Uganda after the summer, as planned. </div><div><br></div><div>So back to the music. </div><div><br></div><div>Those lyrics continue to replay over in mind. </div><div><br></div><div>I feel somewhat anxious. </div><div><br></div><div>Part of me is ready to get going. Ready to be done with goodbyes, be done with packing and move on to whatever is next. </div><div><br></div><div>The other part of me is not quite ready to leave. I want to hold onto this moment, this place, these people and this season just a little bit longer. It has been such a challenging, yet truly wonderful season. </div><div><br></div><div>What these lyrics have made me realize though, is that I always want to be living my life in this way.</div><div><br></div><div>My teammate Andrew says it a little better:</div><div><br></div><div><i>"Willing to go. </i></div><div><i>Content to stay."</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>I don't want to live my life in such a way that I'm so comfortable with where I'm at that I'm not willing to move on.</div><div><br></div><div>Nor do I want to live in such a way that in so caught up in the moving forward that I'm not content with where I'm standing. </div><div><br></div><div>I've struggled with both of these scenarios at different times in my life. </div><div><br></div><div>But I hope to live in such a way that I remember I am just a sojourner in this life. That this world is not my home. </div><div><br></div><div>"I miss those days as the years go by. Oh, nothing's sweeter than summertime, </div><div>and American honey..."</div>Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-33064173670097174802014-02-07T05:31:00.001-08:002014-02-07T05:31:42.312-08:00step by stepTrust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; <div>in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.</div><div>Proverbs 3:5-6</div><div><br></div><div>This scripture was ingrained into my heart and mind by my youth leader and friend, Mrs. Teresa Sauce. I'm pretty sure she wrote it on every card and note that she ever signed. I think that it's finally beginning to sink in a little...maybe. </div><div><br></div><div>You see, I've spent the last month or so trying to "figure out" what the next step for me is. </div><div><br></div><div>I just got impatient and kept making up all these ideas and all these plans.</div><div><br></div><div>I could move to that place and minister to those people...</div><div>I could live in this place and work at that job...</div><div>I could date this guy and live this life...</div><div>I could work this job and pay off these loans...</div><div>I could live with this person and do this thing...</div><div><br></div><div>My goodness! How many plans does a girl have to make and break before she finally gives up, and gives in, to the Lord. </div><div><br></div><div><i>"Lean not on your own understanding..."</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>Our society and culture tell us to figure it all out and have a 5 year plan and go to school, get married, start your career, have babies, get a dog, nice cars, big house, TV in every room, fill your schedule with this and that and don't relax or breath unless you're sleeping or on vacation or dead. </div><div><br></div><div>They tell us to live for the here and the now, to store your treasures here on earth, where theives break in and moths destroy. </div><div><br></div><div>"<i>Lean not on your own understanding..."</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>Something I love about God is the way He deals so spontaneously with me. He must know I get bored or fall asleep if I sit still for too long. He's always keeping me on my toes, always keeping me guessing expectantly. </div><div><i><br></i></div><div>Honestly, the biggest decisions I've made in life, I haven't had to spend much time praying about. So far, he has just spoken to me or opened the door and I just know what to do next. He gives me more peace about the right option than the other option. And He always provides. Always. </div><div><i><br></i></div><div>He guides my feet, <b>one </b>step at a time. </div><div><i><br></i></div><div>For example:</div><div>Go to LaTech (flipped a coin)</div><div>Spend the summer in Indonesia (took the open door)</div><div>Go to Ghana (said yes)</div><div>Move to Utah (working a wilderness therapy job that I found through google!)</div><div>Quit that job and work at a homeless shelter in Colorado (unexpected change of plans in a day)</div><div>Nanny Miles (so fun!)</div><div>Go back to Ghana (totally a God thing)</div><div>Then go to Uganda </div><div>Work in Ruston, live in Georgetown (what!?) </div><div>Move to Uganda </div><div><br></div><div>All of this, the last seven years of my life, God has made each and every step of the way so abundantly clear at just the right moment. </div><div><br></div><div><i>"Lean not on your own understanding..."</i></div><div><br></div><div>And hasn't he been so faithful to me!? Each step of the way, I've always had money, food, clothes, a car, and housing. Even friends! I have never been in need. </div><div><i> </i></div><div>When I went to Tech, I didn't know I would end up living in Uganda. I didn't need to know! </div><div><br></div><div>I don't know 2 steps ahead of me now, and I don't need to know! </div><div><i><br></i></div><div>All of this to say, and maybe I'm just talking to myself here, quit trying to "figure out" the next five steps of your life and just focus on the path you're on right now. God knows what we need. He's got this under control. He will let us know what's next at just the right moment. It's always our faith that is lacking, never his provision. </div><div><br></div><div><i>"Lean not on your own understanding..."</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMazg8XDr55FvuXnUKGynwbqhmhWNmcq90N6sNabAkwbcWKxqrEJmmkRXfYqEaHo6jcUNJuEn06bVGxTnIGHW3PyF4i8jaQrpOV2-RQwZVfJaSGgE7CHoWLkU-nDaNo5cSjBneIArq3jg/s640/blogger-image-828435948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMazg8XDr55FvuXnUKGynwbqhmhWNmcq90N6sNabAkwbcWKxqrEJmmkRXfYqEaHo6jcUNJuEn06bVGxTnIGHW3PyF4i8jaQrpOV2-RQwZVfJaSGgE7CHoWLkU-nDaNo5cSjBneIArq3jg/s640/blogger-image-828435948.jpg"></a></div><br></i></div><div><br></div>Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-4923150280201528882014-01-09T06:53:00.001-08:002014-01-09T07:48:19.858-08:00A Beautiful Paradox<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I went on vacation.</div><div>I didn't even realize I needed a vacation,</div><div>but I suppose I did.</div><div><br></div><div>And I fell in love. </div><div>(Using the term very lightly, of coarse.)</div><div><br></div><div>I fell in love with white water rafting.</div><div>(And our rafting guide, Davey Baby.)</div><div>I fell deeply in love with 2 new dear friends and soul sisters, Bri and Kate.</div><div>I fell in love with Philly cheese steak</div><div>and expresso</div><div>and chocolate and peanut butter shakes.</div><div>I fell in love with grilled cheese</div><div>and apples</div><div>and peppermint mocha coffee creamer.</div><div>(at the hospitality of Kate and Lily.)</div><div>I fell in love with hot showers </div><div>and sleeping with a fan.</div><div>I fell in love with the Nile River </div><div>and rope swinging, boat cruising and searching for caves and waterfalls.</div><div>I fell in love with the sunset from the deck.</div><div>I fell in love with bean nachos, double cheeseburgers, Heinz ketchup, french fries and cold drinks.</div><div>I fell in love with each person we met, from Keiron who had visited his son in Capetown and we adopted as Papa K, to Kate, my lovely Aussie, the Denmark boys and Kristen from Florida, the bus load of Swedes, that guy from Mississippi with a heavier southern accent than even mine and Marky Mark from Scotland.</div><div><br></div><div>But you know what they say about vacation. </div><div>It's good to be gone, but it's always good to get back home again.</div><div><br></div><div>When you're away from certain things, you realize how much they truly mean to you.</div><div><br></div><div>Or in my case,</div><div>how much they truly don't.</div><div><br></div><div>Haha.</div><div><br></div><div>I laugh because as I went to the beautiful land of Jinja and lived a life of adventure that most people only dream of...I realized something.</div><div><br></div><div>I was already living the dream.</div><div>Living the adventure. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm already living the life God has called me to, and love it.</div><div><br></div><div>It may not include rope swings or showers, burgers or even salad for that matter. </div><div><br></div><div>It may just include my hutmate and I with our cats and trying to figure out what it means to seek God with all of our hearts. </div><div>And living with the Williams, these crazy/awesome people and their 7, soon to be 8 or 9, children that all love God so much it's just ridiculous.</div><div>And learning from Andrew and Kerri, our other teammates, who follow hard after God wherever He leads them. </div><div><br></div><div>I realized all those things I "fell in love" with in Jinja, they were all gifts from God, and I thoroughly enjoyed them, but they did not bring satisfaction or fulfillment to my soul. </div><div><br></div><div>Not the way Jesus does.</div><div>Nor the way living for Him does.</div><div>And the way sitting at His feet, soaking up his presence, gives me <i>life, and life to the full. </i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>And here, my friends, is the beautiful paradox. The scandal of grace.</div><div><br></div><div><b>The way to loving our lives, is to hate it. </b></div><div><b>The way to living life to the fullest, is by giving it away. </b></div><div><b>The way to find your life, is to lose it. </b></div><div><br></div><div>It's one of those God things that doesn't make any sense at all but actually makes perfect sense, ya know? </div><div><i><br></i></div><div>So today, I didn't white water raft or soak up sun rays on the Nile, but I did meet with my friends under a tree in Marru to sing and dance and pray. And now I'm headed down the hill to meet with Florence and Elise and read scriptures together. And I'm going to hug as many snotty nosed kiddos as I can. </div><div><br></div><div>My life is full. </div><div>And I love it. :) </div><div><br></div><div>I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord...</div><div>-Philippians 3:8</div><div><i><br></i></div><div><br></div>Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-6440508659844823712013-12-14T04:55:00.001-08:002013-12-14T12:13:06.500-08:00MotivationA few weeks ago our team gathered together for a week of prayer and worship. We set up a prayer closet and took 2 hour shifts throughout the day. <div><br></div><div>We are in a transition period and we wanted to seek out The Lord in what He is leading us to do next. I think we all expected audible answers of "the game plan".</div><div><br></div><div><b>Tuesday November 26, 2013 </b></div><div><i>Today I was praying for God to give me a vision, a dream, a passion...just something, anything to motivate me. Something to make me feel alive and want to get out of bed in the morning...then I felt it in my spirit..I had it all wrong. I was asking the source of life itself to give me an <b>idol.</b></i></div><div><i><b><br></b></i></div><div>That moment in the prayer room has been life changing for me. </div><div><br></div><div>It broke me. </div><div><br></div><div>What a slap in the face it must have been to God. Me asking him to give me a reason to enjoy life, when daily he beckons us, "enjoy me". </div><div><br></div><div>Last year during my 3 months in Karamoja, I had plenty on my agenda to keep me busy and give me fulfillment and purpose. </div><div><br></div><div>In the morning, I would bring my dear akimat friend, whom I called TaTaa (grandmother), some porridge and milk as her neighbors and even own family neglected her due to her sickness. </div><div><br></div><div>During the day I would treat wounds of all sorts that came into our gate. </div><div><br></div><div>In the afternoon I would set out with my friend and translator Wari. We would find the shade of a tree and share stories from the bible with anyone who was willing to listen. </div><div><br></div><div>This time around, it's as if God has stripped me of all I found my "purpose" in. </div><div><br></div><div>TaTaa died.</div><div><br></div><div>The health center is now treating wounds. </div><div><br></div><div>And Wari is now starting churches ad making disciples of his own.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm not saying anything negative about those things I was doing before, or even about the motives of my heart while doing them. I'm just saying God has brought me to a different place in life, a new season...</div><div><br></div><div>A season of sitting at his feet, <i>enjoying Him.</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>Because if the reason you wake up and get out of bed and make your morning cup of coffee and go brush your teeth and sometimes your hair, and put on your suit and tie or make-up, and go to school or work or stay home and teach your children...if the motivation for any of that is out of anything <i>other than</i> your desire to know and love Jesus...then you, like me, have it all wrong. </div><div><br></div><div>Psalm 27:8 </div><div>My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"</div><div>Your face, Lord, I will seek. </div><div><br></div><div>What is your motivation to get out of bed in the morning? </div><div>Do you live to know Him? </div><div>To sit at His feet? </div><div>To enjoy Him? </div><div><br></div><div>Let us press on to know Him. It's all that matters in this life, to know and enjoy our maker. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXlo4gL1WdpP0q4Hsu05YvpuA_eKKiin3nDk9OnINZ5j0mV7H35fAopVGWgtnwwM98nmjubqlNgpE8gDUM69_beqqBC4MbRZZiIZ_oBM7ni3j8IKLXl5FquchhNJRWZUlbshISYj6Yxg/s640/blogger-image--1328376815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXlo4gL1WdpP0q4Hsu05YvpuA_eKKiin3nDk9OnINZ5j0mV7H35fAopVGWgtnwwM98nmjubqlNgpE8gDUM69_beqqBC4MbRZZiIZ_oBM7ni3j8IKLXl5FquchhNJRWZUlbshISYj6Yxg/s640/blogger-image--1328376815.jpg"></a></div></div>Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-78586143631124794762013-11-21T08:55:00.001-08:002013-11-21T08:55:37.016-08:00Out in the Open<i>Hallelujah grace like rain falls down on me</i><div><i>Hallelujah all my stains are washed away</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>The Williams family (www.williamsinthewilderness.com) and I sang together as Kenneth led us in worship. </div><div><br></div><div>He stopped in the middle of the song and said, "Imagine yourself standing in a field with the rain of Karamoja falling on your face. You're not hiding under the shade of the tree, you're out in the middle, out in the open. The hard rain of Karamoja beating down on you, like the grace of God, washing your stains away". </div><div><br></div><div>He's right. The rains of Karamoja come hard and strong, beating down everything in it's path.</div><div><br></div><div>But what caught my attention the most was the idea of being out in the open, fully exposed to the grace of God.</div><div><br></div><div>In <i>Celebration of Discipline, </i>Foster states, concerning living in the spirit, "There is no longer the tiring need to hide our inner selves from others." </div><div><br></div><div>Isn't that the truth? Sometimes it's just exhausting trying to hide the sinful thoughts and motives of our hearts. </div><div><br></div><div>But this is truly the way I wish to live, not having anything within my inner life to hide away. </div><div><br></div><div>Not under the tree, missing out on the weight of the rain. </div><div>Not under the tree, hiding in my shame. </div><div><br></div><div>But out in the open. </div><div>Dancing in the forgiveness and grace of Christ. </div><div><br></div><div>Yes, it leaves us vulnerable. Maybe the hard rains of grace are sometimes even uncomfortable, stripping away things in us that are painful, like our selfishness and pride. </div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); ">But isn't </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">this the grand plan? Didn't Christ die for our sins to be washed away so we could be made right with God, and walk freely out in the open with him?</span></div><div><br></div><div>There, my friends, is where we are called to be. </div><div><br></div><div>There, out in the open, is where we will truly find life, and find it even more abundantly. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgq5D-ADkFTWXpUHp16zH-13ONRuGnFuW1nf1clbGcD0H4nTDlZulHqXA99UqW0rngam1vNHjVyeoc8s3cva1fGQfsk7RJWYS4P1cfTDSVt1o-Su9lbyQpJfk2OpBAfBz9WNGQCcAMHQ/s640/blogger-image--369266392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgq5D-ADkFTWXpUHp16zH-13ONRuGnFuW1nf1clbGcD0H4nTDlZulHqXA99UqW0rngam1vNHjVyeoc8s3cva1fGQfsk7RJWYS4P1cfTDSVt1o-Su9lbyQpJfk2OpBAfBz9WNGQCcAMHQ/s640/blogger-image--369266392.jpg"></a></div>Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-52512566872233224212013-11-08T03:53:00.001-08:002013-11-08T13:17:57.199-08:00Take a Look<div>I <span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">knew what the Lord had been speaking to me as I asked him for something specific I should do here in Kacheri. He said to go pray for the sick. Simple.</span></div><div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I was walking to a village nearby when I saw my shepherd friend, Lokong. (He sells us fresh cow's milk each morning that we pasteurize ourselves.) </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I spoke the words I had just learned and rehearsed. "Ayei itwon ediaka? Achamit ayong nga kalipa kin."</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Is there anyone sick? I want to pray for them. </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">He said yes and began leading me through the field. He told me there was a woman who had lost her baby that morning. He said, "she is wanting to hang herself with the rope." I said, "you must take me to see this woman." </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">As we entered the family's manyata, she was sitting in the shade of her hut. Beside her, the ground was freshly stained. </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Not from tears, but from milk. </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">She was draining her milk, the one substance God had given her to provide for her baby. It had failed her. I wondered if she felt as if God had failed her also, or if she even knew who God was and that He cares for her. </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I knelt down beside her, and held her hand. And I prayed. I prayed for God to give this woman peace of mind and to come and comfort her. I prayed for that family to come to know Him. </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">When we were leaving, I saw the fresh dirt from where the baby had been buried. </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">"There's people hurting all around us. Ain't it a shame, we're too busy to see them, too busy playing games."</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I bet if you look around at the people you're with right now, people in the store, or your class, your work, your church...I bet if you really looked at them, they may not be crying, but I bet some are hurting. They're all around us, just take a look. </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div></div>Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-69056470945761614752013-10-26T05:35:00.001-07:002013-10-26T14:11:29.354-07:00Learning to LoveDonald Miller says in his book <i>Blue Like Jazz</i>, "Sometimes you have to watch somebody love something before you can love it yourself. It is as if they are showing you the way."<div><br></div><div>This has stirred me to think of how others have taught me to love.</div><div><br></div><div>So here's just a few jotted thoughts of what this has looked like in my life. </div><div><br></div><div>My Gramma Gloria gave me a love for writing letters. We were the best of pen-pals! </div><div><br></div><div>Hearing Chip Dickey preach gave me such a love for the Torah. He can make the Old T come to life like no other. </div><div><br></div><div>I'll accredit my love for strawberry slushes with extra strawberries to Devin, back in our ole HS days. </div><div><br></div><div>My dad showed me a love for the great outdoors, camping and fishing. I'm so thankful our vacations were to lakes and rivers, rather than concrete jungles. </div><div><br></div><div>My mom showed me a love for baking and gardening. She also taught me, by example, how to see people that others just pass by and how much a hug can mean. </div><div><br></div><div>Teresa Sauce showed me how to love and serve God in such a beautiful way. </div><div><br></div><div>Watching Stephanie Dugard showed me a simple love for people, regardless of their past or their skin color. She looks everyone in the eye and judges no one. We also share a love for peanut butter and Junie B. Jones. </div><div><br></div><div>Cheryl Read shared her love for Ghana with me. That was a life changer. </div><div><br></div><div>Living with Mike Peppers definitely gave me a love for coffee and 'Gunsmoke'. His wife Karen showed me how to love the homeless with discernment and passion. </div><div><br></div><div>Kenneth and Kristi Williams, who I live with now in Uganda, have showed me to love life in a way I never have before. That following hard after God is the most important thing you can do in life. </div><div><br></div><div>Nikki shared her love for hammocking and Josh Garrels with me in Ghana 2 summers ago. </div><div><br></div><div>Uncle Ed-Jimmy Buffet and the beach </div><div><br></div><div>Caleb Read-Donald Miller, climbing buildings and living without a door. </div><div><br></div><div>Jake Dugard-Jon Mark McMillan and rope swings </div><div><br></div><div>Katy James-creek baths, summer camp, heard life, PD</div><div><br></div><div>Liz Hunt-graveyards and Third Eye Blind</div><div><br></div><div>Carly Hill- Sweet Home Alabama at 3am </div><div><br></div><div>The list could go on and on. Somewhere along the way I also discovered a love for the mountains, hiking, audio books, country music, Nutella and chacos. </div><div><br></div><div>I think some things we love naturally and some we have to learn and grow to love. </div><div><br></div><div>The most important things I have learned from others are how to love God, how to love others, and how to love myself. </div><div><br></div><div>And I hope people are learning those things from my life as well. </div><div><br></div><div>"<span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">That's the only thing that matters in life, the only thing. Fall in love with as many things as possible."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">-Kelly Canter in Country Strong </span></div>Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-68368656639423964542013-10-07T05:07:00.001-07:002013-10-07T05:09:09.802-07:00One MoreKenneth says the curse of living in Uganda is that you get used to things that people back home don't see as normal. <div><br style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I've been back in Karamoja for about 2 weeks now. It's been so good to be back to the place I feel like I left such a huge piece of my heart. But at the same time, I once again feel overwhelmed by the needs and the hardships faced by the people. </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">If you've read my blog before, or receive my email updates, you've heard of sweet Nacuk. She is the granddaughter of TaTaa, who has passed since I was here last time. Her mother is know for drinking and fighting. When I first saw Nacuk since returning, she was filthy, stomach was swollen from malnutrition...that night I cried myself to sleep thinking of her, asking God what I could do to help. She started showing up at our house everyday, so I've been playing with her and feeding her. We also put her in school! </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Then there is TaTaa's sister and her granddaughter, Lokwi. They live together. The sister is a blind old lady and Lokwi is handicapped. When I went to visit them, the blind old lady was building a fire to cook green weeds she had gathered. A blind lady building a fire, yes. And Lokwi was laying on the ground wearing the exact same clothes I gave her a year ago. A YEAR AGO. Except now they were more like rags. </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Yesterday 2 people died by lightning. One was a mother of a three month old baby girl. This morning her husband came to our gate. We sponsor babies that mothers have died in childbirth, giving them formula, a bottle, soap and clothes. The Moses Project. So we registered that baby into our program. </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">We just dropped a baby and his grandmother off at the hospital for severe malnutrition and pneumonia. His mother had left him for prostitution. </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Even now, my friend Adoc is laying on the floor, sick with malaria. </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">These are the kind of everyday happenings that begin to seem "normal". </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">So what can I do? All I know is to live each and every day, each and every moment, as intentionally as I can. To look people in the eye, to take opportunities to pray with people, to treat one more wound...one more. If just one more person is shown the love of Christ, that's what it's all about! That's all I can do. </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">And despite it all, I love this hard, beautiful life. </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXsL6AqlFEuvpLX01_wOHhbbPUVCN-GTyWAfkTOz6SaJj11or-br5slCbDIrBJ7MafJP38KIjH0VQZ2JPbY9tO7Dgt5Svr-q7-Z2fMbdx6_4bIj12P5UWHwk1hVLNf4LDSpVcJcM2JRU/s640/blogger-image-26732638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXsL6AqlFEuvpLX01_wOHhbbPUVCN-GTyWAfkTOz6SaJj11or-br5slCbDIrBJ7MafJP38KIjH0VQZ2JPbY9tO7Dgt5Svr-q7-Z2fMbdx6_4bIj12P5UWHwk1hVLNf4LDSpVcJcM2JRU/s640/blogger-image-26732638.jpg"></a></div>Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com0East Africa (null)2.996306 34.126821tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-19764520367378211932013-09-19T11:14:00.000-07:002013-09-19T11:37:06.334-07:00A Lesson from BeckyToday I went to the Baby's Home here in Seguku with my friend Elise. Here I met Becky.<br />
Becky is an orphan. Age 4.<br />
Becky bit Peter on the arm.<br />
Elise tells Becky to go stand by the office door. That is when they really know they are in trouble.<br />
After discipline, the children are to pray.<br />
Becky asks Elise, "I need to pray for my heart?".<br />
Elise says, "Yes, you need to pray for your heart".<br />
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So here I am, on the porch of a beautiful home, on top of a mountain overlooking the large city of Kampala, asking myself, "I need to pray for my heart?".<br />
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Jesus says, "Yes, you need to pray for your heart".<br />
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1 John 3:20 says sometimes our hearts condemn us. God has reminded me today of how He is greater than my heart, and He knows everything. He has seen it all, the full extent of my evil. Yet, He does not condemn me. But I am the one who condemns myself. Jesus knows the fear and doubt in my heart. He know that I tried to run from Him, more specifically tried to run from His call to come back to Uganda. So today He says, "Pray for your heart Camille, and quit condemning yourself while your at it". :)<br />
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1 John 3:21&22 The Message<br />
And friends, once that's taken care of and we're no longer accusing or condemning ourselves, we're bold and free before God!<br />
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<br />Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-5736969795734456602013-09-13T03:43:00.001-07:002014-02-07T05:28:20.236-08:00here.This is my journal entry from the plane ride I wanted to share: "It's finally here. I am on the plane. I look out the window. We are above the clouds. It's incredible. Trying to grasp just exactly what is happening. So basically, I bought a one-way ticket to Uganda. I have been waiting for this moment. Yes, this exact one. Ha. I knew it would come. This moment where it is just me and my thoughts, where I can quiet my mind and actually think. Since August 1st, up until this point, I have been spending each and every moment possible with any and every person that would spend it wilth me. I've been to the Carolinas, Texas, Colorado, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Ruston, Georgetown...driving, laughing, singing, dancing...just enjoying this life and the people in it. It was a beautiful season, but man it was a whirlwind. And I am spent. But now this moment has come. The moment when I finally come to terms with what I've gotten myself into, haha. And let me tell you, I am all in. I don't feel overwhelmed. I don't feel dreadful or afraid. I just feel "here", if you will, in a good way. I'm not wishing I were back home and I'm not wishing I were living some other life. I am just here. Haha. And I just randomly opened my bible, and I read: "Here am I. Send me!" Here am I. Pretty simple, eh? Here am I, looking out this airplane window, hand in hand with my creator. Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-83868868860922631502013-06-25T02:34:00.000-07:002013-06-25T02:34:15.000-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A couple of people have recently asked me about my blog, (and yes, I literally mean 2 people). So, I gotta keep my fans happy, right? :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let's play a little catch-up. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Since I've Been Home: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After the holiday season I got a job as a Mental Health Specialist at the Methodist Children's Home in Ruston, Louisiana. Even though it is a 1 1/2 hour commute, I love it! I love my girls, my co-workers. Don't get me wrong though, every shift is a wild ride and this job is NOT for the faint of heart. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I also got a dog! Beau <3 (Country Strong, anyone?) and then he got stolen! :( But I got him back! Yayyy! I've never loved an animal more. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLauOGO-EI2kobmAym6yDyFkRcsrCYN2BmNmw6V9Uu168d5AkJTc0SoUX5VrDzZh4PmrkNP-xBWSnmZU2uEaUOOgpvDRmtfDiVXK3_1tbzF1Hf6WstyD5nvDYwLybUppk_TQapEbgiQA/s1600/562324_10151550365391460_2106309183_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLauOGO-EI2kobmAym6yDyFkRcsrCYN2BmNmw6V9Uu168d5AkJTc0SoUX5VrDzZh4PmrkNP-xBWSnmZU2uEaUOOgpvDRmtfDiVXK3_1tbzF1Hf6WstyD5nvDYwLybUppk_TQapEbgiQA/s320/562324_10151550365391460_2106309183_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then I got into a really bad wreck and totaled my car! :/ But God had me in his hands that day without a doubt. I walked away with no injuries!! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSm4iDvSqFNa8EzycRG9jP5VTj4ajkmHEk4O3aXxthnpoDS4hl8tIsNBa7T_XhreK0HE7YN8hON__YebAPRio91BXSv8KDlw3F1uVEJIVoWsBfootzCUqa50ecJ8oOcOI5da1-rWmYg4A/s1600/1011712_10151668562851460_1428338404_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSm4iDvSqFNa8EzycRG9jP5VTj4ajkmHEk4O3aXxthnpoDS4hl8tIsNBa7T_XhreK0HE7YN8hON__YebAPRio91BXSv8KDlw3F1uVEJIVoWsBfootzCUqa50ecJ8oOcOI5da1-rWmYg4A/s320/1011712_10151668562851460_1428338404_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In my spare time, which seems like only 20 minutes a week, I LOVE spending time with the girls in my youth group. So maybe a majority of my friends are ages 13-16 but I'm okay with that!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCriHuxqQJ-aBJuzsL2n5zeUFyDO0tKGdQRd7E_NmZ8xgECNBeFMNSXNXejY2T1nn3A10-Oc8wcg4GGMCop1g0ZOPHX7Ir7v0I4Nzffb5rfNjSBKesES8X7WCPR04slUs5aMpABq83DM/s1600/576816_550751908297061_1948124704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCriHuxqQJ-aBJuzsL2n5zeUFyDO0tKGdQRd7E_NmZ8xgECNBeFMNSXNXejY2T1nn3A10-Oc8wcg4GGMCop1g0ZOPHX7Ir7v0I4Nzffb5rfNjSBKesES8X7WCPR04slUs5aMpABq83DM/s320/576816_550751908297061_1948124704_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The thing I've struggled most with since being back to the states is the busy way of life. If I'm not accomplishing 452 things in a day I feel unproductive. I ALWAYS feel like I am in a hurry, and I am ALWAYS running late for this or that. I cannot keep up!! Ugh, it's so stressful sometimes! I just wanna kayak and bake cookies from scratch all day, ya know?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Currently: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am in Florida at the beach!! With my Aunt Sue, Uncle Ed, cousins, lil sis and bro-in-law! Man, definitely needed this "time-out" from the normal grind. I've gotten to read, lay-out, go for a run, take a bubble bath, blog and sleep! Things I love to do but not so often get to do! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYD_ViJVBdx4xjyXXIxi81Jn-oq7HoSShZpaW1gxjaqvBzjHdC9itbzx3tudcISjJfgvbNMLjcjZOiQ9_6QskrJz09nRpOiKrSFY-viWdLiwvSDdwOKe9i8Gv4w8WjQcNK-KsCZc3fNpM/s1600/7753_10151665349361460_297388715_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYD_ViJVBdx4xjyXXIxi81Jn-oq7HoSShZpaW1gxjaqvBzjHdC9itbzx3tudcISjJfgvbNMLjcjZOiQ9_6QskrJz09nRpOiKrSFY-viWdLiwvSDdwOKe9i8Gv4w8WjQcNK-KsCZc3fNpM/s320/7753_10151665349361460_297388715_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Coming Up Next:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">drumroll please.........I AM GOING BACK TO UGANDA!!! More details to come, but, I leave September 11, and will be going back to live with the Williams family! For a year or forever, I'm not quite sure yet. ;)</span><br />
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Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-46271048454321087362013-01-08T08:48:00.000-08:002013-01-08T09:37:53.192-08:00A Lesson from TaTaa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is my African Grandmother, TaTaa. She captured my heart from the first time I met her during my time in Karamoja, Uganda. </div>
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Not only was TaTaa malnourished, but she was also neglected, forgotton. When she bacame sick, her surrounding family assumed she would die...and so she was basically dead to them. TaTaa can not use her hands to gather or cook food, or even feed herself. She cannot use her legs to walk, even to go to the bathroom. So she crawls through the dirt and mud to the edge of her compound. </div>
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But to add to her state, she could no longer bathe herself, dependant on those around her to do this daunting task. We provided clean clothes and soap, yet weeks went by without TaTaa being bathed. She wore the same ragged skirt and shirt day and night, covered in filth and feces. </div>
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So one day, I decided it had been long enough and I would do it by myself. So, I walked down the familiar trail to TaTaa's house. I somehow recruited a few of her surrounding granddaughters, and we bathed TaTaa!! It was a windy day. As soon as we would wash off an area, more dust would blow onto her cold, wet skin. It seemed almost pointless, but completely worth it to see the dignity in her eyes that day. I will never forget the sight of the water puddled in the gaps of her malnourished shoulder and neck bones. Or my attempt to wash under her armpit, and my fingers being unable to reach the height between her arms and her body. It was horrific. But she never once complained. </div>
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We dried her off and put on her clean clothes. She smiled. </div>
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Then there were her dirty clothes. I gathered them up, along with her thin blanket and other dirty clothes and took them to our house, so I could wash them. Hand wash them, that is. </div>
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I filled the 2 laundry basins with water. One for washing, rinsing, and then an empty one for the wrung out clothes that were ready to be put on the clothes line. </div>
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I began to wash. With the first item, the water had already turned from clean to murky brown. Water splashed on me, I was up to my elbows in the filthy water. A splash here and a splash there, I was covered. Covered in filth and feces. Then I went to empty the wash basin, and the goat laying on the ground, stretched out it's leg, and tripped me! More water went all over my shirt. </div>
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All that to say, here's the lesson learned:</div>
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Getting involved in the lives of others is messy. Sometimes, you just have to get covered in their mess, in their filth. There are a lot of people hurting around us, ones that it is so much easier just to pass by, pretend we don't see them. But we have to get our hands and our hearts dirty in the lives of others to reach out to them. To be a beakon of light and life into them. To love them. Didn't Jesus come down from heaven to meet us in our filth? To pour his life out so that we may be made clean?</div>
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That is what I am trying to do with my life. Pour my life out into others, even when it is the messiest and most uncomfortable of situations. And hope that others will join me in the mess of mine also. </div>
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Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-2193980781859104562012-11-08T23:17:00.000-08:002012-11-08T23:17:39.469-08:00Leaving KaramojaMy goodness, what is there to say after such an incredible 3 month journey? We left Karamoja 4 days ago, and I don't think it has quite sunk in for me yet. We've been pretty busy...a game drive with giraffes and elephants, boating on the Nile seeing crocs and hippos. Made it to the city of Kampala..buying souvenirs, getting ready to return to US. But when I lay down at night, there are faces stuck in my mind, in my heart. It's my new African grandmother, Tataa. I wonder if she's had any food today. It's the sweet child, Nachuke, from the village. I'm wondering if anyone has loved on her today, given her hugs and kisses. Dangit, even as I'm writing this my heart is breaking. It's the faces and voices of my new friends yelling, "Nanya", my Karamajong name, as I walk through the village. It's even those stubborn children that sometimes I'd want to spank, and probably would if I could catch them!<br />
You see, I didn't really know what I was getting myself into in going to Karamoja. I didn't know they were a culture of beggars, aggressive and demanding. But the Lord just gave me a love for the people. I know it's from the Lord because the love supply from within myself ran short a long time ago. He renewed it within me day by day, and even moment by moment at times. I didn't know it would be so hard. A<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">nd now, i never thought it would be so hard to leave. </span><br />
But now it is time for me to head back to ole Louisiana for a season. I don't know where I'll work, or even live for that matter. Home to meet babies that have been born, to congratulate friends who've gotten engaged and married.Home to hug my family and prove to them that I'm still alive, haha. But I know there is not a day that will go by that I will not be thinking of Karamoja.<br />
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"I'll come back when he calls me, no need to say good-bye." -Regina SpectorCamille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-33454579436779466162012-09-23T05:27:00.000-07:002012-09-23T05:35:40.007-07:00The Village LifeWhew....what to even say...I've been in kacheri for about 1 1/2 months now I think. We have traveled south about 7 hours to a more cityish area called Saroti. It has special things like ice and couches and Internet. But I do miss the village of Kacheri. I didn't realize how much I would. I miss waking up to the mooing of the cows, sorting rice, biking into the villages to share a simple story under a tree.<br />
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I'll give ya an idea of my life there from day to day...the adults wake to have prayer before the kiddos get up. About 6:30. And drink a glorious cup of joe. After the kids wake we do some morning chores. I help them wash dishes from the night before. Then while they do school in the living room, I usually do some wound care...which in of itself is a miracle being that I usually pass out at the sight of blood. Then ill go visit my akumat old lady friend Longok, and bring her some porrige and milk. She is maybe 50ish and weighs about 70 lbs. You can see every bone in her back and chest. For lunch we sort rice and cut fresh veggies to make some yummy concoction or have beans and posho, a local dish that is my fave. After lunch I go to different villages with my friend Warri. He is an excellent translator and enjoys sharing bible stories very much. Sometimes we bike only 20 mins away, but sometimes 40 or more. Ole Warri always seems surprised when I survive one of our biking trips haha. We just gather under a tree and share stories from scripture and pray for one another. They sing songs sometimes. It's so fun, I love it. They always talk to me but I never understand and they always laugh at me because of the way I say things. So then dinner takes several hours to prepare. We've also incorporated the insanity workout into the day. But remember, this is Africa, so this daily itinerary varies. Not to mention I live with 7 children, so there is always a book to read or frisbee to throw or mountain to climb.<br />
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Something the Lord has been working in me is an obedient heart. In my time in Ghana before I came here He spoke to me a lot about having a willing heart. Now He is leading me to have a more passionate heart. Seems like one by one, one step at a time He is doing new things in me.<br />
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I think I'm at the half way mark about now. Thanks so much for prayers and encouragement from people. Til next time :)Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-9269316457857112332012-08-10T14:46:00.000-07:002012-08-10T14:47:53.702-07:00A Different Kind of Africa<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have made it to Uganda! I loved it within the first 10 minutes, but trying to pace myself. We have 2 more days of traveling before we end up in my Ugandan home village of Kacheri.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ya see, to get to Kacheri from the capitol of Kampala, first you drive 5 hours on paved roads. And then you drive 8 more hours on dirt roads. Kenneth says it's as far away from society that you can possibly get around here. 4 hours to the nearest running water source. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am with Kenneth and Kristi Williams, and their 7 children: Ezra, Izzy, Zion, Achuka, Selah, Veah, and Rikot. from ages 17 months to 8! I LOVE THEM!!! They are such an amazing family. I was showered with welcome cards and picked flowers from the children. Yesterday at the guest house, we fed bread to monkeys from our hands.We sat in the yard with about 12 of them. It was really awesome!! </span><br />
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their blog is w<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">ww.williamsinthewilderness.co<wbr></wbr></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>m if you'd like to read more about them. Kristi's sister, Kerri and her husband Andrew also live there, and their blog is http://www.joyofmine.blogspot.com/. It has pictures of Kacheri and my hut home! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I am ready to be there. Living in village with the Ugandans, eating what they eat, living how they live, seeing how they see...</span></span></span><br /><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-46778478308374136802012-08-07T12:20:00.002-07:002012-08-07T12:20:34.736-07:00Ghana 2012<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;">Just letting you know all is well here in Ghana! We have been doing different activities in the villages everyday, telling bible stories, vbs, bringing food to widows and orphans. At night we've been doing crusades in the surrounding villages, showing the Jesus film. For 3 nights we've had revival at shalom baptist. And let me tell ya, I'm not sure you've been revived til you've been to an African revival. Open air church with gravel floor. Stories shared of being beaten after converting to Christianity from their Muslim faith. Their dedication to the Lord is so strong and passionate. They worship with all of their heart. The ghanain believers have been such an encouragement and example to me of faith. Next to them I feel so humbled. Almost unworthy to even be worshipping the same God. We did a good news congress with 140 children. It's like a vbs day. I bandaged many little wounds :( they need so much more than I can give them. But God has been so good to me. I'm so thankful to be back here. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;">I've seen clean water in a village that has never had water before, women rejoicing at the sight of food delivery, the most joyful children I've ever seen as they played with a water bottle, Ghanian believers sharing their faith with their Muslim neighbors, dancing and clapping and they worship the Lord...ahhhh so much more. More than I have time to descibe.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;">"Sometimes it is hard to leave where your heart is." -Pastor Mohammed</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;">Wednesday the 8th (tomorrow), my team will head back to America and I will be flying to Uganda to start the next portion of this adventure. I will be there 3 months! Details to come :)</span>Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-65817853545705617792012-03-07T08:54:00.012-08:002012-03-07T11:56:24.163-08:00the Lord's plans prevail.Here are some hightlights since the last time I blogged:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPt5kdC48QaqqC0PqGASLeF_cTWfnGCdcFHXgjzr_A2wsAeB0rZAa2wTSFnvps-VirL7Pa-XxTDc6aR38Rm7pirszfkxNhU8gxyV6VX3EAm5DQTxiGBCCMwP1H2D51Y_GSks-JnTNlSnQ/s1600/snowman.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717204698261468402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPt5kdC48QaqqC0PqGASLeF_cTWfnGCdcFHXgjzr_A2wsAeB0rZAa2wTSFnvps-VirL7Pa-XxTDc6aR38Rm7pirszfkxNhU8gxyV6VX3EAm5DQTxiGBCCMwP1H2D51Y_GSks-JnTNlSnQ/s320/snowman.jpg" /></a><br />Built a snowman....or snow tower. Not to mention, I am surprisingly surviving winter out here in the West! It has been pretty mild, praise the Lord!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVCeujjOz7ZRIHZR-zA0Lg5WBGrEmf9__WQXC_nfNfriZT-A6rGcY_isZ7IKn6k2wgRnzT5OaZbqaW6RrqfGAmFdm_16INsFxT8-SwPlzDSdL_9N-Yv-NBJch5d8a9S-U6Q96fdcSgog/s1600/lucy.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717204358877227394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVCeujjOz7ZRIHZR-zA0Lg5WBGrEmf9__WQXC_nfNfriZT-A6rGcY_isZ7IKn6k2wgRnzT5OaZbqaW6RrqfGAmFdm_16INsFxT8-SwPlzDSdL_9N-Yv-NBJch5d8a9S-U6Q96fdcSgog/s320/lucy.jpg" /></a> Bought a flower! An orchid named Lucy. Apparently they don't need much water, so I somewhat drowned her. But the lady I live with is reviving it. :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wDdp99BPbKLzoNeRGjedNnef9MWTnWd7X6WrAX1VfckLQJDm98nsY3Q9M1hYQ3g-_XwrJdKxKhsxqfH2Dsfa2UuRiPSFyaJ9oTbxVEiV1WlymhYJD0YxYNekcyY9mOvdcsk7zjlLjP0/s1600/ghana+2010+255.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717203881918712242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wDdp99BPbKLzoNeRGjedNnef9MWTnWd7X6WrAX1VfckLQJDm98nsY3Q9M1hYQ3g-_XwrJdKxKhsxqfH2Dsfa2UuRiPSFyaJ9oTbxVEiV1WlymhYJD0YxYNekcyY9mOvdcsk7zjlLjP0/s320/ghana+2010+255.JPG" /></a><br />The Lord called me back to Ghana this summer!!!!!!! He has also opened many doors for me to speak and share to raise funds here in CO. I laid the financing part of the trip at His feet, because I told Him that I was minding my own business when He called me back to Ghana ;) He has been faithful, as always.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5XO2OKI_PgwGChTPElAGSD7myqPQjM3VnVWTG24tAnpVoWW2hf1O4CmzP5PXIiFDalB_s9U0mI8c78MkStpHhVmWJ-yVNl8l_s7XHEaNxRZqhTSgRbG_Q-pGiKS1rIsaiLgyp7OKc-U/s1600/Video+call+snapshot+25.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717203099416763522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5XO2OKI_PgwGChTPElAGSD7myqPQjM3VnVWTG24tAnpVoWW2hf1O4CmzP5PXIiFDalB_s9U0mI8c78MkStpHhVmWJ-yVNl8l_s7XHEaNxRZqhTSgRbG_Q-pGiKS1rIsaiLgyp7OKc-U/s320/Video+call+snapshot+25.png" /></a> Skyped with my family over Thanksgiving! That was a HOOT!!! bahahah, too funny.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So, it's been a really awesome season here in Colorado. November to now I've been investing as much as I can into Feed My Sheep homeless center. I've started a bible study with the women and have been teaching the lesson on Sundays. They have truly become like a family to me, and best friends, even though they are twice my age, haha. I've gained about 30 uncles! Especially when they found out that I'm going to Africa this summer, can you imagine the lectures I've gotton! Of course, along with caring for people, comes heart ache as well. When they hurt, I hurt. When they are sad, I am sad. My heart goes out to the ones stuck in their pasts and their mistakes, addictions and failures. But when one gets a job, or rejoices, we all rejoice!!!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717202532930598530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmM2qMWV4_oaJpaE5OmzLC7x6_o2LTrdqWwl2YEyt0flbcV4O8HLA5ipftGHfeXplcR3r2k9BNHWXTk0uB_1xWOR3eh4W5YurftFBLxbdD1ZYEVkaEf7GfkV2EM-qYUsODX6UubV26dw/s320/haley.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center">And so thankfully, my little sis came to CO during Christmas time!!! </p><br /><p align="center">9 more days until I move back to Louisiana, to be a nanny for 2 months! I'm VERY EXCITED to see Ruston friends, Georgetown friends and all my family! :)<br />Proverbs 19:21<br />Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. </p><br /><p align="center">Since I've graduated, the Lord's purposed have been prevailing in my life to use me and to bring back closer to Him. From googling and getting the job in Utah, to quitting that job to work at Feed My Sheep, to unexpectedly getting to go back to Africa...His purpose prevails.<br /></p>Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-46172307767679038662011-11-23T18:31:00.000-08:002011-11-23T19:06:51.873-08:00surprise!well, I quit my job in the mountains, Utah to work full time here in Colorado at the homeless center, Feed My Sheep. It was bittersweet, because I loved wilderness therapy. I loved spending every other week on a mountain away from society. ha! such a simple life. and I LOVED my "wiggy", my -20 degree sleeping bag. It could be freezing but when you get in that wiggy it's like magic! It just gets warm in there. Even when I woke up to ice on the outside of it, haha.<br /><br />I am SO blessed to be here at FMS. It was kind of like the Lord said, "Surprise Camille! You're right where I want you, and I want you here full time!" Ha! He snuck up on me and changed my plans. But it doesn't take very long at all for it to feel like home here at the homeless center. It's comfy with couches and and a living room feel. And the people here are so great. I wish you could meet Norm! We sit and read the funnies together and drink coffee with our creamer. He is a hoot! And Susan!! She is one of the most wonderful women I have ever met, she has a beautiful heart of a servant and is so encouraging! She has become one of my best friends.<br /><br />In the mean time, the Lord is doing an incredible work in my heart. He is calling me back to a place of full surrender. "Offer me your whole heart...", he beckons.<br /><br />Missing my fam during this Thanksgiving season. But I made some homemade banana pudding today that my mom makes every year. It was a taste of home :)<br /><br />thanks for reading!Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-12060064309736958872011-08-01T15:40:00.000-07:002011-08-01T17:19:45.275-07:00apparently i'm a "southern bell"...hmmmm, where to start??<br />I worked a double on my last shift so was on the mountain for 2 1/2 weeks. you really learn a lot when you are stranded on a mountain with a group of juvenile delinquents. but it's totally worth it when a student tells you that you've really helped them through the week or you get to see change in them. so here are some memorable moments...<br /><br />getting all 7 of my bow drill fires. ya know, starting fires with sticks and stuff..<br />learning about a place called Hoonah Island! 600 natives and 3,000 grizzley bears!!!<br />slept under the stars. it was INCREDIBLE! saw 9 shooting stars before I fell asleep...<br />saw an antelope!<br />met a girl that changed my life, Kenzie. She is a down to earth gal with a zest fore life :) She's the one who told me about Hoonah! She and her husband lived there for a month...until they were almost bear bait!<br />almost cut my finger off while carving a wooden spoon. then a fellow staff thought i was about to pass out so he stuffed skittles into my mouth...classic.<br />had a kid get away from camp without a staff. it was pretty scary...but he came back after being chased by a herd of cows. bahaha<br />had a student graduate from the program. she was inspirational! I am so proud.<br />was told that i earned the nickname "bell". Apparently I am a southern bell with a sweet twang. Yeaaaa...they give me a hard time.<br /><br />my most life changing experience was reading the book "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. Here's a quote from it: "What is a personal calling? It is God's blessing, it is the path that God chose for you here on Earth. Whenever we do something that fills us with enthusiasm, we are following our legend."<br /><br />Ya know how you know you are changing but can't seem to put a finger on it? Well, that's sort of what I am experiencing. I mean, every new experience, new person that you meet, new place that you see...they all make a difference in your life. I am inspired. My whole heart is in this journey. I want to follow my "personal legend" that The Alchemist speaks of. I want to learn and grow and change...and live.Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-11489883800349751542011-06-26T18:07:00.001-07:002011-06-26T18:54:04.231-07:00Feed My Sheep MinistriesHello! Here are some of my sweet new friends from Feed My Sheep homeless center, downtown Glenwood Springs. The shelter began with a woman, who after being saved, was reading her bible and asking God what He wanted from her. After reading John 21, she knew the Lord wanted her to "feed his sheep"! So she bagan this ministry. She has passed on, but Feed My Sheep is still going strong. And it's a beautiful place that ministers to many, turning no one down.<br />They are amazing, beautiful people! They have welcomed me into their family! I love spending time with them and hearing their stories.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0tL9Xaz1mMS2i85ufphZtcKpjDFx9a0vK66NlXz25j05T0rWrkUt8rurFY4RQkR7YNZbjowwbLluvfmvUJV7wXOs8BGwUW-xgKVbCb9KGU2wKtZDNRCkPjOlph9LuCJNvdDRpaCOMGI/s1600/feedmysheep+036.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622706258531246386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0tL9Xaz1mMS2i85ufphZtcKpjDFx9a0vK66NlXz25j05T0rWrkUt8rurFY4RQkR7YNZbjowwbLluvfmvUJV7wXOs8BGwUW-xgKVbCb9KGU2wKtZDNRCkPjOlph9LuCJNvdDRpaCOMGI/s320/feedmysheep+036.JPG" /></a>Rainy<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRO-ixccsHTXcqkxSJghV83M5-E4FrC-ywTK4FoSNbkODO1l2sN5KGFYrKRI7__p3BjkWczLaBItXRUVCSt9D_Tq15cLD-TIKjGFNfCmLpAaPOPfthITGEWT-Q9PbeL6Id_ED-PuryQWU/s1600/feedmysheep+040.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622704572994913138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRO-ixccsHTXcqkxSJghV83M5-E4FrC-ywTK4FoSNbkODO1l2sN5KGFYrKRI7__p3BjkWczLaBItXRUVCSt9D_Tq15cLD-TIKjGFNfCmLpAaPOPfthITGEWT-Q9PbeL6Id_ED-PuryQWU/s320/feedmysheep+040.JPG" /></a> Mrs. Susan. She is a beautiful soul, full of joy!<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tib25xcek9upVGGp4BOEKrjw4d7x2X-L9yQIW9WT4PIAhiTYWkMpWU4LkroeJWagvYOX1JGOWeXg74cRXM5noLa6JXiZSWACUYg4ZKFBwNeuQAeQ_EVkWW_WDbN5xrxROHMbxVp7fBY/s1600/feedmysheep+038.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622704085209007362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tib25xcek9upVGGp4BOEKrjw4d7x2X-L9yQIW9WT4PIAhiTYWkMpWU4LkroeJWagvYOX1JGOWeXg74cRXM5noLa6JXiZSWACUYg4ZKFBwNeuQAeQ_EVkWW_WDbN5xrxROHMbxVp7fBY/s320/feedmysheep+038.JPG" /></a> Carol and Mr. Charlie. He is a character! We love to walk him everyday :)</div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622704578202068530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX51_wwjcxjc7gpO2D9rFae8oYv_neM-U3XeThhw4-3kYfFnyWzY3pQf1HALaljLFUaspUiPhEGsuE-yIZjcia1ApB5tM1vW8bc4a-KrnPNHDdrc8GeaSgNl_oAYbtv6KR2BIp-JQlvPM/s320/feedmysheep+002.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><div>This is a view of the valley I'm staying in, from the top of Doc Holliday Mountain. Yep, I climbed a mountain! It's so beautiful!! It's been in the 90s lately. ALMOST reminds me of good ol' Louisiana. Ohhhh, i miss that place...<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622706254627726562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7m9o_Cqog1Wa2q6FJUZ66Arg2AV2mmYl0eWjK7tELphyphenhyphenC2sql8Tqe63VP5d49Amc8S0nq78loUFerBvk0viU-Yo_rEPJqhmDJiPa1K9Nu9lullMvTSRafdmd3If3CAZ3MKK1xPFnWm0/s320/feedmysheep+025.JPG" />The dandilions here are massive and beautiful!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOgFQZ-ZAOXY51NnyDCmoyMwb4oVzTlNqGYEWzJd2TXNDKP62h_F7ZVccB0kX77E2fwlVo5GT5mn8TaMMYl-tY1xCxUK71BuBl_zvskIPy_A1-lTEQixls7IsmGzlK87MhGuvnsvxriI/s1600/feedmysheep+010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622704078784153586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOgFQZ-ZAOXY51NnyDCmoyMwb4oVzTlNqGYEWzJd2TXNDKP62h_F7ZVccB0kX77E2fwlVo5GT5mn8TaMMYl-tY1xCxUK71BuBl_zvskIPy_A1-lTEQixls7IsmGzlK87MhGuvnsvxriI/s320/feedmysheep+010.JPG" /></a> Oh, and there was a graveyard at the top of Doc Holliday Mountain, including a memorial for Doc Holliday...if anyone knows who he is, please fill me in.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNbd1jBPEzx0Wtt8k9PdajPKN4sdqUvpveSNM66ozceRg8ryyvG_8DrEDubzOckvzVRPdwUPR3rfNZGSZ7dp-4gZnCrGWhUQ4CtV0SomGYEcD2DpbJ449l2gqrCEdn8OBHnyzMMsvrb8/s1600/feedmysheep+032.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622703064158013026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNbd1jBPEzx0Wtt8k9PdajPKN4sdqUvpveSNM66ozceRg8ryyvG_8DrEDubzOckvzVRPdwUPR3rfNZGSZ7dp-4gZnCrGWhUQ4CtV0SomGYEcD2DpbJ449l2gqrCEdn8OBHnyzMMsvrb8/s320/feedmysheep+032.JPG" /></a>These flowers remind me of my lovely mama! :)<br /><br />So, I am enjoying my time here in CO. I go to work in Utah for my first shift this Wednesday. I'll be in the wilderness, no cell phone, no showers, for 8 days. I am excited, a little nervous! I am in here until the Lord leads me elsewhere...I'm not real sure what He is up to. But I do know that He has provided for me so faithfully and has me here for some purpose, surely.<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-57512062928663459222011-06-20T14:22:00.000-07:002011-06-20T15:54:08.873-07:00roadtrip of a lifetime<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWsYdfTys6SwdpJCKZDN2UOIQV21WL3Ova3us3l9bUnhttHUFmik0RT4Ry7PFBDg3mBGfn6le7h22Ma6vkclTVeE1Q-aczjcdjO5LGEJ_uz9BZY4V34dSJQb-GXZdtozttk6_nosjfb4/s1600/glenwood+springs1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620433978792948930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWsYdfTys6SwdpJCKZDN2UOIQV21WL3Ova3us3l9bUnhttHUFmik0RT4Ry7PFBDg3mBGfn6le7h22Ma6vkclTVeE1Q-aczjcdjO5LGEJ_uz9BZY4V34dSJQb-GXZdtozttk6_nosjfb4/s200/glenwood+springs1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>This journey all started months ago while sitting at work googling different options of things to do post-graduation. I found this wilderness therapy program, Ashley Valley Wilderness in Vernal, Utah. <a href="http://www.ashleyvalleywilderness.com/">http://www.ashleyvalleywilderness.com/</a></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>so I applied online and had a skype interview and came to training that started on June 13th, my birfday! Training was in tents! (literally) You get in a company vehicle and ride for 2+ hours through the mountains on windy dirt roads, and then they drop ya off with equipment! you set up camp...and there you are. Left to survive...and I survived!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>i learned how to cut limbs from trees and carve them with sharp rocks to make this thing that can start a fire ember that you can put in a nest of tree bark and start a fire...</div><br /><br /><div>and i learned the hard way that zipping your sleeping bag at night will prevent you from freezing..</div><br /><br /><div>i learned how to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner over the camp fire.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>My first shift will start on June 29th! I'll work a week and be off a week...wednesday to wednesday. I can't wait to be out there with the students...they are 12-25 year olds struggling with drug abuse, alcoholism, depression and what have you.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>and now, here I am, sitting in a coffee shop in glenwood springs, COLORADO!!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 132px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620433813286702306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBZLUhp5SGZ7rGz0GcURfc381GpVhqdHI6-WJb7G0gIeqN41512UHezjlMXKmtr-ANpiXPNrl9t0C5r_f58ZyfWzZecxr2qYM3rGW77c_1bLTju7JrJAzXPkta01PQYdGtaJcRv0KAp0/s200/glenwood+springs.jpg" />on my off shilft i'll be staying here with a dear friend's aunt and uncle and volunteering at their homeleass shelter. they are such a blessing!!</div><br /><br /><div>it's in a valley in between mountains and mountains...so beautiful it seems like it should be in another country or something. there is still snow on some of the mountain tops! </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I will leave you with a quote from one of my favorite books, "Somewhere", as told by Garret the Parrot. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div align="center">"We are looking for joy,</div><br /><div align="center">we are looking for laughter,</div><br /><div align="center">for Once-upon-a-time</div><br /><div align="center">and happily-ever-after.</div><br /><div align="center">This is Adventure</div><br /><div align="center">so follow your heart,</div><br /><div align="center">and try not to be </div><br /><div align="center">a worry wart!"</div>Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-85383427125364776252011-04-29T22:04:00.000-07:002011-04-29T22:12:41.865-07:00gone crabbin'!supplies:<br />raw meat<br />string<br />nets<br />ice chest<br /><br />tie your meat to the string and throw it out. then when ya feel a crab a nibblin, ya pull it in and sneak up on the crab with your net. then ya cook em!!<br /><br />ok, now peeling them is a whole 'nother story. You'll have to get mawmaw ivy to teach ya that one.<br /><br />today we also went down a nature trail and saw some gators. that was pretty exciting. they swam right underneath the bridge we were standing on and we poked them with sticks.<br /><br />lovely little vaca down here in south louisiana :DCamille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356136164335766746.post-9217992610416265792011-04-26T22:10:00.000-07:002011-04-26T22:49:59.820-07:00a few recent adventures..<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8mAskkUkSryIE6UdoJcYXqd-LFNThyJT8DQGgPkp57XbMZXBwY6ixwGCkTFamXz4Vq9wEZBCCqn3Q_IcV1DS2R_g2YKaxG1aAd8mmUJyMVP3GVez_As3BaUNzMq9uIGSUKoZiSeiivQ/s1600/215232_611054771204_202306736_33238229_7872885_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600134770173380402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8mAskkUkSryIE6UdoJcYXqd-LFNThyJT8DQGgPkp57XbMZXBwY6ixwGCkTFamXz4Vq9wEZBCCqn3Q_IcV1DS2R_g2YKaxG1aAd8mmUJyMVP3GVez_As3BaUNzMq9uIGSUKoZiSeiivQ/s200/215232_611054771204_202306736_33238229_7872885_n.jpg" /></a> Headed to the Arkansas/Oklahoma border last weekend for a road trip to my favorite place on the planet. Pig Camp. Creek baths, runs off of a generator, worship on the mountain...love it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600133091625180450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0QTkd7pX55IfAm7enU085CMqQNEYuT1rXgc1oebCeEu5mkpiktrfkx5M1_zHY0y60By2dRw2nLbKSW9_S848wilfmooKf3XacpC-0r_mJQ2eJ_iJoHGnoUsW8A5AZ5z2A9PQGhFadn8/s200/camping3.bmp" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrcY9YwUsNqNy1ZqElIsFz3t5i_ka0nNDfUJOvsLiNVcoZylsuogzqVXxQLYWS2Hhyphenhyphen_MmI34WREX14pVvidvBkdTviXT-gLrCaV9r_m1_bdO7RsYdzec_d6zuydt_3Wxuu9mSaxiw81I/s1600/camping.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 178px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600133084445746178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrcY9YwUsNqNy1ZqElIsFz3t5i_ka0nNDfUJOvsLiNVcoZylsuogzqVXxQLYWS2Hhyphenhyphen_MmI34WREX14pVvidvBkdTviXT-gLrCaV9r_m1_bdO7RsYdzec_d6zuydt_3Wxuu9mSaxiw81I/s200/camping.jpg" /></a><br />Kelli's birfday!! </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">camping, cooking over the fire, collecting our own wood, smores</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">setting up camp/tents...we did it all! it was awesome!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Even with sweet prego Ashley :)<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibic-wuyJ_WsVtBGtmYkIlCwtiJOlPU-bZ8esyT3yfjWuWQIh5oj84_wZ5xcfedWxM_btfD8VWSZKbmVFCtEm9eaP_sAf6MFLdtNB94Nch4trhCYKzV8I6TE5halHtWUE5Tdf7SEGYpHs/s1600/102_3640.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600127346613271186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibic-wuyJ_WsVtBGtmYkIlCwtiJOlPU-bZ8esyT3yfjWuWQIh5oj84_wZ5xcfedWxM_btfD8VWSZKbmVFCtEm9eaP_sAf6MFLdtNB94Nch4trhCYKzV8I6TE5halHtWUE5Tdf7SEGYpHs/s200/102_3640.JPG" /></a> and last but never leaste, Nashville! oh, nashville.</div></div>Camille Landryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02322265353018796779noreply@blogger.com1