Returning, Pondering, Still Returning

Returning from The Valley March 2017

Home

The month of March is too early to return to Michigan for San Benito,  However, as always home has some perks that even cold weather does not diminish.

I live in a relative new subdivision, The Meadows.   There are no trees to block the beauty of the sky.  

When my son, Ed, went for kindergarten  registration they asked him what he wanted to do when he grew up.  He said, "I want to help God paint the sky!"  Ed and his wife, Gale, are still paining happy colors into my life.  

God is doing a great job on the sky!

Garden Pondering

It is a two year tradition to have a garden.  I call it my jungle garden because it does not need attention.  When my brother Jim and his wife Janet come, they identify which plants are weeds and we pull them out then,  

I had no idea how much joy I would get from the jungle gardens on four small parts of my yard.

From dirt to Beauty!  Is that true of our transformation as God created humanity from the dust of the earth.  God continues to care for us and we return to the beauty of God's original intent for each of us, "very good".

We are creatures that can know God and love each other.

Even some home grown tomatoes.

Did you find the butterfly?

The Fun of Summer

In July I attended a conference of Christians for Biblical Equality, https://www.cbeinternational.org    with my sister Donna in Orlando.  Inspirational messages and workshops.

Of course  some Disney shopping. 

I related to this sign at Mammoth Cave.  I am on a self guided DISCOVERY TOUR.  I am thankful for the Methodist tradition that teaches that God is within us and providing insights.

This trip driving back from Orlando was filled with Social Justice pondering.

Seeing the historic reality at Mission San Luis set me to wondering what the God of reconciliation have for me to do in the return of flourishing to all.












Spending time at Birmingham Civil Rights Institute caused a lamenting heart.  I was alive then when this was happening.  I asked myself why I was not there to struggle with the oppressed.  That is what Jesus said he come to do, set the oppressed free.  Realizing anew that we are called to be salt and light so that our society does not continue to repeat the injustice of our historic past.

We have a lot of work to do!

More Fun

What fun, thousands of people had at Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore coming together to watch eclipse?

Sisters, sister-in-law and Chocolate Cake.
Wish we lived closer, S. W MI, WA and FL.  

Spiritual Formation Methodist Tradition

This beautiful window in the Chapel of Central United Methodist Church has special significance to me.  I shared it with my four siblings.  The purple iris was my mother's favorite flower.  We have not identified which of us is represented in the four sheep.  Glad none of them were black!


It is in a room just off the Chapel where I attend an accountability group.  This type of group was started by John Wesley.

The spiritual growth in sharing life and thoughts with others in this group has been a huge help.  If you want to know more,  search accountability groups at   https://www.umcdiscipleship.org .

My personal reading is a large part of my personal spiritual formation.   If you want to see what I am reading, send me an email: randie.clawson@gmail,com or a Facebook message.

Grand Traverse District of United Methodist Church

I am a member at Grawn United Methodist Church.  It is part of the Grand Traverse District of the United Methodist Church.  Last year and again in June 2018 the Michigan United Methodists will be meeting for our annual conference at the Grand Traverse Resort.  There will be over on Thousand participants.

I am praising God for an opportunity to study for and become a Certified Lay Minister in the United Methodist Church. A process of change!

One of the joy's is that Rev. Anita Hahn, District Superintendent, in September, extended a call to me to be the Peace with Justice Coordinator for the district.

It is my joy to be able to talk to district members.  I met many at the Main Event Meeting in November.

Surprise Party

My Balance and Core Gym group, at Centre Ice Fitness, gave me a surprise party on my 75th birthday.  Am I really 3/4 of a century old?

It was a few days early and  just a few days before I returned January 2018 to La Posada,  https://lppshelter.org, in San Benito TX,. 

I am spending three months serving immigrants and asylum seekers.  I am teaching English, doing some office work and enjoying being a "Winter Texan."

Our circumstances, if we pay attention, give us opportunities to return to God's intent for everyone, human flourishing in all aspects of life.

From This Valley

CALL TO WORSHIP

Part of the worship service that I enjoy is the call to worship.  I attended the Wesley United Methodist Church in Harlingen TX on March 19, 2017.  

Pastor Jeana Leann Martin provided this call to worship based on John 4.  La Posada Providencia is part of this congregation’s ministry.

Leader:            Jesus Christ encountered an outsider at a well and did not turn away!

People:           He met her where she was!

Leader:            God, encased in human flesh, saw a need and offered living water!

People:           Jesus met her where she was!

Leader:            He offered her living water, freedom from al that bound her!

People:           Jesus met her where she was!

Leader:            Jesus, God poured out, sees us, hears us…Jesus does not turn away!

People:           Jesus meets us where we are!

All:                  Thanks be to God! Amen!

The Valley

I have met Jesus here!  As a “Winter Texan”, I did many things.  I enjoyed the warm weather.  However, serving immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers was the reason for my coming and remains my focus.  I am discerning next winter’s mission ministry

A Lenten Reflection speaks to these issues.

Who Is Really Blind

Leaving La Posada Providencia

Bittersweet

“Parting is such sweet sorrow” is a line from the play Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare; Juliet is saying good night to Romeo. Their sorrowful parting is also “sweet” because it makes them think about the next time they will see each other.

Leaving La Posada is also a sweet sorrow.  My soul is filled with pleasant memories of everyone here. 

The “sweet” part of the reality here is that although we may never see each other again we go in the loving providence of God.  Everyone experiences God’s love in tangible ways as La Posada “welcomes the strangers: in accordance with Matthew 25. 

God Loves each of us and is on our side

Layers

I first posted this poem to my blog in 2013 as I departed from my service with World Council of Churches in Jerusalem.  Now, another layer is added

The Layers by Stanley Kunitz - Poems | Academy of American Poets

https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/layers

United Methodists in the Valley

During my time in “The Valley,” it was my joy to visit fourteen different United Methodist Churches.  This was a connection with a purpose, bringing information about La Posada to the congregation members.  Much work is being done on behalf of refugees. 

How fun it was to see congregation members come to La Posada for tours and to hear of their plans to volunteer.  Congregations took up special offerings for La Posada.  It is inspiring to see these United Methodist congregations answering God’s Matthew 25 call to welcome the stranger.

Women United Methodist Women Deaconess, Cindy Johnson, attended churches with me as her schedule allowed.  She also volunteers at La Posada each week.  Her language skills are an advantage.   I had the joy of speaking at one of the UMW unit meetings.  Seeing good being done for La Posada through women’s groups was an added blessing.

Going Home

I have the option of going home.  This option is not the reality of the asylum seekers at La Posada. 

When I served in Harrisonburg, VA last winter, this poem was recited at one of the events.  In my opinion, it should be required reading.  It was written by Warsan Shire  she is a Kenyan-born Somali poet, writer and educator based in London. 

http://seekershub.org/blog/2015/09/home-warsan-shire/

Returning Is a Process

I am thankful for my daughter-in law’s help.  She is my go to GPS guide.  On the way, I stopped in at the offices of the Rio Texas Conference Mission Vitality Center in San Antonio.  I learned a lot.  Perhaps you can join me in considering some possible future mission ministry as a “winter Texan.”

I am finishing this paragraph in Oklahoma City, OK.  My GPS did not find the hotel.  Gale, from home used street view and led me here via a long phone conversation.

I am here to take a course offered by UM Path 1.  The course is training to understand ethnic diversity and reach multiethnic populations.  Developing cultural competence will help me as I serve people for around the world.

Trusting God and the prayers of many people, I will drive in from somewhere in Indiana to attend the 2017 Keep Making Peace event in Lansing, MI on April 1.  Lansing is only an hour from my son and daughter-in-law, Ed and Gale’s home.  They have invited me to spend time with them after the event. 

Finally back in Traverse City April 2.  Then I really get busy!

Thoughts to ponder:-

"Even in the moments when our very being is shouting out that we must rest, hide, or quit, we are called to be like Mary….to rise up, to commit to the long work of justice and healing, even in the face of our own insecurities, fears, and fatigue.”

From An Ignatian Solidarity Network Series: I Come To Do Your Will

From the Valley

 “Now, to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:21-22

The Serving Community at La Posada Providencia

Services Provided for Asylum Seekers

Sisters of Divine Providence founded La Posada in 1989. Since then, over 8000 individuals from 81 countries have been served.

La Posada’s mission is to provide shelter in a residential setting with dormitories.  Many additional services are offered as needed.

·       Communal meals: both meal preparation and dining are done together with the La Posada staff and other residents of the shelter.

·       Communication resources: access to phone, fax, email, Facebook, and postal services

·       Case Management: involves access to legal aid, health care, social services and relocation assistance.

·       Language instruction: lessons with an instructor or CD/video, plus individual and group conversation practice.

·       Cultural integration: includes assistance with shopping, travel and communications, filling out paperwork, dealing with government agencies, medical offices and businesses.

·       Life skills: involves computer literacy, financial basics, health and nutrition, employment readiness and property maintenance.

·       Experience in a sustainable lifestyle: organic gardening, recycling, residential energy-efficiency measures, and well water application.

·       Emotional Support: compassionate listening, guidance and mentoring; access to faith groups (religion/denomination of choice)

·       Local transportation is offered to health, legal and social services offices, learning centers, shopping, bus station and airport.

·       Clients also benefit from extensive community collaborations, including legal, medical, dental, pharmacy and counseling services.

As you read this list, I hope you are able to identify some places where you think you might help!  Please contact La Posada if you want to be a part of welcoming and serving the “stranger cdplaposada@lppshelter.org.”

Hospitality

 In January 2017, not only was I welcomed to La Posada, I received hospitality in the  home of the Sisters of Divine Providence.  I stayed in the third bedroom of a mobile home on the property of La Posada.  Each of the sisters has many different responsibilities.  They willing do all that needs to be done.    

The sisters are amazing women of God!  They make themselves available 24/7 as circumstances require.  I learned a lot from their conformity to Christ’s image.  Christ gave up heaven, and gave his all for the good of others, for our good!  Conformity to Christ’s image is how the sisters live.  They give themselves for the “strangers” who come to them at La Posada. 

Sister Zita

Sister Zita is the director.  She is also the residents go to person in their dorm.  She chooses to have her room in the women’s dorm so she will be sure to be available if needed. 

Sister Zita is thankful for the inspiration she gains from the hope displayed in the people.  She states, "I am blessed by the people.  They have left everything.  All they have are the clothes on their backs, stripped of everything except their hope.

When she came in 2008, she brought a plaque that now hangs at the door of Casa Belin.  It is a reminder from Hebrews 13:3, “... Be not forgetful  to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” 


Sister Zita does special things, like creating this Pinapple Upside Cake, so other can feel the special love that Divine Providence creates at La Posada.



Overseeing a wonderful lunch for a group of student volunteers 

Sister Zita’s energy, executive and administrative skills are keeping this whole enterprise functioning and heading it a successful direction.  Sister Zita’s collaboration with community groups is an asset to the causes of justice in The Valley.

Sister Margaret

Sister Margaret has many responsibilities.  She came in 1995 and for some time was the only Sister in residence here.  She now is responsible for the facilities and grounds.  The yard and garden are part of her teaching opportunity for the residents.  The organic garden supplies many of the vegetables for our meals.  This first picture was taken in January, a lot has been harvested, but there is more to come.

Sister Margaret identifies one of her most joyful experiences here at La Posada as, “Seeing the changes in the faces of the residents as they realize someone cares for them and loves them."


Sister Margaret does a lot of the transporting and most of the grocery shopping.

Sister Therese 

Sister Therese is part of the Holy Spirit Convent.  The foundress of the Holy Spirit Covenant stated the following.  “Why should we fear?  Our treasury is Divine Providence which supplies the universe and is never exhausted.”  These Sisters are called to be women of faith and trust.  To reach out to the marginalized, especially for those denied respect for their human dignity.

Sister Therese has been at La Posada ten and a half years.  She also has many responsibilities.  She guides the students and volunteers in the classroom.  She is careful to keep each client at the appropriate level in English Class.

Sometimes just watching the children while the mother's study.

She acts as a client mentor.  She listens to their stories and is a presence in their lives.  She is the only sister fluent in Spanish.  While seeing that chores are completed in the dorms, she is successful yet compassionate. 

Sister Therese states, “God blesses me every day through the people I meet and the faith they exhibit; good, amazing and challenging.  Their presence enriches my life.  They challenge me to trust in the providence of God who continuously guides our lives and provides for all of us.” 

Sister Therese is an immigrant from Ireland.  Sister Therese’s Irish roots made St. Patrick’s Day celebration especially fun.  She taught about the life of St. Patrick and we watched a video in English about the St. Patrick’s life.  Everyone enjoyed the celebration in the afternoon after English class.

Earth Care and Concern

Sister Therese teaches the composting.  The garden benefits from emphasis on creation care here at La Posada.  

Other Volunteers

Marlene has been coming to La Posada for four years.  She stays for six months when she comes.  She serves many hours each day, always willing to do what needs to be done.  Her motor-home is parked on the grounds.

Blanca comes every day.  She is fluent in Spanish and English.  Her language skills are a big help in the classroom. 

Periodically Sisters of Divine Providence come and serve.  Sister Janet recently spent two weeks here.  Her friendship was a joy for all. The sisters and volunteers appreciated her teaching and help.

Marlene, Blanca, Sister Janet and many more volunteers were a joy for me to serve with during the last three months.

Everyone Is Special

Celebrate, Celebrate Celebrate!

Making joyful memories for all involved is what La Posada does very well.  Clients, Staff and volunteer birthdays, departures, and special holidays are celebrated. 

Sister Zita serving at the parties, making sure everyone feels special at La Posada.  

Celebrations recognize God’s image in each, celebrating the dignity to every client. 

Office

Office work is my comfort zone.  I was glad to get to help at times in the office, filing.  This is an example of one of the kinds of services needed at La Posada Providencia.  If you know your ABC’s, there is service in the office waiting for you!

The office at La Posada plays a VERY important role.  Monica, asylum seekers main contact, has been at La Posada 16 years.  She is the “go to” person for asylum seekers in their efforts to stay current with the government requirements in their important process.  Although not an attorney, Monica helps keep clients informed of the processes agencies with whom they will need to interact.

We recently celebrated Monica’s birthday.  




A feast goes with many celebrations.

A VOLUNTEER OR GOD’S SERVANT?

A thought from a Facebook entry was a challenging question to me.  (However, when I saved it I did not realize I had cut off part of the “address.”  I cannot get back to the post; sorry I cannot give credit to the author.)  The idea of the post was to think about the difference between a volunteer for God and a servant of God.

The suggestion was to ask ourselves which label applies.

A volunteer does things they like to do; a servant does what God calls them to do.

A volunteer asks if a task will fit into their schedule; a servant adjusts their schedule to fit.

A volunteer does things their way; a servant does things God's way.

A volunteer may say, "I've put in my time already;" a servant has no time limit.

Romans 6:19, “so now, offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.

A Quote to Ponder

"When the church hears the cry of the oppressed it cannot but denounce the social structures that give rise to and perpetuate the misery from which the cry arises."
-Blessed Oscar Romero

Each of our actions in our 24/7's is spent interacting with and in the systems of our cultures.  We each have an opportunity to live God's love into our "corner of the systems."  

Let's "hear," "see" and act through God's Love for all perspective.

United Methodist Connection

The United Methodist Women Connection  

United Methodist Women Deaconess, Cindy Johnson, was my contact that smoothed the way for me to serve at La Posada Providencia, wwwlppshelter.org.  I connected to her by way of a different United Methodist Women, Cindy Saufferer.  I had med Cindy Saufferer on the 2012 UMW Ubuntu Journey to Sierra Leone.  She was in MI attending the 2016 North Central Jurisdiction Quadrennial in Grand Rapids, June 2016 when I was discerning my next volunteer in mission journey. Part of the 2012 Sierra Leone Ubuntu Journey team members Vicki behind, Rita on my right and Cindy on my left.

  I praise God that Cindy from MN gave me the contact info of Cindy of TX.  The rest of the story you have read about on previous blogs and stories from here will continue until March 27, 2017.

Texan United Methodist Churches

Along with my service here at La Posada Providencia, I have had the privilege of visiting many churches in the Rio Texas Conference in particular in the El Valle District.  

Praise God I was able to share about the Matthew 25 work here at La Posada.  I am VERY encouraged being able to interact with the United Methodists in the Valley.  I have a new label, Winter Texan.  It makes me wonder where someone with that label will serve next winter.

Today, March 12, 2017 

1^st United Methodist Church of Weslaco, TX

My heart is full of praise to God for my church experience today, 1st United Methodist Church of Weslaco, TX.

  

This church has answered the call to love God and serve people. 

The CALL TO WORSHIP at the service today ministered to my journeying heart!

Leader:            We are called to go to places that we don’t know.

People:           We look to the hills for our strength.

Leader:            Our strength is in God who always goes with us

People:           We walk in faith.

Leader:            Come, let us worship the God who calls us and who walks beside us throughout the journey

Two couples from Michigan greeted me during the “Pass the Peace” portion of the service.

The thoughts and challenges of the sermon were a blessing to my soul.  The sermon, spoken in English, was translated as the sermon progressed.  The sermon’s call to action contained an important reminder that we are made alive with God’s breath.  The Holy Spirit is ready to resurrect the dead places in each of our lives.  As we experience the breath of God resurrecting the dead places we are sent out to the world.

An added joy was finding out that today's donations in their  special blessing box offering was designated for La Posida Providencia. 

It was fun to see the playground at the church being used by many!

Mission teams from out of town will be staying and serving this week as this church reaches out to their community. 

I was invited to and enjoy a potluck with all, Good food and fellowship! 

Praise God with me for the many United Methodists Churches that have welcomed me and support La Posada Providencia with their prayers and donations. 

Extra Volunteers

This is Spring Break at collages throughout our country.  What a joy it is to experience young people from several different colleges who come to serve asylum seekers on their Spring Break.  

The college students and the asylum seekers learn from each other.  They listen and learn from Sister Margaret.

Pondering the potential for God's very good in the lives of these college students and asylum seekers is exciting!

Pray for Refugees and Those Who Serve Them.