For those who don't follow FaceBook, this is from my post on Facebook last Friday. There's not much to add, so I'm just going to leave it as is. It was quite the day, to say the least!!
I had one WILD day!! It started with me running for the 8:52 bus. I jumped on and the bus driver said something in German, seemed like he was joking telling me I had plenty of time. I looked at him and said in german that I don't speak german. He said something else and I heard the word American, then I said "oh, yah, American". He continued and I heard the word Texas, to which I responded "oh, Florida". Clearly he was wanting to converse so I pulled out my phone and started up Google Translate.
He started up the bus and we were under way for the 16 minute trip to my destination stop. I spoke into the microphone "I'm here for two months doing volunteer work" and then held it up to his ear (all while he was driving) and he heard it in german. He thought that was really cool. He answered back and I held up a finger and said wait, then I switched it to german, pushed the microphone button and held it up for him to speak. He did, and I read what he said.
For at least five bus stops we went back and forth in conversation using Google Translate. I learned he was from Kosovo, their language is Armenian, and other cordial conversation things. He actually handed me his phone and wanted me to download the Google Translate app for him! His samsung phone didn't have it available so we used my phone.
By the time my stop came and the bus stopped, I noticed he was writing something on a piece of paper. I thought, oh no, he's not. As I walked out the door and said good by in german, he handed me the paper with his name and phone number on it!! Oh yes he did. I thought really?! How exactly do you see this playing out? First of all, I don't call men I just met, and secondly, how would we even communicate, LOL?!! The girls in the office got a kick out of it!
On the ride home we continued our conversation and he went so far as to tell me what a beautiful woman I am. I told him in german "no flirting!" and laughed. Still, it was nice to hear. And, he was a kind gentleman. Cute too! About my age as well.
The interesting part of this experience was that I woke up this morning and was a feeling a little blah. I did everything I know to do; prayed, got in the Word, worshipped, got on my face and asked the Lord for help. And how did God choose to cheer me up? The 8:52 bus!! For those of you who don't know, God has a hilarious sense of humour!! I am still laughing at today's bus trip. I love it when God puts stuff like this in my path. And don't worry Mom and Dad, I don't share where I live. It takes two buzzes to get into my building anyway.
Today is Wednesday. I will add that today was the first time I've been on the bus and seen him since our last "conversation". I smiled and said hello. Then I looked up in german and asked how his day was. He answered in german something and I just nodded. I had no idea what he said. When I got to my stop, I told him my name. Then he surprised me and asked for my phone number. I just smiled and said no, then said good bye in german. I'll continue friendly conversation, but I don't see how any other communication could take place. Dear Kastrati, the Perchtoldsdorf bus driver. The Lord used you to cheer my day and I wonder if you even know Him.
Be blessed!
Michelle (Missy)
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Cultural Adjustment (It's really culture shock!!)
I'm still adjusting to my new environment. The good news is that I haven't had a melt down in the grocery store, yet. So there's that. Actually, I've made two friends at my local Spar store (it's pronounced shhh-par). Thomas and Regina work behind the deli counter. I met them two days ago when I went in looking to see if I could find a chuck roast because I wanted to make a pot roast. Thomas speaks excellent English and Regina smiles a lot. :) They finally pulled out a picture of a cow with the various sections and cuts, in German of course, and from what part of the cow. I told Thomas I'd come home, google the chuck roast and come back when I could tell him what part of the cow it comes from. I know you can make pot roast from other cuts, but my Mom swears by the chuck roast as being the best and honestly I think it is too. But hey, when in Rome. So, I'm open to trying a different roast they might recommend. And let me tell you, it ain't cheap here! So if I'm going to make a pot roast, it's going to be for SPECIAL company or occasion.
So back to melt downs. (I'll re-visit Thomas and Regina in a minute). I had one Friday. But before that, the Wednesday before, I got punked! It was hilarious! Actually, Gaynelle (an American from St. Pete, FL) and I got punked. I needed to get an Austrian SIM card for my phone. Christine so kindly did the research and sent me an email telling me the two plans available and the store I needed to go to, Saturn, at the Riverside shopping mall. She told me to ask for Bob Brietband and the best plan for me was the XL plan. She gave me the details and price. So, Wednesday Gaynelle graciously took me to the Riverside shopping mall and we went into the Saturn store. We went to the cellular department (it's like a Best Buy at home) and we asked the salesman if Bob was in. He said no. We told him we were looking for Bob Brietband. He laughed and pointed to a row of packs on a wall that said BOB cell products. Bob wasn't a person!!! Bob was the name of the product. Kind of like Walmart's Straight Talk products. Christine didn't do it on purpose. It was LOST IN THE TRANSLATION, LOL!!
The salesman wasn't any help so we left empty handed. Nothing had an english translation and there wasn't anyone to help me change my SIM card out. The next day Thursday, Randy (Cristy's husband) took me and he knew what to get. Friday Christine came over and helped me change my SIM card out. She's Austrian and before I knew it, I had an Austrian phone number and I don't know what happens when someone dials my US phone number now. I should maybe try dialing my number to see if I can change out my voicemail. I should've done that before I changed the card. Oh well. Now I have my voicemail in english for an Austrian phone number. I know how to check my messages and wait until I hear a message, then how to delete it. I just don't know what's being said in German before the message. I'm still adjusting, figuring it out as I go, as they say. Doing the best I can, as I say.
So the melt down. I woke up Friday and was extremely sad. Had NO idea where it came from. All of the sudden I wondered what on earth was I doing here and maybe should I go home. Now I'm astute enough to know where thoughts like these come from and they're NOT from God. But I couldn't figure out how they got in. Or where they were coming from. When Christine got here to change the SIM card, I just looked at her expressionless. Anyone who knows me knows that my face always says it all. I'm extremely transparent. She gave me a big hug and I just said "I don't know what's wrong". I'd finished my big assignment of importing all I had of Europe's budgets into the accounting system by noon. I can't even remember what I did after she left.
Saturday morning I woke up early with the sunrise and it hit me. I realised what was the cause of my sadness. It's a little too personal to go into here, but suffice it to say after I shared it with my best friend, it made total sense. Her response was it would have affected anyone in my situation the same, let alone others in a varied situation. The issue wasn't the sadness; the issue was what was I going to do about it. I think the proverb goes, get knocked down 7 times, get back up 8. I got knocked down again. Pain from my past. What happened was really sad. I wish I could go back and change things. Even then, maybe nothing would be different. Maybe there was never anything that I could have done. I can't change the past; I can only make better decisions today.
NOW, facing my greatest fear so far has been the dreaded PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION system. Actually it's a fear of getting lost on it. Taking the wrong bus, missing my stop, getting on the wrong train, going in the wrong direction, missing the bus/train/tram that only comes once every hour, whatever it may be!! UGH!! Well, Gaynelle (a career army wife) told me every time they moved to a new location (and they've been in numerous countries and states) she would take her girls and get on the bus and ride it all over to see her new location. So that's what I must do to overcome my fear. That's what I've started to do. I started Tuesday with the local bus system. I rode the Perchtoldsdorf bus 1, 2, & 3 all around town for three hours. Randy was right, it's all the same bus. It just changes numbers as it does three different routes in one hour! So I can get on it any time and eventually I'll get to my stop within the hour. I feel really comfortable now riding the bus. I rode it to the office this morning and back home again. I feel totally empowered now!!
I posted this on FaceBook and of course my Mom posted how proud she was of me. I replied don't be proud of me yet, wait until I've successfully taken the bus to Liesing, caught the train to Vienna, switched trains and caught a tram to a specific location, then turned around and found my way back home. Now THAT will be something to celebrate!! Shoot! I'll be celebrating myself! I found a church in Vienna that I want to visit on Sunday. According to the Scotty App on my phone (it actually picks up my location, I enter the address where I want to go, and it tells me what bus, train and tram to take and when. Pretty cool) it will take me an hour to get to the church. Ugh. An hour. Well, just think of the fun I can have afterwards in Vienna and maybe I'll meet some really great new people. Transportation is definitely THE biggest cultural adjustment challenge I'm having.
As far as I know the trap and skeet shoot is still on for Saturday. I'm really praying one of these guys will have a 28 gauge I can use rather than bruise my shoulder with a 12 gauge. I'm also praying they'll be using half brass, which would make it easier on me too. Come to find out, Randy and Cristy from Pennsylvania are quite the marksmen themselves. Cristy is the club women's champion with her pistol. Quite impressive!! Randy is quite the trap and skeet man himself. He's the one who taught me half brass. I had no idea. Also full choke makes a difference. Gotta love my fellow missionary Americans and our enjoyment of marksmanship! Thank God for Amazon-Germany because I had to order a shirt for Saturday's trap and skeet. I didn't bring anything appropriate, but Amazon prime shipped in two days to Austria from Germany! Good to know for the future.
Oh yea, back to Thomas and Regina at the Spar grocery store. So I caught the bus back home in time to make it to a 4:00 hair cut appointment in town, then afterwards went to the Spar to see Thomas and tell him the chuck roast comes from the shoulder of the cow. Both he and Regina smiled when I said their names and seemed happy to see me. I asked for the picture again and showed them where on the cow the chuck roast is. They both said "Ahhh!" and pointed to a German name of a roast, then they brought one out. I told them I didn't need it today, but next week, probably Friday and for 4 people, but I want leftovers so make it six. They laughed and said make it eight, they are coming, lol! We all laughed. So they wrote it in their calendar and I have plans now for a dinner party next week. I don't know yet who I will invite, but I have an idea. And I think I'm going to make it a Merlot pot roast. But now I've got to find a dutch oven that will fit the thing. Ovens here are small. Everything is smaller. Refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers....they're all mini ones. I'm praying someone has a dutch oven I can borrow. They may just be on the guest list, LOL!
When I think about the cultural adjustment of leaving my American ways, with my favorite American foods, and my American friends and coming to a foreign country where all I have are brothers and sisters in Christ in the physical and the Lord in the spiritual, I really pray my sacrifice is making a difference in the bigger picture of things. Stepping outside one's comfort zone isn't an easy step. It all sounds really exciting and adventurous, and it definitely has its moments, but it's also challenging and full of self-discovery. Something that when done with the Lord brings greater depth in a person's life.
I hope to have some good train stories for you next time! Until then, be blessed!
Michelle (Missy)
So back to melt downs. (I'll re-visit Thomas and Regina in a minute). I had one Friday. But before that, the Wednesday before, I got punked! It was hilarious! Actually, Gaynelle (an American from St. Pete, FL) and I got punked. I needed to get an Austrian SIM card for my phone. Christine so kindly did the research and sent me an email telling me the two plans available and the store I needed to go to, Saturn, at the Riverside shopping mall. She told me to ask for Bob Brietband and the best plan for me was the XL plan. She gave me the details and price. So, Wednesday Gaynelle graciously took me to the Riverside shopping mall and we went into the Saturn store. We went to the cellular department (it's like a Best Buy at home) and we asked the salesman if Bob was in. He said no. We told him we were looking for Bob Brietband. He laughed and pointed to a row of packs on a wall that said BOB cell products. Bob wasn't a person!!! Bob was the name of the product. Kind of like Walmart's Straight Talk products. Christine didn't do it on purpose. It was LOST IN THE TRANSLATION, LOL!!
The salesman wasn't any help so we left empty handed. Nothing had an english translation and there wasn't anyone to help me change my SIM card out. The next day Thursday, Randy (Cristy's husband) took me and he knew what to get. Friday Christine came over and helped me change my SIM card out. She's Austrian and before I knew it, I had an Austrian phone number and I don't know what happens when someone dials my US phone number now. I should maybe try dialing my number to see if I can change out my voicemail. I should've done that before I changed the card. Oh well. Now I have my voicemail in english for an Austrian phone number. I know how to check my messages and wait until I hear a message, then how to delete it. I just don't know what's being said in German before the message. I'm still adjusting, figuring it out as I go, as they say. Doing the best I can, as I say.
So the melt down. I woke up Friday and was extremely sad. Had NO idea where it came from. All of the sudden I wondered what on earth was I doing here and maybe should I go home. Now I'm astute enough to know where thoughts like these come from and they're NOT from God. But I couldn't figure out how they got in. Or where they were coming from. When Christine got here to change the SIM card, I just looked at her expressionless. Anyone who knows me knows that my face always says it all. I'm extremely transparent. She gave me a big hug and I just said "I don't know what's wrong". I'd finished my big assignment of importing all I had of Europe's budgets into the accounting system by noon. I can't even remember what I did after she left.
Saturday morning I woke up early with the sunrise and it hit me. I realised what was the cause of my sadness. It's a little too personal to go into here, but suffice it to say after I shared it with my best friend, it made total sense. Her response was it would have affected anyone in my situation the same, let alone others in a varied situation. The issue wasn't the sadness; the issue was what was I going to do about it. I think the proverb goes, get knocked down 7 times, get back up 8. I got knocked down again. Pain from my past. What happened was really sad. I wish I could go back and change things. Even then, maybe nothing would be different. Maybe there was never anything that I could have done. I can't change the past; I can only make better decisions today.
NOW, facing my greatest fear so far has been the dreaded PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION system. Actually it's a fear of getting lost on it. Taking the wrong bus, missing my stop, getting on the wrong train, going in the wrong direction, missing the bus/train/tram that only comes once every hour, whatever it may be!! UGH!! Well, Gaynelle (a career army wife) told me every time they moved to a new location (and they've been in numerous countries and states) she would take her girls and get on the bus and ride it all over to see her new location. So that's what I must do to overcome my fear. That's what I've started to do. I started Tuesday with the local bus system. I rode the Perchtoldsdorf bus 1, 2, & 3 all around town for three hours. Randy was right, it's all the same bus. It just changes numbers as it does three different routes in one hour! So I can get on it any time and eventually I'll get to my stop within the hour. I feel really comfortable now riding the bus. I rode it to the office this morning and back home again. I feel totally empowered now!!
I posted this on FaceBook and of course my Mom posted how proud she was of me. I replied don't be proud of me yet, wait until I've successfully taken the bus to Liesing, caught the train to Vienna, switched trains and caught a tram to a specific location, then turned around and found my way back home. Now THAT will be something to celebrate!! Shoot! I'll be celebrating myself! I found a church in Vienna that I want to visit on Sunday. According to the Scotty App on my phone (it actually picks up my location, I enter the address where I want to go, and it tells me what bus, train and tram to take and when. Pretty cool) it will take me an hour to get to the church. Ugh. An hour. Well, just think of the fun I can have afterwards in Vienna and maybe I'll meet some really great new people. Transportation is definitely THE biggest cultural adjustment challenge I'm having.
As far as I know the trap and skeet shoot is still on for Saturday. I'm really praying one of these guys will have a 28 gauge I can use rather than bruise my shoulder with a 12 gauge. I'm also praying they'll be using half brass, which would make it easier on me too. Come to find out, Randy and Cristy from Pennsylvania are quite the marksmen themselves. Cristy is the club women's champion with her pistol. Quite impressive!! Randy is quite the trap and skeet man himself. He's the one who taught me half brass. I had no idea. Also full choke makes a difference. Gotta love my fellow missionary Americans and our enjoyment of marksmanship! Thank God for Amazon-Germany because I had to order a shirt for Saturday's trap and skeet. I didn't bring anything appropriate, but Amazon prime shipped in two days to Austria from Germany! Good to know for the future.
Oh yea, back to Thomas and Regina at the Spar grocery store. So I caught the bus back home in time to make it to a 4:00 hair cut appointment in town, then afterwards went to the Spar to see Thomas and tell him the chuck roast comes from the shoulder of the cow. Both he and Regina smiled when I said their names and seemed happy to see me. I asked for the picture again and showed them where on the cow the chuck roast is. They both said "Ahhh!" and pointed to a German name of a roast, then they brought one out. I told them I didn't need it today, but next week, probably Friday and for 4 people, but I want leftovers so make it six. They laughed and said make it eight, they are coming, lol! We all laughed. So they wrote it in their calendar and I have plans now for a dinner party next week. I don't know yet who I will invite, but I have an idea. And I think I'm going to make it a Merlot pot roast. But now I've got to find a dutch oven that will fit the thing. Ovens here are small. Everything is smaller. Refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers....they're all mini ones. I'm praying someone has a dutch oven I can borrow. They may just be on the guest list, LOL!
When I think about the cultural adjustment of leaving my American ways, with my favorite American foods, and my American friends and coming to a foreign country where all I have are brothers and sisters in Christ in the physical and the Lord in the spiritual, I really pray my sacrifice is making a difference in the bigger picture of things. Stepping outside one's comfort zone isn't an easy step. It all sounds really exciting and adventurous, and it definitely has its moments, but it's also challenging and full of self-discovery. Something that when done with the Lord brings greater depth in a person's life.
I hope to have some good train stories for you next time! Until then, be blessed!
Michelle (Missy)
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
It's already been 10 days in Vienna now!
I left Barneveld and spent the weekend in Amsterdam before departing for Vienna the following Monday. Amsterdam was...interesting, shall we say. It's not on my list of places to return. The city was beautiful and the canals lovely, but there's a vibe about Amsterdam having to do with the tourist attractions that didn't sit right with me. I walked around most of Saturday and stayed in the straight and narrow part of the town, but still saw things I'd rather not have seen. I decided to stay in on Sunday and just take it easy.
Monday brought me to Vienna and meeting Christine from TWR at the airport. The moment I saw her, I was wrapped in her arms before I knew it and it was like seeing an old friend. Christine radiates the love of Christ! She's about my age, with three sons of her own and a beautiful woman of God. She got me settled in and the next day we went grocery shopping and moved into the apartment a delightful missionary couple from Finland generously offered me free for a month while they returned home. I've been in the office most days from 9 - 3, out a couple when not feeling well, and loving getting to know the TWR missionaries. Every where I go, TWR people are amazing!
Adjusting to Vienna, actually we're in Perchtoldsdorf (a southern suburb of Vienna), has been interesting. Only stores and some offices are air conditioned. My first days here were quite warm, in the upper 80's but humidity generally around 60%. Still, walking up 3 flights of stairs to the apartment and my office has been an adjustment, especially in the heat. I'll admit to being a spoiled American whiner the first few days. I'm not the only American who seeks out the A/C; I have comrades who join me daily, LOL! Apparently it only gets warm for a few weeks out of the year so the Austrians just suffer through it. I think I've finally adjusted. I've learned to keep all the windows open at night, get a nice cross breeze, and then close up in the mornings. It works quite nicely.
The only problem with keeping the windows open at night is the sun rudely shines bright in my bedroom window when it rises at 4:15 every morning! For those who know me, I used to be a night owl. Not any longer. Every morning when the sun rises I begin my prayer time. Sometimes I go back to sleep till 5:30. Sometimes I just get up. I still think that's an ungodly hour to be awake, but I'm beginning to enjoy having my coffee in the cool of the morning before the sun gets too high and heats up the day. I believe a leopard can change it's spots.
All of this probably seems pretty insignificant, but actually it's a big cultural adjustment. If it weren't for Christine helping me fill my pantry and refrigerator, I might have had a melt down at the grocery store because everything was in German and nothing had English subtitles. That's actually stressful when you're thrown into that situation. None of my usual go-to foods are here. Trying to figure out what to make for just myself was a bit much. It's called culture shock and you just do the best you can to survive. If it were in French or Spanish, I'd have a much easier time figuring out the language, but German is not a latin based language and I have no experience with it as I do French. Yes, Google Translate is a big help but it takes time to use.
Using public transportation is the other big cultural adjustment. Here people think nothing of walking twenty minutes to their destination. At home I drive to the grocery store that is literally around the corner of my residence. I wondered even before I came if when I returned home, would I walk to the grocery store as I know is the European way? Then I realised I'd be returning home in early September and it will still be hot and humid so I doubt I will walk! If the temperature was like it is here, then I'd walk. Today has been beautiful, 82 and 65% humidity. I worked from home and had my windows open all day, wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I know the bus schedule to get to the office, yet so far some one has offered me a ride every day. That's not going to last for long, but for now I'll gladly take it.
I have joined a world wide group called InterNations which is for people who live in other countries besides their own. I'm in the Vienna group. There are many different sub groups depending on various interests. This past weekend someone created a trap and skeet group and I gladly joined. Now I've been invited to go along with a group of gentlemen for a Saturday outing of sporting clays a week from Saturday. Austria isn't big on guns, but I've been offered the use of their shot guns and I'm excited to go. Funny how I'm not motivated to go to the wine tastings and events like those but I'm really looking forward to shooting some skeet! The only downside is I think they only have 12 gauge and that's going to bruise my shoulder pretty bad. I'm used to a 28 gauge. Big difference. But it's worth a shot, pun intended, LOL! I'm still excited!
This cultural adjustment/culture shock thing has been very interesting. I've found myself a couple of times very emotional. It's caught me off guard. Very unlike me. All the sudden I find myself overwhelmed with emotions, like the day I moved into Eevie and Jari's apartment and thought of their kindness and generosity. I started crying. VERY unlike me. Of course I was extremely grateful, but the emotions ran deeper than that. I didn't even know the source of them. When I shared this with one of the TWR missionaries at dinner, she just said "it's normal, just let the tears come, don't hold it in, it'll only make it worse". So, the next time it surfaced, I let it flow.
I think it has something to do with being in a foreign place, somewhat helpless, not knowing the language, and at the mercy of others for daily living help. Kind of reminds me that in our weakness, HE is made strong. I traveled 6 hours back in time (east) to be made weak in order to see HIS strength. I see it in HIS body (TWR), through HIS Spirit in me; I hear it in HIS still small voice, in HIS Word, in music, in a million small things. HE is all around me and in my weakness, I find strength for each new day.
Today was a long day of working non-stop in Excel spreadsheets. I'm cross-eyed. Tomorrow will be more of the same. I do have to go with Christine to a cellular store and get an Austrian SIM card for my phone. Paying Verizon $10 a day for the International plan must stop. Then it's back to the spreadsheets. But that's why I'm here. TWR needs accountants. A global ministry must be good stewards of the Lord's finances and that means they need people like me. So for every person who donates to TWR, they can have peace knowing that every penny is accounted for and used wisely.
The other interesting thing I read recently about using radio to broadcast the gospel is the millions of illiterate people who would never know the gospel if they had to rely on reading bibles. There are so many millions who hear the gospel via radio, even so many who can hear it privately in anti-Christian countries where they'd be murdered if a bible were discovered, yet via radio it's completely private. I never thought of it like that. With that, I'll say goodnight and God bless!
Michelle (Missy) Plum
Monday brought me to Vienna and meeting Christine from TWR at the airport. The moment I saw her, I was wrapped in her arms before I knew it and it was like seeing an old friend. Christine radiates the love of Christ! She's about my age, with three sons of her own and a beautiful woman of God. She got me settled in and the next day we went grocery shopping and moved into the apartment a delightful missionary couple from Finland generously offered me free for a month while they returned home. I've been in the office most days from 9 - 3, out a couple when not feeling well, and loving getting to know the TWR missionaries. Every where I go, TWR people are amazing!
Adjusting to Vienna, actually we're in Perchtoldsdorf (a southern suburb of Vienna), has been interesting. Only stores and some offices are air conditioned. My first days here were quite warm, in the upper 80's but humidity generally around 60%. Still, walking up 3 flights of stairs to the apartment and my office has been an adjustment, especially in the heat. I'll admit to being a spoiled American whiner the first few days. I'm not the only American who seeks out the A/C; I have comrades who join me daily, LOL! Apparently it only gets warm for a few weeks out of the year so the Austrians just suffer through it. I think I've finally adjusted. I've learned to keep all the windows open at night, get a nice cross breeze, and then close up in the mornings. It works quite nicely.
The only problem with keeping the windows open at night is the sun rudely shines bright in my bedroom window when it rises at 4:15 every morning! For those who know me, I used to be a night owl. Not any longer. Every morning when the sun rises I begin my prayer time. Sometimes I go back to sleep till 5:30. Sometimes I just get up. I still think that's an ungodly hour to be awake, but I'm beginning to enjoy having my coffee in the cool of the morning before the sun gets too high and heats up the day. I believe a leopard can change it's spots.
All of this probably seems pretty insignificant, but actually it's a big cultural adjustment. If it weren't for Christine helping me fill my pantry and refrigerator, I might have had a melt down at the grocery store because everything was in German and nothing had English subtitles. That's actually stressful when you're thrown into that situation. None of my usual go-to foods are here. Trying to figure out what to make for just myself was a bit much. It's called culture shock and you just do the best you can to survive. If it were in French or Spanish, I'd have a much easier time figuring out the language, but German is not a latin based language and I have no experience with it as I do French. Yes, Google Translate is a big help but it takes time to use.
Using public transportation is the other big cultural adjustment. Here people think nothing of walking twenty minutes to their destination. At home I drive to the grocery store that is literally around the corner of my residence. I wondered even before I came if when I returned home, would I walk to the grocery store as I know is the European way? Then I realised I'd be returning home in early September and it will still be hot and humid so I doubt I will walk! If the temperature was like it is here, then I'd walk. Today has been beautiful, 82 and 65% humidity. I worked from home and had my windows open all day, wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I know the bus schedule to get to the office, yet so far some one has offered me a ride every day. That's not going to last for long, but for now I'll gladly take it.
I have joined a world wide group called InterNations which is for people who live in other countries besides their own. I'm in the Vienna group. There are many different sub groups depending on various interests. This past weekend someone created a trap and skeet group and I gladly joined. Now I've been invited to go along with a group of gentlemen for a Saturday outing of sporting clays a week from Saturday. Austria isn't big on guns, but I've been offered the use of their shot guns and I'm excited to go. Funny how I'm not motivated to go to the wine tastings and events like those but I'm really looking forward to shooting some skeet! The only downside is I think they only have 12 gauge and that's going to bruise my shoulder pretty bad. I'm used to a 28 gauge. Big difference. But it's worth a shot, pun intended, LOL! I'm still excited!
This cultural adjustment/culture shock thing has been very interesting. I've found myself a couple of times very emotional. It's caught me off guard. Very unlike me. All the sudden I find myself overwhelmed with emotions, like the day I moved into Eevie and Jari's apartment and thought of their kindness and generosity. I started crying. VERY unlike me. Of course I was extremely grateful, but the emotions ran deeper than that. I didn't even know the source of them. When I shared this with one of the TWR missionaries at dinner, she just said "it's normal, just let the tears come, don't hold it in, it'll only make it worse". So, the next time it surfaced, I let it flow.
I think it has something to do with being in a foreign place, somewhat helpless, not knowing the language, and at the mercy of others for daily living help. Kind of reminds me that in our weakness, HE is made strong. I traveled 6 hours back in time (east) to be made weak in order to see HIS strength. I see it in HIS body (TWR), through HIS Spirit in me; I hear it in HIS still small voice, in HIS Word, in music, in a million small things. HE is all around me and in my weakness, I find strength for each new day.
Today was a long day of working non-stop in Excel spreadsheets. I'm cross-eyed. Tomorrow will be more of the same. I do have to go with Christine to a cellular store and get an Austrian SIM card for my phone. Paying Verizon $10 a day for the International plan must stop. Then it's back to the spreadsheets. But that's why I'm here. TWR needs accountants. A global ministry must be good stewards of the Lord's finances and that means they need people like me. So for every person who donates to TWR, they can have peace knowing that every penny is accounted for and used wisely.
The other interesting thing I read recently about using radio to broadcast the gospel is the millions of illiterate people who would never know the gospel if they had to rely on reading bibles. There are so many millions who hear the gospel via radio, even so many who can hear it privately in anti-Christian countries where they'd be murdered if a bible were discovered, yet via radio it's completely private. I never thought of it like that. With that, I'll say goodnight and God bless!
Michelle (Missy) Plum
Thursday, June 15, 2017
I made it to Barneveld, Netherlands!
Sunday June 11th, departure day, came and went without any problem. My girlfriend and her three kids drove me to the airport and hugged me as they sent me off on my next missionary adventure serving with TWR. The flight was really easy and went by so fast. It's amazing how 7 hours can fly by, pun intended. The next thing I knew I was getting off the plane in Amsterdam, going through passport control, gathering my luggage and making my way to the airport storage lockers to drop a bag before finding the train headed to Barneveld where the TWR headquarters are located. I was a bit nervous about taking a train that required me getting off and onto a different train, but everyone I encountered in the Netherlands was so friendly and helpful that it was really easy. And unlike some people, ahem, I have no problem asking for directions. :)
Before I knew it, I was meeting Tijmen, my European Finance boss in Barneveld as I stepped off the train in Barneveld. It was great to finally meet him in person after working with him through email for the past couple weeks. Funny how you can sort of get an idea of a someone's personality through email, and how great it is when you finally meet them and can laugh knowing that your perception was accurate. He's so much fun; a young guy with four kids and clearly a godly devoted husband and father. Not to mention extremely gifted professionally. I already love working for and with him and know I'm going to learn a lot from him.
That was Monday. Tijmen delivered me to the B&B where I'm staying while training in Barneveld. I hadn't slept at all on the plane and not for lack of trying. By the time I reached the B&B, I'd been awake for 26 hours straight. By the time I got to the room, I felt a full collapse coming on. I told Tijmen not to expect to hear from me until Tuesday. Good thing I had a full breakfast in Amsterdam before getting on the train because I didn't wake up until Tuesday morning. I remember getting up for the breakfast here, and then went back to bed. Tuesday evening Harry and Eileen from the States took me to dinner. They introduced me to a traditional Dutch Pannekoek meal, which is a crepe with various ingredients. I had ham, cheese, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers in mine. At first it didn't sound very good to me, but then I thought it sounded more like an omelette and decided to give it a try. Wow!! It was amazing! I'm actually still craving another one. I don't know how I could get another one....hmmmm... maybe I should ask someone if there's a place in Barneveld that makes them.
Wednesday I tried to get up to go to the office, but the time change still was difficult. Being six hours ahead, 9:00 a.m. Barneveld time was 3:00 a.m. Florida time. So I text Tijmen and told him noon was more like it. We went to lunch and spent the afternoon working on a project. The weather here is wonderful! It's like March in Florida. Low 70's and 60-70% humidity. Today, Thursday, was my first full day at the office, well sort of full day if you count 9:15 - 4:30. Rather nice hours. Tomorrow will be my last day here, then I leave Saturday morning for Amsterdam where I'll spend Saturday and Sunday wandering around Amsterdam. I want to see the Anne Frank museum and the Van Gogh museum. Then on Monday comes the last leg of my journey as I fly to Vienna and will get settled there.
I'm actually a bit sad about leaving Barneveld. I really like working with the people here. But I'm sure I'll find it the same in Vienna; I hope anyway. Plus I'm looking forward to visiting some of the international churches in Vienna and finding one that suits me and getting involved. I don't know what the Lord has in store for me, but my heart has already been touched by the people here and I imagine it will be touched again and again. I just pray that the Lord will use me to touch others as well. Let me serve You Lord wherever I go; let me be Your ambassador to bring hope, peace and joy to those You put in my path.
God bless to all!
Michelle (Missy) Plum
Before I knew it, I was meeting Tijmen, my European Finance boss in Barneveld as I stepped off the train in Barneveld. It was great to finally meet him in person after working with him through email for the past couple weeks. Funny how you can sort of get an idea of a someone's personality through email, and how great it is when you finally meet them and can laugh knowing that your perception was accurate. He's so much fun; a young guy with four kids and clearly a godly devoted husband and father. Not to mention extremely gifted professionally. I already love working for and with him and know I'm going to learn a lot from him.
That was Monday. Tijmen delivered me to the B&B where I'm staying while training in Barneveld. I hadn't slept at all on the plane and not for lack of trying. By the time I reached the B&B, I'd been awake for 26 hours straight. By the time I got to the room, I felt a full collapse coming on. I told Tijmen not to expect to hear from me until Tuesday. Good thing I had a full breakfast in Amsterdam before getting on the train because I didn't wake up until Tuesday morning. I remember getting up for the breakfast here, and then went back to bed. Tuesday evening Harry and Eileen from the States took me to dinner. They introduced me to a traditional Dutch Pannekoek meal, which is a crepe with various ingredients. I had ham, cheese, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers in mine. At first it didn't sound very good to me, but then I thought it sounded more like an omelette and decided to give it a try. Wow!! It was amazing! I'm actually still craving another one. I don't know how I could get another one....hmmmm... maybe I should ask someone if there's a place in Barneveld that makes them.
Wednesday I tried to get up to go to the office, but the time change still was difficult. Being six hours ahead, 9:00 a.m. Barneveld time was 3:00 a.m. Florida time. So I text Tijmen and told him noon was more like it. We went to lunch and spent the afternoon working on a project. The weather here is wonderful! It's like March in Florida. Low 70's and 60-70% humidity. Today, Thursday, was my first full day at the office, well sort of full day if you count 9:15 - 4:30. Rather nice hours. Tomorrow will be my last day here, then I leave Saturday morning for Amsterdam where I'll spend Saturday and Sunday wandering around Amsterdam. I want to see the Anne Frank museum and the Van Gogh museum. Then on Monday comes the last leg of my journey as I fly to Vienna and will get settled there.
I'm actually a bit sad about leaving Barneveld. I really like working with the people here. But I'm sure I'll find it the same in Vienna; I hope anyway. Plus I'm looking forward to visiting some of the international churches in Vienna and finding one that suits me and getting involved. I don't know what the Lord has in store for me, but my heart has already been touched by the people here and I imagine it will be touched again and again. I just pray that the Lord will use me to touch others as well. Let me serve You Lord wherever I go; let me be Your ambassador to bring hope, peace and joy to those You put in my path.
God bless to all!
Michelle (Missy) Plum
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
A New Adventure Awaits
Wow! I haven't looked at this blog since last May. Today is Tuesday, June 6, 2017 and I'm in count down mode preparing to depart Sunday, June 11th at 2 p.m. from Tampa headed to Amsterdam for a new missionary assignment.
I just finished reading my last entry and SO much has happened since then and now. First off, I'm laughing at myself from my last post stating that I hadn't experienced any culture shock. Bahahah!!! Oh Missy, you're too funny! And the whole time I was thinking it was some kind of prayer covering that was responsible for the giddy feeling I had the entire time I was in Greece. Well, most of it was, but I DEFINITELY was experiencing some culture shock. After attending the UMC missionary training last January in Nashville and reading the books and training journals, I learned about what culture shock really is. Silly girl!! One does not know they are experiencing culture shock until AFTER it's over and they're home. Or in this girl's case, when I'm sitting in the missionary training class and all of the sudden it all comes together and I realise what I really experienced in Greece.
I went to Greece last year totally led by the Lord. Everything fell into place and I just sort of walked through and it was an amazing journey. But even after I returned, I continued to learn from my experience. It seemed to culminate at the UMC missionary training where we studied the importance of being culturally sensitive. Cross Culture Servanthood was the name of the main book. Light bulb after light bulb kept going off for me of what I'd experienced in Greece. Oh how I wished I'd been able to read that book first, but then again, it's something that you don't really understand until you experience it. So I'm not sure which should come first. Who am I to question God. He wanted me to experience Greece first, then learn about being a cross culture servant.
Okay, so back to today. Well, I suppose some context is important. Last October I sat on my parents sofa and emailed some ministries, sending them my resume and a recent photo. I asked them if they had need of my skills. Two got back with me immediately and said yes. I went forward and applied to both, was accepted and proceeded to meet them both. I did the training with the UMC but they had no position for my skills.
But the second, which I had a feeling from the beginning, had a definite need. That one is Trans World Radio, headquartered in Cary, N.C. but operating in 160 different countries and 230 different languages. TWR is a global NGO (Non-Government Organisation). They're operating on four major continents spreading the Word to the ends of the earth. They're bringing the voice of hope through the airwaves in the middle of the night when so many are without hope in poor and destitute countries. You can't keep them out with a wall. Radio waves are God's creation and an incredible resource for sharing hope to the hopeless.
I went and met the Finance staff in February, knew it was the right place for me and officially signed on, then began preparing my timing to join the Europe Finance Team sometime in May for three months. I went back to Cary for training in May and returned home only to fall to the flu. Fall hard!
My original planned departure date of May 25th was postponed to now June 11th. I was hit hard. Two weeks I spent alone in my place, just me and God. I call it my Isolation. Every morning I asked the Lord how we were going to spend the day. Only to go to sleep and get up and do the same thing over. One can't rush the flu. You wait it out. Thank God for girlfriends who drop groceries & water at your doorstep, even though they do run...I would too! But two weeks with the Lord are an incredible thing, especially if you're willing to let Him work. Absolutely nothing was wasted. Not one tear. Every one was a cleansing and necessary. All necessary to truly prepare me for a new work.
Sunday I leave at 2:00 p.m. from Tampa and will arrive in Amsterdam at 7:15 a.m Monday morning. I'll spend two days adjusting to the time change in Barneveld where the European Finance Team is headquartered, then join them for three days in their office. The Netherlands (for those of you who don't know, Holland is not a country; the country is the Netherlands; Holland is just one section) does not allow tourists to work, not even volunteer. Thus I will be working from the Vienna office. After I'm finished working in the Barneveld office, I'll have two days in Amsterdam before departing for Vienna. I want to see the Anne Frank museum and the Van Gogh museum. I arrive in Vienna on Monday, June 19th and there I will stay until I return home in September.
So last time I was talking about how I finally returned home (after I really didn't want to come home) and now I'm talking about my new adventure as I prepare to leave for Vienna working with Trans World Radio. One thing I especially love about TWR is that after I've completed the three months in Vienna, I will continue working with them remotely, do special projects, and sometimes visit up to headquarters in Cary, NC to work. I know that I know that I'm in with TWR for the long haul and I'm absolutely thrilled to be so honoured to work with such an incredible ministry. I love what I do, why I do it and who I work with. It's absolutely fulfilling and I feel such joy when I'm serving in this capacity.
That's it for tonight. I still have a list to complete before departure on Sunday.
God bless,
Missy (Michelle)
I just finished reading my last entry and SO much has happened since then and now. First off, I'm laughing at myself from my last post stating that I hadn't experienced any culture shock. Bahahah!!! Oh Missy, you're too funny! And the whole time I was thinking it was some kind of prayer covering that was responsible for the giddy feeling I had the entire time I was in Greece. Well, most of it was, but I DEFINITELY was experiencing some culture shock. After attending the UMC missionary training last January in Nashville and reading the books and training journals, I learned about what culture shock really is. Silly girl!! One does not know they are experiencing culture shock until AFTER it's over and they're home. Or in this girl's case, when I'm sitting in the missionary training class and all of the sudden it all comes together and I realise what I really experienced in Greece.
I went to Greece last year totally led by the Lord. Everything fell into place and I just sort of walked through and it was an amazing journey. But even after I returned, I continued to learn from my experience. It seemed to culminate at the UMC missionary training where we studied the importance of being culturally sensitive. Cross Culture Servanthood was the name of the main book. Light bulb after light bulb kept going off for me of what I'd experienced in Greece. Oh how I wished I'd been able to read that book first, but then again, it's something that you don't really understand until you experience it. So I'm not sure which should come first. Who am I to question God. He wanted me to experience Greece first, then learn about being a cross culture servant.
Okay, so back to today. Well, I suppose some context is important. Last October I sat on my parents sofa and emailed some ministries, sending them my resume and a recent photo. I asked them if they had need of my skills. Two got back with me immediately and said yes. I went forward and applied to both, was accepted and proceeded to meet them both. I did the training with the UMC but they had no position for my skills.
But the second, which I had a feeling from the beginning, had a definite need. That one is Trans World Radio, headquartered in Cary, N.C. but operating in 160 different countries and 230 different languages. TWR is a global NGO (Non-Government Organisation). They're operating on four major continents spreading the Word to the ends of the earth. They're bringing the voice of hope through the airwaves in the middle of the night when so many are without hope in poor and destitute countries. You can't keep them out with a wall. Radio waves are God's creation and an incredible resource for sharing hope to the hopeless.
I went and met the Finance staff in February, knew it was the right place for me and officially signed on, then began preparing my timing to join the Europe Finance Team sometime in May for three months. I went back to Cary for training in May and returned home only to fall to the flu. Fall hard!
My original planned departure date of May 25th was postponed to now June 11th. I was hit hard. Two weeks I spent alone in my place, just me and God. I call it my Isolation. Every morning I asked the Lord how we were going to spend the day. Only to go to sleep and get up and do the same thing over. One can't rush the flu. You wait it out. Thank God for girlfriends who drop groceries & water at your doorstep, even though they do run...I would too! But two weeks with the Lord are an incredible thing, especially if you're willing to let Him work. Absolutely nothing was wasted. Not one tear. Every one was a cleansing and necessary. All necessary to truly prepare me for a new work.
Sunday I leave at 2:00 p.m. from Tampa and will arrive in Amsterdam at 7:15 a.m Monday morning. I'll spend two days adjusting to the time change in Barneveld where the European Finance Team is headquartered, then join them for three days in their office. The Netherlands (for those of you who don't know, Holland is not a country; the country is the Netherlands; Holland is just one section) does not allow tourists to work, not even volunteer. Thus I will be working from the Vienna office. After I'm finished working in the Barneveld office, I'll have two days in Amsterdam before departing for Vienna. I want to see the Anne Frank museum and the Van Gogh museum. I arrive in Vienna on Monday, June 19th and there I will stay until I return home in September.
So last time I was talking about how I finally returned home (after I really didn't want to come home) and now I'm talking about my new adventure as I prepare to leave for Vienna working with Trans World Radio. One thing I especially love about TWR is that after I've completed the three months in Vienna, I will continue working with them remotely, do special projects, and sometimes visit up to headquarters in Cary, NC to work. I know that I know that I'm in with TWR for the long haul and I'm absolutely thrilled to be so honoured to work with such an incredible ministry. I love what I do, why I do it and who I work with. It's absolutely fulfilling and I feel such joy when I'm serving in this capacity.
That's it for tonight. I still have a list to complete before departure on Sunday.
God bless,
Missy (Michelle)
Thursday, May 12, 2016
I made it home!
The last two weeks before I was scheduled to leave, I came down with a nasty case of insomnia. Never had it before and it drove me nuts. I kept telling my brain to SHUT UP! It wouldn't. Guess I should be glad I have a good one, or one at all. Twice stayed up all night and into the next day. Certainly doesn't make for very good cognitive function. Eventually the body does pass out, and of course it was always at the most inconvenient time. Two days before I was to leave, I finally got up and dressed after not being able to sleep the entire day before and caught a taxi tot he hospital. The ER doc was NOT very nice. Rude is the better word. Before he even came in to see me, the brought me the list of the costs for each test and asked if I still wanted to be seen. Great! So they think I'm somebody off the streets or whatever. I told them I didn't care what it cost (I knew insurance would cover 100%). Then the doc came in and rudely asked me what was my emergency in an unkind manner. I've been working on assertiveness; something I haven't been real strong in a long time, so I stood up and looked him in the eye and listed 1,2,3 reasons I was there and told him I DID NOT appreciate his attitude. Go Missy! I was so tired. I'm normally not that grumpy but I didn't hold back.
Because of the fusion in my neck, they ordered an X Ray. I asked how long till that happened. 1 hour. Great. So I laid down on the hospital bed and next thing I know the X Ray tech is waking me up 1 hour later for my X Ray. I was so exhausted that I couldn't think straight. After the doc ruled out I didn't have drugs in my blood, he finally treated me better. I asked him for a shot of Tylenol. It's worked before, so much better than orally. I told the doc I was a missionary, then looked him in the eye and asked him if he knew what that was. He said yes, that he was a Christian. And that was the end of that.
I checked out with a 300 Euro bill to pay and caught a cab back to my flat. I slept for 5 hours. It was worth it. My next fun project was to pack up 3 months worth of clothing starting with my winter coat since I was there Feb. 1st and now it was May and beautiful out. I had no strength to do it. My dear sweet friend Theoni came over and she packed both my large bags up. I was so grateful! Little things like that mean so much. I can't wait until she gets here the end of August. She has two weeks off and at 32, I want her to see the U.S. I'll have to line her up with some of my younger friends.
I was able to get a better connection on Lufthansa, but had to leave for the airport at 4:30 in the morning. Those who know me know I consider that an ungodly hour. But, I had insomnia so why not! I tried to get my landlord to take me but he couldn't. Theoni again to the rescue offered, then she had to work all day at the ministry as a receptionist. Bless her Lord. I didn't even go to sleep. No point. I was all packed and when she arrived off we went. We got the Lufthansa and were checking my bags in. I was so grateful she didn't just drop me off because Greek is a very difficult language and she is fluent in english too. Check in is different in Greece. In fact, many, many things are different. When we went back to get my ticket I realised I didn't have my new iPhone. I freaked. I had my mac air so could communicate where there was wifi. I thought I left it in the flat so she would go back and get it, then overnight it to me. Ok, all figured out so I hugged her, kissed each cheek Greek style and said good bye for now. I got to the gate and sat down. Next thing I know they call me up to the desk. I went and they hold out my phone and ask if I'm missing it. I couldn't believe it!! I put my thumb in to turn it on and they gave it to me.
Later I found out what happened on Theoni's end. She went to her car and saw my phone on the seat. Thank God the girl is 32 and works out. She sprinted into the airport and went straight to a policemen. He directed her to Lufthansa. She wanted to give back the 40 euros I'd given her but they wouldn't accept. I told her to keep it. Lufthansa got the phone to the gate and that's the end of that story.
My time in Greece was AMAZING! I learned so much living among another culture, which is what I wanted to do. I learned about the Greek Orthodox church and how it is different from the Catholic church. I would have preferred Italy, but the Lord put Greece in my path. (Rome is my favourite city in the world, especially St. Peter's cathedral). I love the Greeks too. Alexander the Great conquered the known world by 29; that's incredible history. I'd been to Athens before so had seen the Coliseum and the Acropolis. It just didn't mean as much as the Roman antiquities do to me. One thing I found interesting is in Greece and most of Europe, people don't go clubbing to party. They go out late like 10 for dinner, drink coffee (i couldn't stomach it, too much acid) and they visit.
In my neighbourhood, in the centre was St. Thomas' church and a big square where there were many different tables covered by umbrellas where the surrounding restaurants would bring out food and drinks. There was a play ground for kids and grass for football (soccer). I think they've got the right term of football because no hands are used. I don't know why we picked up football as we call it in America. Anyway, after 10 you see families with children, elderly folks and young folks all having a great time. I think it's better than going to bars personally, but what do I know, haven't been in one in 27 years. There's real conversation and connection with one another.
At this point I don't know if I'll continue using my skills and talents God gave me to serve Him more on the mission field. I didn't have any culture shock. Actually, they told me the insomnia was reverse culture shock and that made sense because I had built a family, vendors and friends in my neighbourhood. They're such kind people. It was funny how I'd walk in a store and they'd greet me with Yasso, which means how ya doing. I'd look at them and sometimes respond the same but when I saw hello in English, all the sudden I was royalty or something. They all wanted to practice their english on me. When I was in the hospital, one nurse spoke to me in english, but told me she didn't speak english and I said YES YOU DO, you're doing it right now!
It kind of bothered me that I wasn't helping any one personally, but I realised that to account for donations and organise each team, there is no ministry. Companies can't operate without a finance or accounting department. So my role was/is important. I had the best boss and his wife over me. Stephan and Mary are from Georgia. They have four kids. I saw how much Stephan sacrificed for that ministry and I knew that Mary was sacrificing just as much raising 4 very intelligent inquisitive children at home. The Lord showed me early on they were a team. I spent one day before I left with Mary and told her what I had been shown. She teared up and told me that when she was selecting a major in college, the Lord told her it didn't matter what she chose because He was calling her to be a wife and mother! Bravo Mary, Bravo!! (the Greeks use Bravo a lot; the also say "ney, ney, ney" often and it means yes, yes, yes. That one had me confused for the first week. I was thinking you're saying ney, but your nodding your head?
Well, that's all I have to say about my incredible Greek missionary trip. I really would like to go to Italy, but perhaps on a shorter term and spend more time exploring. I have no idea what God has in plan for me, but my favourite verse that I count on is Romans 8:28 "God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes". It's going to be good.
Blessings, Plumbless
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
I don't want to go!
No, I don't want to go yet! May 1st marks my 3 month tourist visa and I'm supposed to be out of the Schengen countries. All Schengen countries are part of the E.U. but not all E.U. countries (like England, Ireland, Scotland) are part of the Schengen countries. Poor Greece. They're a mess and at a time like this when they need income they're stuck and have to make sure all passports show a person staying 3 months or less. I've come to love Greece. Not only for the history but for their love of family & warmth to crazy American strangers such as myself and the quirky way they do things. Today I found out all checks, few and far between, are signed by the last name first, then the first name. All legal documents are signed this way. Odd, but okay. They just do things different than we do and that doesn't make them/us wrong or right.
I fell in love with all the people working for Hellenic Ministries. All of them speak Greek, most speak english and a few speak a little english. I loved being on the finance team and serving under Stephan Calhoun, with his wife Mary making them a team who made sure I was okay. I'm a big observer (airports are great for viewing people and their quirks). I observed Stephan deal with very frustrating issues and never once lose his temper. One morning specifically I went in and my heart was so heavy. Sometimes I have dreams of my life before being single again. I wake up and don't know where I am or if I'm married. One morning was particularly bad. Most of the guys and some gals too ride motorcycles because it is economical and faster travel, Stephan included. He came in and checked with each member of his team and when he got to me he saw a wounded soldier. He asked me if it was the thyroid problem; I said no. He asked me if it was the H1N1 flu; I said no. I told him I was grieving extra heavily that day and instantly he went from a genius CFO to a kind and gentle pastor, praying with me and encouraging me. I was amazed and so grateful! One other victory I've had here is complete disuse of pain medication! It has really made a difference in my clarity of mind.
I haven't written in a while because I've been helping in the office and in my free time I've been wandering around, spanning out from my neighbourhood. People and families don't come out to eat or socialise until after 9:00 p.m. I'm usually in bed by 9:30 plus I never had any reason to stay out (no dates). Every where I went I spoke english. Every one was happy to try their english with me and most of them did very well. I had developed a nice relationship with my mini mart guy who made sure I always had my favourite juice in stock. All he knew was greeting me with the standard "yasso!" to which I replied the same.
Then there was the video store rental man who I saw twice a week. I was such a mess when I first went in there to join. I didn't even know my address! I began carrying it in my pocket, as recommended by my Dad. I also put an emergency number on it. I had taken a picture of my passport and tried to show him. His name is Michael, which is the same as mine, Michelle, in Europe. He ended up with a hearty laugh and signed me up. I pulled out my monopoly money (that's what the Euro looks like to me) and held it to him to take whatever i owed. I never had any one try to cheat me.
Then there was Ellen who ran the patisserie where I got my baklava from (yes, I gained 10 lbs, boo hoo). I finally got sick of it and stopped. I walked around the neighbourhood square that had restaurants and coffee shops all around the perimeter, a soccer field in the middle, a church (orthodox) on one end and the children's hospital at the other end. It was a busy place and at night was when people came out and enjoyed one another plus their children loved playing in the square.
One morning I was walking to get some juice and saw two different people at different locations dumpster diving for something to drink or eat. I couldn't tell if they had a drinking problem or what, but my heart grieved for them. The economy and politics here is a mess. Of course the U.S. is no different with our out of control debt. The only difference is because Greece belongs to the E.U. they can't print their own money like we do.
Today I had an extensive medical workup and my EKG showed a slight problem. One building had an internist, cardiologist and surgeon. All surgery required bloodworm, chest X-ray, and seeing the three doctors. When I get home I have to go see a cardiologist and have another EKG. He did say it could be the result of the H1N1 virus. After specific surgeries, the patient stays over night for observation. That's where I am right now. It was a female issue that I hadn't had the opportunity to do until the inexpensive prices here.
Greece is a socialist country. All education is free, every one has health care (they must have a job though). Many of the industries are state owned. Each one of the doctors I spoke with today were happy to have an American to speak with and practice their english. Every where I went workers remembered me and loved to talk. I thought I was having a conversation with my minimart guy only to realise in the middle that he didn't understand a single word I was saying; he just smiled. It was quite humorous!
My anaesthesiologist brought her husband, also an anaesthesia guy, to check on me before dinner. She talked extensively with me about the terrible public education and some other problems. She said she was fortunate to be able to send her 10 yr old son to private education, among other things. She wants to bring him in to practice his english with me. I'm happy to accommodate! She was one of the best doctor's I've ever met. All the doctors were very personable and none used the title "doctor". Being a socialistic country, they had free medical education. I'm not sure if their salaries are limited or not.
I tend to be a routine person. I like routines, not change. I finally came to that point after the first month. And now I'm very comfortable in my little apartment. I haven't been cooking at all. I've been eating fresh fruit (great pears!), crackers, juice and some yogurt. Sometimes I went to the square and found a greek restaurant that had pre-cooked meals. Most the meals fed me for two days and it was all excellent. Surprisingly a gyro costs 2E and was very filling; but a meal at the square is 7E. At the office I discovered The Noodle, a chinese restaurant. It was delicious but it cost 9E. One of the other missionaries teetered on what to eat.
Every missionary has to raise their own support so their budgets are tight. Andrew was the one who teetered; he is a Canadian and also a genius. He managed the missionary's server and other tasks. There were 4 of us single women, all the rest were married, or their husbands worked and the wife stayed home to take care of the children. I loved to see the children being taught Greek in school. I' always wished I could've put my young sons in a similar language program. When I went to Galatas for a weekend, another woman and her daughter were also there. The mother is french, the father is german. she speaks only french to their two daughters and he speaks only german. Both daughters are learning english in school. Oh how I wished I'd had that education. I find it quite interesting that all these small countries in the EU have their own language and most learn at least one of the other languages plus english.
Well I haven't decided whether I will leave May 1 or go to Rome and stay a few extra days. My doctor has said he would give me a note that I cannot fly to the US after surgery. I love Rome! I was fortunate to find my apartment which at such a bargain of $550 per month. Food I would have to pay where I am so I don't count that as a missionary expense. By the way, I stopped getting lost after 3 weeks! I began to see some of the same people walking around and I felt comfortable in my little niche and at the HM office. I think I paid about 150E on taxi's in my job to visit all the HM ministries which were all over the place in Athens.
I'm so thankful for those of you who donated! Even the $25 donation was a blessing! I've never gone on a mission trip and here the Lord sends me for three months to Greece. I've always been an adventurer at heart and sure that I can do anything with the Lord behind me. On my 19th birthday, i left Michigan in my little lime green VW Rabbit packed with all my belongings and moved to Tampa. I got a job, found a place to stay and began my life. I knew I didn't want to put down roots in Michigan because of the grey winters. It was either Colorado or Florida. I waited a year got my instate tuition and began at the University of South Florida. I loved Colorado at Christmas with my brother and his family. I think I may consider moving to Colorado, LOL!
I'm so very thankful to have accumulated miles on American and United so I can get a $2,500 ticket home for 30k miles! Such a deal. I've done that by charging all my bills on a mileage credit card and then paying the card off when my income comes in. I believe they call that mileage hijacking. It's been very beneficial for me.
Time to say goodbye and I'll write again after I figure out my return schedule.
Bless you all!
Missy Plum
I fell in love with all the people working for Hellenic Ministries. All of them speak Greek, most speak english and a few speak a little english. I loved being on the finance team and serving under Stephan Calhoun, with his wife Mary making them a team who made sure I was okay. I'm a big observer (airports are great for viewing people and their quirks). I observed Stephan deal with very frustrating issues and never once lose his temper. One morning specifically I went in and my heart was so heavy. Sometimes I have dreams of my life before being single again. I wake up and don't know where I am or if I'm married. One morning was particularly bad. Most of the guys and some gals too ride motorcycles because it is economical and faster travel, Stephan included. He came in and checked with each member of his team and when he got to me he saw a wounded soldier. He asked me if it was the thyroid problem; I said no. He asked me if it was the H1N1 flu; I said no. I told him I was grieving extra heavily that day and instantly he went from a genius CFO to a kind and gentle pastor, praying with me and encouraging me. I was amazed and so grateful! One other victory I've had here is complete disuse of pain medication! It has really made a difference in my clarity of mind.
I haven't written in a while because I've been helping in the office and in my free time I've been wandering around, spanning out from my neighbourhood. People and families don't come out to eat or socialise until after 9:00 p.m. I'm usually in bed by 9:30 plus I never had any reason to stay out (no dates). Every where I went I spoke english. Every one was happy to try their english with me and most of them did very well. I had developed a nice relationship with my mini mart guy who made sure I always had my favourite juice in stock. All he knew was greeting me with the standard "yasso!" to which I replied the same.
Then there was the video store rental man who I saw twice a week. I was such a mess when I first went in there to join. I didn't even know my address! I began carrying it in my pocket, as recommended by my Dad. I also put an emergency number on it. I had taken a picture of my passport and tried to show him. His name is Michael, which is the same as mine, Michelle, in Europe. He ended up with a hearty laugh and signed me up. I pulled out my monopoly money (that's what the Euro looks like to me) and held it to him to take whatever i owed. I never had any one try to cheat me.
Then there was Ellen who ran the patisserie where I got my baklava from (yes, I gained 10 lbs, boo hoo). I finally got sick of it and stopped. I walked around the neighbourhood square that had restaurants and coffee shops all around the perimeter, a soccer field in the middle, a church (orthodox) on one end and the children's hospital at the other end. It was a busy place and at night was when people came out and enjoyed one another plus their children loved playing in the square.
One morning I was walking to get some juice and saw two different people at different locations dumpster diving for something to drink or eat. I couldn't tell if they had a drinking problem or what, but my heart grieved for them. The economy and politics here is a mess. Of course the U.S. is no different with our out of control debt. The only difference is because Greece belongs to the E.U. they can't print their own money like we do.
Today I had an extensive medical workup and my EKG showed a slight problem. One building had an internist, cardiologist and surgeon. All surgery required bloodworm, chest X-ray, and seeing the three doctors. When I get home I have to go see a cardiologist and have another EKG. He did say it could be the result of the H1N1 virus. After specific surgeries, the patient stays over night for observation. That's where I am right now. It was a female issue that I hadn't had the opportunity to do until the inexpensive prices here.
Greece is a socialist country. All education is free, every one has health care (they must have a job though). Many of the industries are state owned. Each one of the doctors I spoke with today were happy to have an American to speak with and practice their english. Every where I went workers remembered me and loved to talk. I thought I was having a conversation with my minimart guy only to realise in the middle that he didn't understand a single word I was saying; he just smiled. It was quite humorous!
My anaesthesiologist brought her husband, also an anaesthesia guy, to check on me before dinner. She talked extensively with me about the terrible public education and some other problems. She said she was fortunate to be able to send her 10 yr old son to private education, among other things. She wants to bring him in to practice his english with me. I'm happy to accommodate! She was one of the best doctor's I've ever met. All the doctors were very personable and none used the title "doctor". Being a socialistic country, they had free medical education. I'm not sure if their salaries are limited or not.
I tend to be a routine person. I like routines, not change. I finally came to that point after the first month. And now I'm very comfortable in my little apartment. I haven't been cooking at all. I've been eating fresh fruit (great pears!), crackers, juice and some yogurt. Sometimes I went to the square and found a greek restaurant that had pre-cooked meals. Most the meals fed me for two days and it was all excellent. Surprisingly a gyro costs 2E and was very filling; but a meal at the square is 7E. At the office I discovered The Noodle, a chinese restaurant. It was delicious but it cost 9E. One of the other missionaries teetered on what to eat.
Every missionary has to raise their own support so their budgets are tight. Andrew was the one who teetered; he is a Canadian and also a genius. He managed the missionary's server and other tasks. There were 4 of us single women, all the rest were married, or their husbands worked and the wife stayed home to take care of the children. I loved to see the children being taught Greek in school. I' always wished I could've put my young sons in a similar language program. When I went to Galatas for a weekend, another woman and her daughter were also there. The mother is french, the father is german. she speaks only french to their two daughters and he speaks only german. Both daughters are learning english in school. Oh how I wished I'd had that education. I find it quite interesting that all these small countries in the EU have their own language and most learn at least one of the other languages plus english.
Well I haven't decided whether I will leave May 1 or go to Rome and stay a few extra days. My doctor has said he would give me a note that I cannot fly to the US after surgery. I love Rome! I was fortunate to find my apartment which at such a bargain of $550 per month. Food I would have to pay where I am so I don't count that as a missionary expense. By the way, I stopped getting lost after 3 weeks! I began to see some of the same people walking around and I felt comfortable in my little niche and at the HM office. I think I paid about 150E on taxi's in my job to visit all the HM ministries which were all over the place in Athens.
I'm so thankful for those of you who donated! Even the $25 donation was a blessing! I've never gone on a mission trip and here the Lord sends me for three months to Greece. I've always been an adventurer at heart and sure that I can do anything with the Lord behind me. On my 19th birthday, i left Michigan in my little lime green VW Rabbit packed with all my belongings and moved to Tampa. I got a job, found a place to stay and began my life. I knew I didn't want to put down roots in Michigan because of the grey winters. It was either Colorado or Florida. I waited a year got my instate tuition and began at the University of South Florida. I loved Colorado at Christmas with my brother and his family. I think I may consider moving to Colorado, LOL!
I'm so very thankful to have accumulated miles on American and United so I can get a $2,500 ticket home for 30k miles! Such a deal. I've done that by charging all my bills on a mileage credit card and then paying the card off when my income comes in. I believe they call that mileage hijacking. It's been very beneficial for me.
Time to say goodbye and I'll write again after I figure out my return schedule.
Bless you all!
Missy Plum
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