New cow hopper

Well Julz bought Angel this ridiculous cow hopper a while back off the Internet and for Chrissy, Annette's daughter got given the same one from VLC, only hers is green! Yesterday Angel (2.5yrs old) and Gabby (6 yrs old) came over and played on Angel's cow. It was hilarious to see them. Actually Angel's cow looks a bit different, but i couldn't be bothered photographing it, so i pinched this piccy off some website. Hers is white like this one though, but the face on hers is much cuter and the horns are longer.

The great thing is, the kids playsafe website had this to say about their cows (which they call horses!!!): Enjoy bouncing around on this fun inflatable horse with a round, bouncy, ergonomic body. Specially shaped body for easy grip. Great for balancing and co-ordination skills. Made of thick, nontoxic vinyl. Comes deflated. Measures approximately 52 L x 51cm H. Colours and designs may vary. For ages 2+

The previous day we took them both swimming. I was surprised at how intimidated Gabby is in the pool - she obviously has not had a huge lot of exposure to water early on in her life. While she clung on to Annette's neck tightly and cried, Angel swam in circles around her in the deep end with her floaties on, kicking away! They were both surprised at how well Angel can swim and how brave and courageous she is in water.

I realised these two little girls make excellent playmates. Gabby is a fantastic role model in many other areas and I can see that Angel clearly loves having her as a friend. We went to IKEA yesterday and Angel got really upset that Gabby didn't come and sit with us in the car, until I told her they were in the car behind us. Angel promptly twisted herself out of her seatbelt in her babyseat and turned right around to have a look out the back window - much to my sheer horror. The last thing you want is your little backseat toddler not fixed safely down in her chair! Anyway, she was very excited to see their car arrive after ours. I think out of all the kids i have seen, Angel likes Gabby the most.

Angel and her grandma going to see the peacocks

My little nephew - nine months old

Well, that one day of babysitting two babies was not so bad. In fact I actually had fun and so did my little niece and nephew. This is Lars and I.

Angels in my room

My little 2.5 year old niece stayed over last night. At around 6am this morning she goes "Aunty, look" and I sleepily said "what?" and she was pointing at the ceiling going "shiny man, shiny man, shiny man". She had the biggest grin on her face. I couldn't see anything. Funny, last night I was praying that God would open her spiritual eyes and reveal hidden things to her. I even prayed that God would show her his army so she wouldn't be afraid. God is so awesome. That was confirmation He hears my prayers. So exciting.

I was so excited I randomly blurted it out to the kid's youth pastor and some guy working with the superkids group in church today and some lady named Sam with an 18yr old daughter and a five year old son I had only just met. I also told Graham and Mirjana, Andrew and Karen, Gayle, Catherine, Annette and mum.

Getting rid of stuff

Well today Julz came over and we played with the kiddies all morning, then I took Angel swimming and she took Lars shopping. She brought over a spare baby seat, so I now have two car seats fitted in my car, ready for tomorrow when I look after both munchkins alone. Oh God please help me! I have never looked after both babies alone before.

I have now started seriously getting rid of stuff I don't need. Today I gave Annette my: six beautiful trendy green coffee mugs with matching saucers, lovely crushed glass sugar bowl and matching milk jug; two very expensive exquisite glass serving dishes and a glass salad bowl; a brand new pair of size 8 women's runners (they still had the price tag of $129.95 on them - Julz bought them online from China thinking they were kiddies size 8); my candle collection; and a brand new door hanger-decorating kit.

A while back I also gave her my bible college books, CDs, DVDs, record collection, mini perfume bottles and some bracelets. I am no longer materialistic. I am letting go of so much stuff. I just cannot take it overseas with me.

May I please have a punching bag?

On Tuesday I had lunch with Sarah who I worked with ten years ago. She told me I really need to find the right guy and settle down and start having kids because my clock is ticking. Nice. I guess people of the world just have no idea about the miraculous God I serve. I know that choosing to wait for the one He has chosen for me, instead of rushing to find one who will make do to please everyone else and shut people up, will reap rewards. I know w/o a doubt that God has the right person for me, just so many people are throwing their worldly thoughts and doubts at me, it is really annoying. Only God knows why I have had to wait so long.

On Tuesday, I also went to see Kristin's parents cos they said they had a book they bought me for Chrissy. Well I was touched that they thought of me, but then I opened it today and I realise they have jumped to all these silly conclusions about me and got me a book they thought I needed, but which is not at all relevant to me because I don't ask any of the questions the author is aiming to answer. It frustrated me more than anything else. I have to remind myself they have good intentions. They are just old, naive and are w/o a clue when it comes to relating to people my age. That's why their two kids escaped and moved out and don't want to tell them anything.

Oh Lord, I cannot wait to leave this place and get to America. I just need to move out of this place and get on with my life and into the promised land.

Farewell to my house of prayer

Well today Julz dropped a bombshell on me - she has decided to sell the house I am currently living in. This overwhelming sadness has been lingering in my heart since she said that. Well, now it really does seem time to move on with my life and pursue my dream of going to IHOP in America. Gosh, who would ever have thought that would happen. I never even saw it coming. I guess it makes sense. Julz wants to buy a two bedroom unit next to UWA so Angel and Lars can live in it and attend university one day. She has already been looking for units on Broadway, which is one road parallel to the university.

I am going to start moving things to mum's house tomorrow. Well that makes it all a bit easier for me I guess.

New direction

ok so Sarah got back to me end of last week and said she hadn't heard from her boss, which she was assuming wasn't a good sign. She will only know for sure in January when she returns to work whether the work is a goer or not. Ho hum! Anyways, I ended up ringing up the recruitment agencies and chatting some more and it turns out they only recruit to level 4 in Govt. I hadn't realised that. The whole ordeal somehow softened my heart to the idea of returning to Govt by directly approaching people I have worked with.

Last night, I had a look at the organisational structure chart for the OOE and what a surprise that was! It turns out the sister of the first boss I ever had that died, now works there as a director and one of my friends from Consumer Protection also works there now. Then the director who wrote me a glowing reference that i have carried everywhere since, is now the CEO of the place! So I summed up the courage and emailed her, saying I would be willing to do anything and even for lower pay then what I left on. Boy, that took a lot of humbling, but I guess I have just come to realise in the last few weeks that employment is a gift that should not be taken for granted and any salary would be a step up from being a volunteer on the streets of Mexico!

God is faithful

Well yesterday was a real downer. I spent the morning cleaning with Exit-Mould for the shower walls, Harpic for the toilet, Spray & Wipe for the counters, Windex for the glass and mirrors and Jiff for the sink. Shortly afterwards, I had the worst allergic reaction - I couldn't stop sneezing for hours, had tears in my eyes and a runny nose and my skin felt like it was falling off. I took two different types of anti-histamine, some nasal spray, dissolvable aspirin and sudafed and yet could not shake off the symptoms. By evening, I was truly sick! I went to church anyway and felt very unwell.

All my allergic reactions contributed to my downcast soul and I had tears streaming down my face all through the church service. I was really grateful to Tam for being s sweet and caring, but it only made me weep more. I got home feeling unwell and miserable and down in the dumps. Before I went to bed, I wrote a list of everything I was thankful for, including future praise points that I wanted to believe God for. I was also feeling lousy because I have not worked a real job for three years and most workplaces want two current referees - they have to be within the last two years. I could put down Ps Judy and Ps Eunice, but really, they can't say I have worked in a related job.

Well this morning I woke up and prayed and then I felt this strange desire to contact Sarah, an old work colleague from the DoH. I asked her if she had any work for me around the same pay level I left at three years ago. During the day, she suggested I be paid a HUGE amount more than I left on (like $14K more) and offered me 12 weeks from early January, subject to her boss' approval. She now works for a guy who is a doctor as well and directs the state in matters to do with medical imaging. He looks like a really nice guy.

Well I never thought I would return to the work place I started in, nor the Government at all, for that matter. It would certainly fit within the words of the prophecy though with regard to being an "on" ramp. At this stage in my career, I cannot think how else to get back in, given I have no current referees. The work would relate directly to my degree and I know I have the skills and experience to do the job. Hey, the greater one lives in me now and consequently, I now have special favour.

Just having that conversation with Sarah today, regardless of whether it will go ahead or not, has encouraged me deeply and picked up my spirit. I bought Tammy a gift today and when I went to drop it off, she said that as soon as I walked into the bookshop last night, she knew I was not ok. She said she and Menka prayed for me. Well their prayers worked. I woke up well and felt this urge to spend time with Jesus.... and it has led to a potential job.

Note to self - no permanent markers for Angel

One of my friends sent me this today. It made me laugh so much because I can just imagine Angel doing this to Lars. haha

Peacocks

This is such a beautiful bird! I would love to see a white one spread its feathers. I am not surprised that Angel was so captivated by them today. They are just so delightful to watch. God must have had such joy in creating them.

Little Angelina

Well today mum and I had a lovely afternoon with our little Angelina. She is such a beautiful and cheeky little toddler. We just love her to bits. We took her to see the peacocks at UWA and boy did God have a beautiful surprise for us.

The male peacocks had their incredible feathers on full display. I have never seen them with the one metre-long feathers parading them, while dancing in circles and making funny calls. Apparently it is mating season, so the males are getting all theatrical and impressive. Angel was absolutely delighted and cried when we left. We found a few feathers for her though. I am going to find a picture of a peacock and print it for her and glue the feathers on it.

Mum reminded me today of the vision she had ages ago before Angel was born. It was of a little angel swinging on swing and waving at her. She said the face was the same as little Angelina's face and her smile was bright and cheerful, just like her lovely grand-daughter. None of us every dreamed Julz would have such a stunningly attractive and beautiful fair child that was called Angelina! She really is such a sweetheart. She has a really fun bubbly personality and is almost always giggling.

Last weekend, I caught her playing with my bible. Then I left the room briefly and came back to find her standing on my bible and then jumping up and down on it! Today I read her the toddler's bible and she remained interested for the whole book!!! It was about 140 pages long. I couldn't believe it. I snapped some piccies of her last weekend. I guess you could say she is standing on God's promises on the Word of God :-)

Term deposits

Well last night I almost invested my money in a dodgy bank, which was offering a very impressive interest rate of 6.61% - much higher than my current bank's offer of 6.00%. Well I filled out their online application form and got right to the electronic transfer of my hard-earned savings and then suddenly had second thoughts, so I rang mum. She had never heard of this bank, in fact neither had I, nor anyone else I know. Mum did some research and found out it was a private bank that made less than $50,000 in profits last year - meaning it could easily fall through and my money could be gone, out of my reach forever .... or only accessible through lawyers and their legal fees. I am so glad I did not go ahead with it.

So I went for the next best rate in a known bank - it was 6.30% at Citibank. There was only one branch in Perth on St Georges Tce (cnr Barrack St), but at least it has been around for 25 years. The service was so much more professional. The other bank sounds like a bunch of yobbos.

Interview

So today I had to do online testing to assess my typing speed and accuracy, and then my proficiency in using MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook. I passed them all. I was a bit frustrated because I simply couldn't do some of the basic functions I have done in the past because I either couldn't remember how to do them or the program asked me for an alternative method of doing it, which I couldn't do :o( Boooo hooo. Tomorrow I have a face-t0-face interview in the city at 9.30 am. I am excited about that. I am going to catch the bus and train to get there, then catch the train and bus home, then go and have lunch with Kristin's parents in the Overflow cafe.

My "on" ramp onto the express way

For the last few days, I have been thinking of Kerry Kirkwood's prophecy to me back in August 2007. So far, it has all come true, except one small part, which I feel is for now. It's this bit:

"There is an issue where the enemy has told you, you made a mistake and because you made a mistake you are never going to be able to get where you need to be. That is not true. God is a redemptive God, no matter what, and He is able to catch you and put you in right place whatever the detour is. I just see it there’s a detour but you’ve got an “on” ramp onto the express way. He’s going to give you a way to get on. You are not going to be going down the side. You are going to be able to get on and be able to move quickly".

I have always felt as though this part of his prophecy related to my career, because when I worked in the public sector, I got to a place where I felt trapped because I had jumped up to the most senior level I could go and then there didn't appear to be any where to go to from there. Then, the manager of the section in DTF where my permanency was attached to, made my life hell by forcing me to release the position. In hindsight though, I realise God didn't want me bound to that position anyway. In letting go of it, I was able to go into bible college for two years and then YWAM for six months.

Funny, with all the drama associated with that night-fill job and mum getting upset about me having a crap job after she worked so hard to get us educated, I feel it is time to return to a real job. I know America was my plan, but my heart is not 100% in it yet. I feel I may have the timing wrong. For the last few days I have had Kerry's words in my heart about how God had a detour for me, but then He would provide an "on" ramp onto the express way, that I wouldn't have to go up the side. Could it be my career? I cannot think what else it could possibly relate to. Looking back over the last few years, I have definitely had a detour. Who ever thought God would send me to bible college and then to YWAM!

I know from my time at night-fill that God has made me a lot more confident. I can now define my boundaries and am not intimidated by people like I used to be. I feel confident and believe in myself. God has changed my heart. I feel so much love inside for people I don't even know. He has done some work inside me. Though I look the same on the outside, it is like my insides have been renewed.

As I prepare to approach this mining company, I feel like I am meant to be there. They offer the exact same scholarship to students that old Crusty gave me for my honours year. What are the chances of that happening! Then, during my time in the public sector, I participated in the corporate sports that some staff from this company were also part of and I put together two teams in DTF and WAEC for the "Climb to the top" fitness challenge that this company was a major sponsor for. It's like I have had connections all the way through.

This company poached the girl from DTF whose position I filled. I also went to Cambodia with another girl who was from this company and I remember her saying how much she liked working there. Then mum's friend, Helen, also got a job in this company. She is in her 40s, so she is much older than me. I know I have a lot to offer.

My night-fill career is over!

Tonight I worked my last shift of night-fill forever. Even if I do need a job in a hurry, I am confident that I will never return to night-fill work. Good bye night-fill work. I kind of feel sad leaving all the guys behind, especially working for the loser store manager who is a bully.

Resignation

So yesterday I went into talk to my line-manager, but similar to Monday, he had gone home early. So I talked to Nigel, the equivalent manager in a different section. He said he had just resigned as well and was finishing up in a week. Then I told him I was resigning because my plans to go to America had been delayed and I would now be leaving in April, not January, so this meant I had another four months to kill and I would prefer a day job. I decided to give one week's notice, even though I only actually had to give one day's notice. I just felt it would toughen me up to wear the consequences of my action to stand up for justice and fair treatment of all workers and also, that it was fair on the manager who employed me to work until the end of the roster he gave me.

Then I proceeded in telling him my concerns and gave him a piece of paper summing them up. He told me he was aware of the issues and he would give my paper to the store manager, but felt that it was unlikely anything would be done about them in-store, especially seeing I was leaving. Therefore, he told me to send a copy to the head office. So I rang up the head office and the guy on the other end of the HR department didn't sound too friendly at all. He asked me to email him directly. Gosh, I wonder whether this unfriendly man on the other end is going to be of any help at all. I guess I have done what I believe God sent me to this workplace to do.

I just feel in my heart that this season of working late nights is finished. I am quite sore too in my left shoulder. I really never want to be so proud that I cannot do a low life job and make friends with people who others look down at. I think this was a great research project and work experience opportunity for me. I really do have a lot of love for the people I work with. They are beautiful creations of God, His workmanship. I wish I could help them further.

So here are my points summed up that I gave to the manager yesterday. The text in blue was not submitted. I just wanted a record of it.

________________________________________________

Concerns regarding Occupational Safety and Health Standards

1. Some night-fill workers are unaware that they are entitled to have breaks when they work more than four hours in one shift. I have spoken to three workers who had seven hours in one night and were unaware they were allowed to have a break. One was recruited to work at the Innaloo store permanently. The other two had come from another store to assist due to a shortage of workers on a Saturday night.

Without adequate breaks, workers’ energy levels are reduced and they are more prone to accidents/injuries (potential workers’ compensation claims). In addition, the two workers that assisted on Saturday night from another store had never had breaks during seven hour shifts – they could potentially claim re-imbursement for every 30 minutes in each shift that they worked, when they were meant to be having a meal break! The Fair Work Ombudsman’s office (131394) confirmed that these staff were entitled to claim reimbursement.

Suggested improvement: Information about breaks should be included in the induction training and re-emphasised at team meetings.

Wageline (131394) advised that the following shifts should accommodate breaks:

4 hrs to 5 hrs – one 10 min paid break;

5 hrs to 7 hrs – one 10 min paid break and one 30 min unpaid meal break; and

7 hrs to 10 hrs – two 10 min paid breaks and one 30 min unpaid break.

2. A performance target rate of emptying a certain amount of stock cages per hour has been set, which is the same for all workers regardless of what type of items they are working with (e.g. dairy products, heavy metal cans or confectionary).

While it is great to have a performance target rate, if it is unrealistic (as suggested by one dairy worker last week) then staff will rush to achieve this rate and may not consider correct lifting techniques highlighted in the induction training. Consequently, muscle sprains and injuries may potentially result in workers’ compensation claims and loss of workers (requiring more recruitment, training and ultimate loss of finances). I have already heard two workers complain about back problems.

Suggested improvement: Information about correct lifting techniques should be re-emphasised in team meetings. Performance rates should be based on the type of grocery item and if there is too much stock to put out in one night, then more night-fill workers should be employed!

Worksafe (1300 307 877) advised that every work place has a duty of care towards the workers and is required to ensure occupational safety and health standards are complied with. If improvements are not put in place, Worksafe said that a formal complaint should be lodged.

Wiggles

Had a lot of fun at the Wiggles Greatest Hits concert today at Burswood Dome. The only down side is it was a really hot day and I don't think the place was air-conditioned very well, if at all, so Angel and Lars were really hot and grizzly initially. However, after I prayed for Angel, took off her shoes and gave her some water and put it over her face and hands and feet to cool her off, she perked up and actually seemed to enjoy the show. I thought it was excellent. Very well done.

I told Kristin's mum how upset I was about work and she agreed with me and said that was why God put me there in the job - to bring freedom and justice to the workers. My neck is really sore now :-( Cannot wait to finish working there.

Last week

So I have decided to quit my job after one month, ending this upcoming Saturday. I know it didn't last long, but it really is not the right job for me. Was feeling peeved all night I didn't sleep. Feel like crap today. Gotta drive to Kristin's mum's house and eat lunch, then take her to Burswood to see the Wiggles, then drive home.

So angry

Just finished work. Am so angry. Tonight I worked with two Ethiopian guys and got talking to them. I found out that both had been working for six hours and were not aware they were even entitled to have breaks. I called the supervisor over and told him in front of these guys that it was his duty of care to make sure they had adequate breaks and I made sure they went off and had a break right then. Then I wrote down for them the breaks they are entitled to and told them to make sure they always took them, especially because half an hour of their time was not paid for, when they were meant to be having a break. They both thanked me. I was too angry to receive their praise.

I am going to meet with John on Monday because this situation needs to change.

Unfair working conditions

Last night Rick came up to me and told me the supervisor forced him to work seven hours straight without any breaks. That really annoyed me. He doesn't have the confidence to set boundaries with them. So that prompted me to ring up the Dept of Commerce (1300 655 266) today to seek some advice. They only deal with public sector issues, so told me to ring Wageline (13 13 94), Worksafe (1300 307 877) and the Dept of Immigration Citizenship (13 18 81).

Wageline advised that my work colleagues are entitled to the following breaks: for 4-5 hrs: 10 min paid break; for 5-7 hrs: 10 min paid break plus one 30 min unpaid meal break; and for 7-10 hrs: two 10 min paid breaks plus one 30 min unpaid meal break.

Worksafe asked me to lodge an anonymous complaint by email. I was reluctant to do so, because being the only non-intimidated local, it would be very obvious who had complained, so I did it but didn't say which store I work in.

The Dept of Immigration Citizenship advised that they can only help if the international students are on visas that cap the amount of hours they are allowed to work and they are being forced to work more hours than what they are entitled to do so on their visas.

I also typed up an email to Ps Judy, Ps Eunice and Ps David asking for their spiritual advice and telling them my dream.

Nasty

Yesterday we had a team meeting at work with a boss I had never really talked to. I'm not sure what his position is exactly, but he is higher up then the in-store managers and comes into our store once a week. Anyway, I didn't like him at all. He was rude, abrupt and came across as a jerk and a bully who likes to intimidate people. I realised last night that the majority of people working in night-fill are international students who have no interpersonal skills, are very submissive and cannot stand up for themselves. For many, English is not their first language. In his presence they are timid and shy.

I was not intimidated by him and when he asked why we were not attending his piss-up staff party, I told him I had a better offer. His face went temporarily into shock. I guess he is not used to having people talk back to him. I have nothing to lose. I am going to quit soon anyway and get a real job.

Last night God gave me a dream about him. In the dream he was a sports coach and the people I work with were in the team he was coaching. One by one, I watched him go to different team members and tell them they were failures, they were scum and wouldn't amount to anything. He crushed their spirits. Then during a break time in their harsh training regime, I watched a few men go towards a place to get a bite to eat. He blocked their path and wouldn't let them get food.

In the dream, I was sitting on the top of a wall that was about eight foot high. I called out to him as he walked by and said to him in a loud voice "do you really think that putting down your team members and crushing their spirits is going to make them excel?". He looked at me and muttered something implying he was right. In the dream, I was not being bullied or threatened by him. I was merely a spectator.

I woke up with the realisation that there are staff all around me that are not being treated fairly. If anyone works more than four hours, they are entitled to a half an hour meal break as a minimum. What has been happening is that at the time we are meant to finish, they are being asked to stay back later and finish unpacking the load without adequate breaks. They don't have the guts to say no. I have heard a few people moan about back problems. One of the girls from the Philippines whines when she carries boxes some times and I can see she is injured.

I always start and finish my shifts at the rostered time and decline their offer to stay later. For such pathetic pay (less than half of what I got in my last real j0b), there's no way I will stay later. I'm just here for a short season. As soon as I get my visa, I will apply for a real job and get out.

God has sent me here for a purpose, though I am not sure though what I am supposed to do. The staff are too intimidated to speak up and even if I tried to say something, they would probably pretend they were being treated fairly. They are being paid, which is good, but if they go on without adequate breaks and rush to get the job done, they will suffer burn-out and health concerns.

International Driver's Licence

Got an international d/l today. All you do is go to the RAC (I went to the West Perth branch), show them your current d/l and then give them a passport photo and $32.50 and they whip one up on the spot for you! Gosh, how easy is that?!?!? I cannot believe that entitles you to drive in America on the wrong side of the car and on the wrong side of the road in multi-lane streets with much more traffic than Australia! This photo looks so weird having the steering wheel on the left hand side of the car! In fact, my international d/l allows me to drive in many countries, not just America. Wow, I have learnt so much.

I also got copies of my qualifications today and work references in preparation for my visa interview. I wish IHOP could hurry up and mail off the visa form for me so I can get that started. I've decided I will go ahead and apply to work at a mining company. Now that I have over four months to kill, I just don't think I can handle doing night-fill for that long. my right wrist is really sore today and last week I sprained my left wrist. It's ok now though because i've been wearing a wrist support guard at work and I think it has healed.

US visa photos done

Went to Morley Camera House today to get a US visa photo done. I got two photos for $14. Not bad. Would have been nice to get it right the first time - I went to two post offices and the photo booth to try and get them done last week, but apparently the specifications for a US visa photo are not the same as for an Australian passport. I wasted $40. Grrrrrr I really don't have much spare money to waste like that.

Jill

Took my friend Jill from YWAM to church tonight because she is super hungry to enter into the gift of praying in the spirit. Ps Alan was really lovely and took time out to minister to Jill and explain the gift in detail. He said he will buy her a book on tongues and give it to me to give to her. I'm stoked she had such a great time. I gave her a bag of brand new dresses today that Julz gave me. I said she could sell them at the fundraiser night she is going to have on Saturday 4 December 2010. This photo is of her and a Mexican boy that became like a brother to her. Really nice looking kid!

Terminating witchcraft

Last night I had a dream in which I opened a door and looked inside a cupboard full of nasty spiders. I took out a spray can and sprayed a huge amount of killer spray, enough to get rid of them all and I shut the door with that satisfaction knowing they would all die shortly. I know this dream was symbolic that I am on the right track and God is working through me to get rid of the effects of witchcraft in my family.

Accepted

Got an email today saying I had been accepted into IHOP. Hooray. However, they are only going to send the form I need to apply for a visa on Friday by regular mail :o( So there goes another week of airfares rising in the meantime. Somewhat frustrating.

Bright future

Yesterday God spoke to me in my quiet time and said "humility comes before honour". It makes me wonder what lies ahead in my future.

Funny because I was thinking earlier about how working in night-fill is extremely humbling because i'm being paid half of what I used to get paid in my career three years ago and it is a job that requires absolutely no skills whatsoever. It's a brain-dead job essentially. I know w/o a doubt I am no longer materialistic nor sucked in by money. It's amazing how money used to have such a hold on me so many years ago and yet God has delivered me from it now.

Spilled the beans

Spoke to Julz today and she deeply upset me again because she asked me if I would take Angel to dance lessons in January 2011 and I said I wasn't sure I could commit to it and then I told her if I moved out of her house she could rent it out and then not have to work on Saturdays. Then she could give Angel the quality care that she needs. Julz said that would not be possible because she was on a five year work contract to work Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays every week until 8pm and simply could not change it. That is total garbage. Being a female doctor she could very easily at any stage change work practices and find work that pays just as well. The reality is that she is sucked into making lots of money and places that as a higher priority than looking after the beautiful children God has given her. I cried for ages after I spoke to her, thinking about Angel being neglected on Saturdays.

Later, I sent an email to mum telling her I had had a bit of a fight with Julz and decided to move out of her house so she could rent it out for a higher amount and pay off her mortgages. I also said I had had enough and decided to apply for an internship at IHOP and depending on when I could get a visa, etc... I would be leaving either in January or April next year. Mum rang me straight away and said "what the hell is going on?". I cried on the phone and told her I had to get on with my life, that I could not babysit Angel forever and that I needed to get away. She said I could move back home to her house and go to America next year if I wanted to. She said she would not charge me any rent. She asked me to come over and stay the night and rest. Then she told me how she felt nothing for Julz and had lost any desire to see her again because she didn't trust her and had only just managed to get back on top of her financial situation after Julz wasted her money and wrecked her life.

Then I cried on the phone to Kristin's mum and she prayed for me and my mum and over the situation. I have not been able to talk to Wendy and when I talk to Jeanette I feel like she doesn't have time for me, so I guess Kristin's mum is the one God has sent to listen and help me through such a rough season of my life. She really is a very sweet lady. I know she means well and has a good heart. She also asked me to come and stay at her house and invited me out to dinner tonight with their family. I declined the offer. I just don't feel like going out tonight. Just need a quiet one. It was a huge thing telling mum. I'm glad that is out now.

I haven't heard back from IHOP yet.

IHOP Interview

After trying to call the lady in America for an interview three nights in a row, multiple times each night with no response, I sent her an email that was really politely worded, but reflective of my frustration. She probably picked up my vibes because she sent me a very apologetic email back with the interview questions attached and said she had decided an email interview was more appropriate because time was lingering. Last night when I finished work, I sat up typing out my responses. I put quite a lot of thought into it and attached a couple of work references. I finished at 2.00am. At least that part of the application process is now complete. If all goes well, I will have my visa by the end of the week.

Today I am catching up with Jill Funk at the Overflow Cafe and then having dinner at Graham and Mirjana's house.

Looby Lou

This was mum's favourite song as a kid. It's called Looby Lou.

Here we go looby loo
Here we go looby light
Here we go looby loo
All on a Saturday night
You put your right hand in
You take your right hand out
You give your hand a shake, shake, shake
And turn yourself about

Here we go looby loo
Here we go looby light
Here we go looby loo
All on a Saturday night
You put your left hand in
You take your left hand out
You give your left hand a shake, shake, shake
And turn yourself about

Here we go looby loo
Here we go looby light
Here we go looby loo
All on a Saturday night
You put your right foot in
You take your right foot out
You give your right foot a shake, shake, shake
And turn yourself about

Here we go looby loo
Here we go looby light
Here we go looby loo
All on a Saturday night
You put your left foot in
You take your left foot out
You give your left foot a shake, shake, shake
And turn yourself about

Here we go looby loo
Here we go looby light
Here we go looby loo
All on a Saturday night
You put your whole self in
You take your whole self out
You give your whole self a shake, shake, shake
And turn yourself about

Progress

Well yesterday I finally managed to talk to Julz about the potential of going overseas for three to six months to study and she said it would be no problem to rent this house out and even offered to store my stuff. She was strangely very calm and rational about it all. I didn't actually tell her I have already submitted my application and am trying to plan accommodation. The other day I mentioned it too, but she kept on talking as though she hadn't heard me. I realised she was not 100% with me then. Makes me wonder if she was thinking straight yesterday. Anyway, now it is out in the open where Jules is concerned anyway.

Gotta work on mum. Not expecting it to be as easy, but you never know.

I have been trying to call this lady from IHOP who emailed me to arrange an interview but she has not answered her phone two nights (well days on in America) in a row. I finally got an email from her today saying she has been sick and to call again tonight. It is really annoying because I am working tonight until midnight and again tomorrow from 9am to 5pm and then 8pm to midnight, so a lack of sleeping hours is not going to be easy before such a long working day.

New job

Started working last night, actually I officially started Monday because I had an induction then. I am really blessed to be female because they are going to put me in the health and beauty aisles every night, which are really lovely and easier because the stock is in small packages. I love these aisles. They contain makeup, sunscreen lotions, baby products, hand wash, soap, bubble bath, hair products and more. It's funny working in the same section every night, aisles 10 and 11. The girl I work with is Justine, I think she is a supervisor and she works every day. She is a tiny girl from China, but she has lived here most of her life. I think she'd be in her 40s. She is very easy to get along with. I can see myself loving this job. I will be working 8pm to midnight five nights a week, Tuesday to Saturday. It doesn't seem that late because the air temperature is quite cool and music plays all night, so you stay wide awake. I also have decided to pack snacks in my handbag to eat when I take toilet breaks :o)

I was very tired last night when I got home and IHOP didn't ring me about an interview. The lady, Karen Pelt asked me to ring her in America. That's a bit harsh! I asked if she could ring me instead. I will ring up Telstra and see if I can change my contract to call international calls to suss out how much it costs.

Blue day

Feeling really down in the dumps. Rang up Jeanette last night at 10.00pm crying. I dunno, suddenly my life just seems so hard having to clear out everything out of my beloved house, tell Julz that I can't babysit next year or see Angel for six months at least, thinking about how mum wont see Angel and Angel wont see her grandma or favourite dogs, moving to a snowy city where I don't know anyone, getting through such a long series of flights, finding accommodation somehow, getting through another dysfunctional Christmas, being surrounded by happy families and people whose lives are working out when mine is a mess. Oh Lord, I need you so much at this time. Give me the grace to get through this hard season and into the bright season of blessings ahead. Somehow the best days are yet to come.

Wow

Wow, Tamz got a hair cut and got all glammed up for her birthday. She looks totally stunning!!!

Happy Birthday Tammy

Today is Tammy's 22nd bday. Despite being so much younger than me, she has been one of the biggest blessings to me through some hard times. She is such an amazing friend, someone I have not been able to get enough of. She is someone I love and trust so much and shows much more maturity than her age. I wish I knew more people like her. I was sitting next to her last Sunday wondering what to buy her and I had this brainwave that I would buy her a jewellery holder and then I found a cute metallic art sculpture of a lady dressed up in a pretty outfit holding her hands out, so I bought it. I also got her a stainless steel water bottle from Koorong and some jelly bellies.

This morning I kind of accidentally caught up with Damien, an old friend who I have known before my first boyfriend (more than half my life ago). He rang me and sent me a text message and I thought it was my friend Trish and said sure, would love to catch up. I got such a shock when I found out it was Damien instead! Anyway, I cooked him breaky, made him a fruit smoothie and some coffee and we had a nice chat for about an hour. He still looks exactly the same as he did over two years ago when I saw him last.

I set up his Facebook account for him years ago and what was really funny is I took a free clip art image off the Microsoft free clip art site and it was of a blonde man with a top hat, suit and tie and he told me he actually thought it was himself!!! He didn't even realise it was someone else. Now that is hilarious. He said he will leave it there.

Fruit Smoothies

Well a new season has dawned - the fruit smoothie season and I am wondering why I have never tapped into this season before! I just cannot get enough. So, on Thursday after my sister overwhelmed me with a magnitude of fruit, I dragged out my blender and started mixing delicious combinations of fruit and veges together. Thursday I made a couple of different combinations, then yesterday I had four other combinations and today I had a couple as well.

So far I have mixed:

• apple, banana, blueberry and orange
• apple, banana, blueberry and milk
• apple, banana, blueberry, milk and chocolate-coated peanuts
• apple, mandarin and blueberry
• banana, blueberry and milk
• blueberry and orange
• carrot and tomato
• carrot, pear and watermelon

They have all tasted nice, though the ones with carrot were a bit thick. I realise now that if I don't put a really juicy fruit in, then I need to add either water or milk.

I just did a search on the Internet and found a page full of free recipes for fruit smoothies and it has inspired me to go out next week and buy some new ingredients. It never occurred to me to throw in dried apricots, honey, mint, ice-cream, yoghurt, milo, malt, etc...

After drinking so many fruit smoothies, I feel fantastic. My body feels really healthy.

Testimony of provision

God is truly amazing and today I want to record a testimony of His amazing provision. So I had a really bad night last night – I was restless and feeling anxious about the next season of my life overseas and all the details like:

1. telling my family;
2. deciding what to do with all the furniture in my house when I clear it out;
3. responses to interview questions from the uni;
4. getting a visa by answering more interview questions and paying more money (about $450);
5. sorting out accommodation in freezing cold, snowy KC and the costs involved (around $2,000);
6. making new friends in a city where I don’t know a single person;
7. working out how to pack six months worth of winter clothes and all the bedding I need within the weight limits for international travel;
8. booking flights (around $2,500 to $4,000 depending on how soon I book them) and arranging them in such a way that I minimise the waiting time at each airport; and
9. how I am going to survive not being able to work for six months (paying tuition fees of $2,500 and then living expenses).

It is actually a really huge project. It sounds simple – just go over and study there, but it is really very complicated and lots of things need to be done in order to achieve the outcome.

So today I woke up feeling like crap but was determined to pray and spend quality time with God. I felt led to take communion and thank Him for everything He has done for me and that His hand is on every situation that concerns me. Then I read a whole pile of Scriptures over my family and I and prayed some stuff. Then while I was eating breaky, it’s like this pressure came over my head and I had the feeling that something big was about to happen and that I needed to pray in tongues for two hours.

Well my sis was scheduled to arrive at my house this arvo and just before she arrived, I felt the Lord say to confess a whole lot of Scriptures over my finances, so I did. Refer to section three of the Charles Capps “God’s Creative Power” gift collection book - I copied it here in yellow, but I don't think it's readable :o(

Boy, I didn’t anticipate the magnitude of blessings that followed! She gave me a wrap value meal from McDonalds, $570 cash, a HUGE lot of fruit and vegetables (apples, pears, bananas, blueberries, watermelon, carrots, tomatoes, oranges, mandarins – way more than I can eat by myself!), eight brand new lithium batteries (they cost $42), two pairs of brand new jeans, a notepad and a pile of brand new books for my niece. I was so overwhelmed I could barely talk. Still in shock even hours after she left. Gosh, the one who causes me so much sadness and grief is the one who blesses me the most in response to prayer. The wealth of a sinner is stored up for the righteous.

I also had a call today from my new boss, John, who asked me to start my new night shift job on Monday evening, 8 November 2010.

God is totally amazing. It really is worth following the leading of the Holy Spirit.

New job and new shoes

Today Rob came and mowed my lawn and we had a great chat as usual.

Then I spent a bit of time in prayer and suddenly had this desire to apply for a night-fill position, so I rang up the store manager of a nearby store, told him I did a similar job years ago and he said to put in my CV and a copy of my passport and he would hook me up with some work. I rehashed my last cover letter and CV from two years ago and went into the store and handed it to him directly. He said they needed staff for Saturday nights, 8pm to midnight, which works fine with me. Easy.

Funny, I was just asking God yesterday about what sort of work I should do, seeing I didn't hear back from the other store and really need some cash. I realised people probably don't think it is worth training someone who is going to leave soon. Night fill work is different and will allow me to sing in the spirit the whole time, which has the huge added benefit of preparing the way for my time at IHOP. Praise the Lord being paid to pray!

Then I felt more justified in driving all the way down to Freo again to buy some really lovely and comfortable Nu by Neo flats for my time in KC. They are such cool shoes. They don't look anything like this picture, but the piccy made me smile.

IHOP preparations

Picked up a couple of warm tops today and also bought a b'day present for Tammy. I got her a jewellery holder. She has been a really blessing to me in so many ways, so the least I could do is get her a nice present. I might top it off with something else too.

I did an op-shop scout today - checking out one in Osborne Park, two in Innaloo, one in Mount Claremont, one in Mosman Park and two in Fremantle. Wow, what a day and walked out empty-handed from six of them. I am really good with my money now that I am saving for IHOP. I was just looking for some cheap stuff to keep me warm that I could toss away before my return home.

Today I finally got an email response from someone in KC and it has made me feel a whole lot better about the whole move. I can rent a room in a house for $340/month. That is cheap. only thing is that no bedding is provided at all, making it tougher to lug stuff over in the limited room I will have in my suitcase. The houses are really beautiful and just a walk down the road from IHOP.

Gday

On Friday, I went to college to give Sarah back her gorgeous ugg boots and black shoes. I didn't feel like returning them because she still has some of my stuff, but I knew it was the right thing to do. I don't think our friendship will ever be the same and it saddens me that it wont. Oh well, I guess we just have to move on. As I was leaving I chatted briefly to Rinna and she told me she was applying for the bookshop manager job at VLC. That was quite a surprise. I didn't feel she was the right person for the job.

Anyway, then I got a shock when I rocked up to do my usual Sunday night voluntary shift in the bookshop and Rob came up to me and offered me the job Rinna had applied for! I politely declined. I really can't see myself in that role either. It's not the low pay that bugs me because I know Rob is extremely generous and would make up for it in other ways. It's just that I really am not interested in that sort of work and don't want the responsibility. I guess it would be great work experience, but I have already laid down my career and I am not really aspiring to be a manager in any shape or form.... plus I am going to America soon.

Tammy told me she and Rob had been commenting all week about how they thought I would be great in that role. I'm flattered, but no thank you. I saw I missed a call from the church on my phone today ... guessing it was Rob trying to pursue me, seeing he asked me to think about it. It didn't take me long to think about it.

Somehow, that kick-started my application to work at one of the largest, if not the largest, outdoor adventure store around the corner from my home. I whipped up a cover letter and updated my CV in a flash and emailed it in. Funny thing is, I really would like to work there because I love shopping in those stores. I was actually in there yesterday at the Joondalup branch buying some thermal underwear, which is now on sale for $10 per item - they usually cost $34.95 each!!! God is so good to me. I had been planning on getting some for ages and had it on my list of things to buy. Anyway, I said I am available any day except Saturday and at any time and for any type of work they considered me suitable for. I figure they probably need some staff for Chrissy sales.

Jehovah Jireh, God is My Provider

Gosh, after all the complaining I do, I realised today how blessed I am by my big sis. She really goes out of her way to bless me in so many ways - food, money, cheap rent, stuff I need but am too cheap to buy myself, etc...

I have earned so little money since I returned to Perth, but I have been a really good steward and tithed on everything I have earned and put away whatever I've been able to in the bank. Each day I have taken time to pray and spend time with God and He has given me an almost surreal peace in my heart to the point where I haven't been stressed about money at all. Everything I have needed He has provided. I had a $500 car bill and bit by bit, somehow I paid it off.... the last $48 I will pay off tomorrow.

Today Julz bought me a new watch band (mine was falling to bits!), a new garlic crusher (after Sarah pinched mine), some fruit, toiletries, ginger tea, lunch, as well as giving me some cash! Yday I desperately wanted some comfy designer jeans and decided to go op-shopping. I only had $10 and I felt the Holy Spirit lead me to go to a place off Main St - well, what do you know - I picked up a gorgeous pair of Portman's jeans (they look brand new!) and a designer pair of Jeanswest jeans for $2 each!!! They fit so well it is unbelievable.

I needed a good jacket for America and Kristin's mum pulled out a lovely snow jacket Kristin bought years ago when she lived in the UK and said I can use it. Kristin did a clean-out of her wardrobe and I ended up inheriting some of her beautiful clothes.

I even needed a good book to read and Jun-Mo, this Korean guy at bible college bought me one. God is just amazing.

So now He has proven Himself through provision - I just need to see Him work on mum and Julz in preparing their hearts to release me into my destiny .... oh Lord, only You can give me favor in their eyes.

Time to hear from IHOPU!

Well IHOPU obviously isn't in a hurry to get my application processed! .... so frustrating waiting. It's been 1.5 weeks now and haven't heard from them at all. I wonder who will be interviewing me and what they will ask me. I can't imagine it being that hard to get in though.

Hopefully, the interview will just be like the one I did for bible college.

I have almost shaken off my cold. Praise the Lord. Sick of being sick. I have been really busy scanning lots of things that I might need in KC.

First Marshall

This is the first dog we had called Marshall. He used to jump up on the fence and spy on the neighbours and scare the hell out of them :-)

Mum

This is my dear mother and her creepy boss from a while back. I love this photo of mum.

Lazy day

Woke up this morning sick as, with a very painful sore throat full of crap :-( so I decided to take some of the Keflex antibiotics Julz gave me ages ago. Apparently, that was a good decision.

Julz came over after she finished work tonight and gave me some more, as well as some other stuff. Great having a Dr as a sister, but it's a shame she is not walking in God's will. She is actually a great doctor and has a very caring, compassionate heart for sick people. Imagine the impact if she was submitted to God! One day she will be. Amen.

Julz asked me if I wanted some photo machine for Christmas or something else, so I said something else and suggested she buy me thermals. Funny thing is, she didn't question why I wanted thermals when the weather is warming up and we are heading into summer! Anyone in their right mind would surely question my motives. I wouldn't have told her about USA anyway. It's too early and I still have not heard back from IHOP.

Today, I just relaxed at home. I had no desire to leave home, seeing I was drugged up and feeling drowsy and not 100%. Instead, I mopped the floors, cleaned the surfaces, did a few loads of washing, typed up scriptures I like, did some prayer, did a bit of Net surfing, talked to Rob when he came and got some money off me for mowing Dave's lawn, talked to Kristin about her housemate who isn't paying rent and ate some food. That's about it really.

Funny, I have buggerall loose money yet I'm not feeling that stressed at all. I have had a $500 car insurance bill sitting on my table for the last week, and i've been thinking of all these things to sell in order to pay it and this morning I did my usual confessing of Scriptures and some were about calling finances into my life and having bills paid and today God supplied my needs.... He just totally rocks!

Cutting soul ties

Gosh I love my little niece so much and I can feel how much she loves me. It hurts so much that I have to say goodbye again to her and I can't explain why I'm going because she is so young she doesn't understand. It makes it harder because she also loves her grandma and her grandma's dogs and because Julz and mum don't talk to each other, Angel can't see them while I am away. It hurts thinking she will not be able to come to this house again, or if she comes, her little heart will be sad because I wont be in it....but instead far far away on the other side of the world.

My heart just feels so sad tonight. It is such a huge sacrifice to follow God's will for my life, but I really believe I am meant to go. I feel really unhappy remaining in Perth. In contrast when I think about Kansas City, I can hardly contain the excitement.... yet these ties to my family hurt me so much. I feel like this is such a huge leap for me - to let go of everything familiar, sell everything of value, pack up my house and go to a city where I don't know a single person on the other side of the world and I can barely contact my family because they don't have skype, don't answer their phones, hardly use email ...they are just so busy caught up in their lives. Why is my life so hard? Why do I have to have such a different call to everyone I know?

Somehow the sacrifices, the challenges, the trials, the hardships will all be worth it. The best days are yet to come.

Sadness

Last night after I had tucked Gabs into bed, I sat up doing my confessions book and praying. I was thinking about how sweet and innocent Gabby is and how vulnerable kids are at that age.

Suddenly, I had two flashbacks of my time in Mexico. One was of a little blonde girl who was walking with some Mexican men - it was something I couldn't help noticing because the majority of people in Mexico are dark, so anyone blonde catches your eye. I wondered why she was with these men and where her parents were. Then the other image I remember is of a little Mexican girl, about the same young age, being dragged along the road crying, by a rough druggie-looking guy. Both these girls brought sorrow and grief to my heart because I felt the Lord was saying both were victims of child trafficking, which is huge in Mexico. My team mates were totally oblivious to them.

I found myself praying for each girl, then Gabby and Angelina. I had tears streaming down my face. They were heart-felt prayers. The flashbacks caught me by surprise because my mind has been so set on preparing for IHOP I haven't had any for a while.

Babysitting a princess

Last night I babysat Gabby because Annette had some fancy wedding reception to attend and being a single mum, doesn't get a chance to get out much, so I took pity on her. I was feeling pretty crook with a sore throat, but went out of my way to bless them both.

• Gabby and I started the night by taking communion. I was amazed that this little 5 yr old closed her eyes and listened intently to my prayers and waited for my cue to take the elements.
• Then we ate lasagne for dinner, which Annette provided, and then I cut up some mangoes, which Julz brought over.
• Then I prepared a bubble bath for her and did her hair up afterwards with leave-in conditioner and some and Angel's hair lackies. I got her to brush her teeth and I cut her finger and toe nails.
• Then we watched King George and his ducky (a veggietale about selfishness) and Gabby ate some cookies.
• Then I got her to brush her teeth again before watching Lord of the Beans (another veggietale, but about the gifts God gives us). I had to stop this partway through because her bed time, 8.30pm, came up!
• Then I took her to my spare bed, popped her in, put some of Angel's lovely moisturiser on her feet and hands, said prayers with her, then tucked her into bed with a heated lamb toy, which I gave her. She fell asleep pretty much straight away!

Later when Annette came home, I made her some lemon and ginger tea and we sat up talking until about 11.30pm. Then I told her to sleep over, seeing her baby was asleep and it was so late, so she did. They just left at about 6.45am!

IHOP

It's now 2.5 weeks since I felt God told me about IHOP..... and twelve weeks until I leave Oz. I wish IHOP would hurry up with the interview process, so I can then apply for a visa and book my flights....and tell my family.

Today I had a closer look at the weekly schedule at IHOP. Wow, it actually looks really intense, with 50 contact hours, including commitments on at night and on the weekend. I don't see much time to shop for groceries and do laundry, etc..