Passport to Poland

Okay, so I’ve talked a little about it and hinted around here and there. But I’ve postponed making any official declarations until it was 100% certain. Here it is:

I am going to Poland.

I received my passport a few weeks ago and the money has been put down.

I am to join Eva Mozes Kor and the C.A.N.D.L.E.S. Museum on their tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the city of Krakow. Eva Mozes Kor and her sister Miriam were Mengele twins, meaning Dr. Joseph Mengele ran experiments on them as little girls. The C.A.N.D.L.E.S. Museum is the only Holocaust museum worldwide that advocates forgiveness against the Nazis and every other perpetrator of genocide. As a Christian I believe in forgiving my enemies, but what Eva and the museum practices is beyond my comprehension. Such love and forgiveness can only come from God. 

Not only is this a dream come true for me, visiting the country I am writing about (WIP “Hidden Places”), I am taking a big step. As a former (or continual, depends on what’s going on in my life) agoraphobic, it is an extraordinary thing for me to go out on my own in an unfamiliar place. Maybe on this trip, I can learn from Eva and the other Holocaust survivors. Not only is this an adventure for me, I am viewing this as a spiritual journey. I think I’ll come back a different person, a better person.

It is barely three months until I head off. At times I can hardly believe it, but then I feel something that helps me admit that this is reality.

Until next time…

Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

Don't you just love this song?

Yeah, I’m still here. The last month and a half has been crazy busy that I’ve slacked off from this blog. Sorry about that. I know you all are just on pins and needles about my life.

Let’s see…early October I went to the Emmaus Walk, which for those who aren’t familiar with it, it is a Christian spiritual retreat. I’ll be honest; I went in there with a sour attitude. The last thing I wanted to do was cry, do group hugs, sing and dance, etc. You get the picture. Well, I ended up doing all that and more. I actually opened up about my personal struggles with anxiety and depression, which is something I never do. I figured that I’d have nothing in common the ladies because they would be the perfect Christians and I am horribly flawed. I ended up finding my soul sisters in Christ. I came out of Emmaus a stronger person. Since then I have been more vocal and have taken risks. When they say it is a life changing experience, they really mean it. I think every believer ought to try it.

I was home for a little bit and then spent a couple weeks with my cousins and aunts. That may sound simple to you, but believe me, it is nothing sort of a miracle. Because of my anxiety and depression, off and on for about ten years I was agoraphobic (had issues with leaving the house). That’s not to say that I don’t still have struggles; I don’t think an agoraphobic is ever really cured. Anyway, I had a lovely time visiting and catching up with loved ones. Meanwhile, our kitchen is being remodeled. It should be complete next week sometime.

Still writing. HIDDEN PLACES (got a fan page for it on FB, though haven’t done much with it) is plugging along. Had to rewrite the ending. Currently working on a Regency Romance, so that has kept me entertained. And I am having two more short stories published next year: one on my beloved Basset Gracie Belle and the other on anxiety attacks. If anyone can write about anxiety attacks, it is yours truly. I am an expert on the subject. Well, at least my experiences can be fodder for my writings. More on those later. 

Oh, and awesome news: “Miracles and Moments ofGrace: Inspiring Stories of Survival,” has gone through its first edition!!! So, please check it out! Thanks all.

Until next time, lovelies.