Care

Role Reversal

 There will come a season for each of us when parents, who were once our caregivers, require our care.  For some it will be a slow, gradual change.  Holiday meals will become a shared preparation of dishes and then shift to the home of a sibling.  For others, the change will come after an illness or surgery that depletes their dad’s ability to work as he did before.  Sometimes, dementia begins to steal away their capacity to care for themselves altogether.  Many of us will be called upon to help make tactical decisions about our parents’ care.  Most of us acknowledge and embrace this change as a normal and necessary way to show respect to our original caregivers.

 What really strikes me about this life stage are the emotions that come along with navigating this ‘role reversal’ journey.  In many ways it mirrors grieving.  I want to deny that my mother is not capable of watching my children or hosting the Christmas that resembles my childhood.  I can become frustrated when I cannot seem to get my dad to work hard at his physical therapy so he won’t remain in the nursing home indefinitely.   I feel helpless as I sit by and watch them struggle with feelings of depression or worthlessness because all they were once able to do for others eludes their diminishing abilities.  I am angry as I sit and watch Alzheimer’s rob my dad of the ability to even remember my mother.  Selfishly, I am sad that they are no longer the ones that take care of me…caring for them and my children is my responsibility now.  It is important to verbalize and acknowledge these emotions as you traverse this terrain.  Talk to your spouse or a trusted friend.

 In the best of all worlds we could even discuss these emotions with our parents directly.  Perhaps we label and normalize their frustration of losing energy to give as they used to do, maybe we ask how they would like us to ease their responsibilities without taking over some that they wish to maintain.  It could be that we take more time simply to delight in being with them without having to DO anything…finding new ways to soak up the love they still want to give.

Ari Henderson is the Counseling Coordinator at Prairie Lakes Church. 

Jaimie Reetz

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” —Proverbs 16:9

 
While other nursing school graduates applied to hospitals, clinics or medical centers, Jaimie Reetz made other plans. A graduate of Hawkeye Community College, Jaimie decided to take a year off to work with World Hope International, Hope for Children program.

 In December, she hopped on a plane and traveled almost 5,400 miles to put her nursing skills to work. When she arrived in Sierra Leone in West Africa, she immediately immersed herself in learning the language, the culture and the people.

 “The country is the lowest on the United Nation's Human Development Index and has been slow to rebound after the 11-year Civil War. Literacy is at 36 percent and only 57 percent have access to clean water,” Jaimie said. “We want to reach those in most need—child soldiers, pastor's kids, kids with disabilities, orphans and those living in destitute conditions,” Jaimie said.

 Jaimie and the program director work with 600 children and their families, conducting physicals, ensuring they are enrolled and attending school and ensuring basic needs are met.

 “As we go to visit the kids, we are always greeted with overwhelming hospitality. We get the chance to pray with and for our families,” she said. “God has used His written word, His verbal word through others and the peace that comes from His Holy Spirit to guide me to where I am and reassurance that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.”

 Jaimie credits Prairie Lakes for nurturing her passion for missions. Two years ago, she was the River college missions coordinator and traveled to Kenya last year with 410bridge.org.

 “From the very start, I could tell Jaimie had a heart for missions. She has a heart of compassion and mercy and a deep love for God. When she sees a need, she does everything within her power to meet it. She has a heart that desires nothing more than to serve God in whatever He asks of her. I have never seen a young woman her age who has such a deep understanding of who God is, and such a surrendered spirit. God has and will continue to use her in amazing ways for the kingdom,” said Diana Mescher, PLC Influence and College coordinator.

 Jaimie will be in Sierra Leone until May. Read her blog at jaimiereetz.blogspot.com.

God Is On The Move

"Quiet, everyone! Shh! Silence before God. Something's afoot in his holy house. He's on the move!” (Zech. 2:13)

God is on the move at PLC… 

…nearly 40 chaplains are reaching out at the 3 multi-sites to provide God’s comfort and hope to individuals during times of crisis and despair. Have you seen the ‘blue shirts’ at your campus? They are there for YOU! If you know of someone we could “love on,” please contact us at Care.

…these same chaplains are providing spiritual guidance and support as more and more folks are stepping over the Faithline.

…PLC counselors continue to work with individuals in emotional crisis through CareLink.

…more and more folks are sharing requests and praying for others on the website Prayer Wall.

…Influence is training and preparing a mission team to serve in Kwambekenya, Kenya. This family-friendly trip schedule for June 23-July 3 will find 24 PLCers working in the medical clinic, schools, and community.

…the Influence Committee has diligently worked to provide focus, alignment, and cast a vision for our multi-site strategy. Praying for, partnering with, and serving others has never been more critical as we influence BEYOND THE WALLS. You were created for a purpose beyond your own!

… John and Kelly Church’s family collected shoes in their neighborhood for the Soles for Souls program. How is God using your family beyond the walls? Share with us on our Facebook page.

….Easter is just two Sunday away. Who are you inviting? Use the PLC Easter e-invite page.

Can you hear Him?