New Beginnings

 

 SHANNON’S CORNER

Welcome 2021!  Bless the Lord, oh my soul…

Living Room

 This new year has brought many new beginnings   in my life.  New beginnings bring excitement and anticipation and change.  I am humbled with gratitude of how God has poured out His love for me through YOU.  Many of you are continuing to support me in prayer and financially in my new ministry and many have supplied furnishings or money towards setting up my apartment.  God has provided me with a beautiful space and place to call home.  Rachel and I had seen the model of the apartment complex where I am when searching for apartments but not this actual apartment until the day, I moved in.  God pleasantly surprised me with some hidden gems.  The spaciousness, washer/dryer in my apartment, a beautiful patio and a pantry in the kitchen.  Last November when I was sharing with my life coach, Sarah about my ups and downs in apartment searching, she shared that maybe God was seeing what I liked and did not like to give me the desires of my heart.  My soul is rejoicing in God’s provision and blessing.  Please stop in and visit when you are in the area or even passing through.  You are welcome and my door is always open!

In these weeks of transitioning into my new apartment, I have to confess that I have felt like

Kitchen

being a foreigner in my own country.  I am used to drawing out cash and then going to each place to pay my monthly bills so trying to set up auto pay has been quite interesting and not sure yet if I have it all figured out.  I called my leasing office, to understand what I need to do, the gal tried explaining it to me and it felt like she was speaking a completely different language than English or Spanish.  The evening before the internet was to be installed, I received a text to see if I had any symptoms of COVID or been exposed.  I replied, ‘no symptoms, keep appointment.’  The next I knew they texted me to reschedule the appointment.  I did not know that all I had to do was reply back ‘KEEP’ which had been all capitalized in the previous text.  Thankfully, I called, and I did not have to reschedule.  I thought to myself, it sure is easier to live overseas than living in my own country.  But then I remembered how strange things were for me when I started out in each country and how odd I thought they did things.  I have some reverse cross-cultural shock happening in my life right now.  Looking back, I have had some good laughs.

I have started working with Safe Place Ministry.  I had orientation with Jillian as she took the time to explain things and how to do some practical administration aspects as well as talk about and schedule things for me to do.  Sharon and I are teamed up to do Child in Crisis training and provide member care services to a mission organization, Foundations for His Ministry in Mexico.  I helped Sharon in translating all the material into Spanish.  I got to observe a training that Jillian and Jane did for the staff at a family practice on Compassion Fatigue.  Jillian has asked me to help with a mission organization, Shores of Grace to help develop a member care program.  I have been asked to develop a training on medical orientation for serving overseas.  Bethann and I co-facilitated a leadership debrief for Water Street Mission in Lancaster, PA.  God led Bethann to Matthew 5:1-12, the Beatitudes to debrief, “where is your heart position with the Lord and with your neighbor?”

One of the things that I have learned throughout my years serving and working in ministry and recently have been reminded is the paradox we live in daily.  The ampersand is a great symbol of the both/and nature of life.

Life is good and hard.  There is sorrow and joy simultaneously.  In understanding this concept provides us a cold sip of refreshing water.  It brings relief and a sense that a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.  Take a moment and see how often you use the words “either,” “or,” and “but” verses a both/and statement.  Give yourself and others permission to use “and.”

Gonzales Family

 I am excited about a possible partnership that the Lord has put on my heart in reaching out and providing member care services to a group of special missionaries who serve in Peru.  There are three family units who I know personally because they grew up in the children’s home where I served in Lima.  I had a meeting with Marlon and Luz del Mar Gonzales, Peruvian missionaries with the mission organization called, Bible Centered Ministries Peru, talking about the possibility of providing member care services to them and their fellow missionaries so that they will have optimal health to do ministry that bears much fruit for the Kingdom of God.  Please be in prayer with us for wisdom and discernment along with God’s leading and directing in this partnership.

I am grateful for the small amounts of time to spend with my family this past month.  I am indebted and thankful for all the help my sister, Rachel and her family has done for me throughout my transition to living in Harrisburg, PA.

God is good all the time.  All the time God is good.  What new beginnings are you excited and anticipating being a part of your life in this new year?  

My goal is to raise at least $25,000 for this coming year 2021.  This will help to cover living and ministry expenses so to reach my goal I still need to raise around $8,000.  As you give, prayerfully consider the “monthly option”-

1.  Donate Online!  (follow prompts)

      www.worldoutreach.org/783

2.  Mail Checks:

     World Outreach Ministries, Inc.

     P.O. Box B

     Marietta, GA  30061

     (designate for Shannon Eaton #783)

3.  Bill Pay:  free option via your online bank

     (use same information for checks)

"When he saw the vast crowds of people, Jesus' heart was deeply moved with compassion, because they seemed weary and helpless, like wandering sheep without a shepherd." --Matthew 9:36

PRAYER REQUESTS

Praise the Lord for the shower Rimersburg UMC had for me!

Praise the Lord for family!

Praise the Lord for a good start to new beginnings!

Praise the Lord for starting up with Safe Place Ministry!

Praise the Lord for my conversation with Marlon & Luz del Mar!

Pray for my finances. I still need to raise $8,000 to reach my goal $25,000 for year 2021.

Pray for community, friendships.

Pray for church community.

Pray for wisdom as I meet with people.

Pray for emotional strength and stress levels of those caring for others.

Contact Information:

Shannon Eaton

5055 Stacey Drive Apt. 1604

Harrisburg, PA  17111

(724)967-1437

 

Email:  shannon.eaton76@gmail.com

Facebook:  Shannon R. Eaton

Blog:  www.shannonreaton.blogspot.com

Aspen Hill Community

My apartment on the first floor

Bedroom

Bedroom

Bathroom

Laundry

Dining room

Kitchen

Pantry

Office

Linen Closet