Grief

Today around 9:30 am my puppy Romeo died. I am grieving and still in shock. I can't believe that Romeo is gone.
He was fine yesterday morning then last night got really sick. Doctor said it was kennel cough (at the emergency room) last night. Then this morning...he wasn't better. I tried to feed him, he had a seziure. I took him to the vet this morning and he died 5 min after we got there. He had blood in his lungs and that's how he died.
I am sure he suffered as he cried the last few minutes he was alive. I have cried and cried and am bewildered at the events of the day.
Please pray for me during this time...THANKS

In the office

I honestly have NO idea how people like sitting in an office all day! Unless you have a TON of work maybe then maybe I can understand this. I really do love my job but not the office part of it! haha...oh well, life goes on.
I head out next Wednesday for a few days in Kentucky for a Global Medical Missions Conference. While I'm there I will have the joy of seeing 2 of my roommates from College, Holly & Kim. I've seen Kim quite a bit in the last 5 years but Holly, I haven't seen since her wedding in May 1997!!! Not only has she been married 10 years, she also has 3 kids. Talk about a busy 10 year for her. I am looking forward to seeing Holly and meeting her kids as well as seeing Kim and her parents. In fact, I have an opportunity to speak at Kim's church. This trip will be business mixed with fun! WHOO HOO!!!
I'll post another blog after that trip! Until then......have a great November!!! :)

Introducing Romeo!

Well I caved in. I missed my puppy, Macchi, I had left behind in Romania. For a few months I had been trying to decide if i should get a dog or not. The only way I would was if I got a roomie who didn't mind having a dog and who could watch out for it while I was gone. Well I got the roomie who wanted a dog. So we both got Shih Tzu's, they are sibblings. Romeo is the male, black & white. Yep I finally got a Romeo in my life! He has one blue eye and one brown eye. Romeo is a laid back dog who loves to play with his sister, Lola, who is brown and white. As for my new roomie, her name is Ericka and is a student at CBC and is also from Joliet, IL (my hometown).
We are enjoying the pups and working hard to house train them!

San Luis Potosi, Mexico

Hello everybody.....I know it's been 2 weeks since my trip but the first week I was back I was sick with some sort of Mexican bug! So now I can focus on doing this thing!

One of our team members JoAnne Dassele from Phoenix, AZ wrote an incredible article on the trip and for this blog I'd like to share what she said. I will add that out of the 900+ patients we saw in 5 days, 324 gave their hearts to Jesus for the first time. All were one on one conversions! Isn't that spectacular?!

Here is JoAnne's testimonial:
On September 8, 2007, I said goodbye to my husband of 40 years with a mixture of emotions evoked by some separation anxiety and excitement as well as some trepidation of what the next 9 days might bring! I boarded my plane from Phoenix to Dallas, Texas where I was scheduled to meet up with a medical team bound for San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Healthcare Ministries is an arm of my church denomination which stations medical caregivers throughout the world including short term medical mission trips such as the one I was embarking upon. These short term trips are designed to enlist the skills of medical professionals unable to take off extended periods of time from their jobs in order to provide medical and spiritual care to the underserved.

As we gradually assembled at the designated gate bound for Mexico, we were all strangers excepting a few couples, representing many states such as NY, PA, Arkansas, Arizona, Maine and South Carolina. Our ages ranged from two 15 year olds who accompanied parent providers to the 70 year old retired Colonel and Pentagon officer, husband of our nurse coordinator who assisted in countless ways. Our numbers included 2 physicians, 2 dentists, 1 pharmacist, a nurse practitioner, 6 nurses and a few support personnel.

Our trip had been organized by Healthcare Ministries in conjunction with local missionary support in Mexico, allowing our clinic to be set up in a rustic church building in an impoverished section of town. Local support had been enlisted, including participation by a local dentist, physician and 2 opticians as well as translators and registrars. Upon our arrival, after attending a service with the parishioners, we unpacked our bags and set up our clinic which involved hanging wire from the ceiling to hold the carefully unpacked drapes which formed the walls of our examining rooms. A makeshift pharmacy was set up in a corner of the building where the men had constructed two perpendicular sheets of dry wall for partitioning. Since half of our medical bags as well as personal luggage did not arrive until the 3rd evening of our arrival, innovativeness prevailed. The dentists were missing their dental chairs and a good portion of their supplies, but somehow, managed to improvise.

As we arrived via our van the next morning, a long line awaited us outside the iron bars of the church, so needed to protect this rough-hewn building from vandalism, being situated in the barrows of 2 warring gang territories. Patients were registered for either optical, dental or medical service by neatly dressed Hispanic young people where they were ushered into the “waiting room” of wooden benches situated before the table which served as our “nurse’s station.” There, we evaluated our patients often with the help of interpreters when our own Spanish was inadequate, which for some of us was often! We nurses wore many hats that week from nurse, to lab tech to pharmacy tech, to educator to comforter. From our station, they would await a visit with a provider. Countless diabetics were diagnosed and treated as were Hypertensive’s. Numerous upper respiratory infections, back pains, wounds and intestinal maladies were treated, often with Vermox for the whole family. Education was provided as needed. Gratefulness for new glasses and relief from infected teeth were reflected on smiling faces. Often, the numbers of people, crying babies and laughing children rose to such a loud cacophony, that had we been in our secular jobs, we might have despaired! But, somehow, knowing how many people were being helped, the sound was more of a “delicious chaos” to our ears. From the physicians “offices”, the patients would move to the counselor’s quarters where they could receive further help and prayer as desired. The last stop would be the pharmacy where they would receive their medications and instructions.

Although we drank only bottled water and care had been taken for us to eat at “safe” eating establishments, lunch was daily, lovingly provided to us by the church ladies. Their kitchen, a partial dirt and concrete floor, contained no conveniences such as running water, stove, refrigerator or oven. Hot plates and large pots served as the only aids they had access to. Rather than offend our gracious hosts, we may have prayed a little harder over these meals, but the food was always delicious and this time gave us opportunity to visit with the local pastors, parishioners and interpreters. They expressed such appreciation for our efforts and amazement that we would come all of this way to help them. They expressed such encouragement at being exposed to ideas they could make use of to reach out in their community.

After stopping for dinner, we would convene in our Hotel conference room to troubleshoot problems, share victories and pray for one another as well as our patients. Although exhausted at the end of each day, sleep often escaped us as the beautiful faces of our patients and the multitudes of needs danced through our heads.

During the week, we saw 963 patients in the various services. Many had wounds of the heart healed through love and prayer, and an area called “the dark heart” of San Luis Potosi, now held hope for them. The local medical personnel served as liaisons for needed consultations with specialists as well as follow up care. Although our scope was limited, we had to realize ahead of time, that we would be a start, an infusion of hope that would have an impact only time would tell. “As you have done unto the least of these, so have you done unto Me.” Matthew 25:45. Exchanging hugs and tears, we bid farewell to our new friends in San Luis Potosi.

Upon returning to Dallas and our home country, saying goodbye to our team members would prove to be equally difficult. It was hard to believe we had all been strangers 9 days ago, and now were bound together by the fulfillment of a common mission of medical care for this remote community. Many of the participants were frequent flyers with Healthcare, having gone to Somalia, Nicaragua and other more challenging fields and many of us were “first-timers”, but our hearts would always be bound together in some fashion over this labor of love. A beautiful South African woman from my home church had crossed her hands over her heart the Sunday before I left saying, “You will not come back empty.” I did not.

Thanks JoAnne for sharing your story! I was privledged to work with all of you!

My first trip

Hey gang! Just wanted to send a quick note and ask for your prayers. On Saturday September 8th I'm heading out for my first trip with Health Care Ministries. I'll be joining a team of doctors, nurses, dentists and other missionaries in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
I would ask that pray for protection on all the members of the team. We will be ministering through medical care to possibly hundreds of people in this community. Pray for healing physically but also spiritually. The whole we reason we do this kind of outreach is to share the love of God those who are lost and need Him. It's a privilege to be a part of this team.
I'll write when I get back! Until then God be with you all!!!

Home Sweet Home

You are looking at my new home! Yes I have moved AGAIN!!! This time feels a bit more permanent. After several months of dileberating with A/G World Missions (AGWM) leaders and prayer I have landed into my new postition within AGWM.

I went to Springfield, MO in early June to meet with several departments leaders. One meeting was with Health Care Ministries (HCM). They are the medical missions arm within AGWM. My job description is basically putting together a psycho-social department. For as long as HCM has existed they have only met the medical needs of people. They now want to have resources to reach the emotional and mental needs of people! So that's where I come in!

I am excited about the opportunities. One thing I am looking forward to about this opportunity is that I'll get to travel all over the world! In fact my first trip will be in September. I'll be assisting a team in Mexico.

In case you are wondering, I am still a Foreign Missions Missionary. That means I will still raise support at the end of every term. I will not need to raise support again until 2009. WHEW!

By the way, the house in the picture is my own home. My parents made it possible to purchase this duplex (only bought 1 side). THANKS Mom and Dad.

Thanks to all of you for your love, prayers and support.
Terri G

Howdy!

Hey gang!!! I know it's been several weeks since I have posted anything here. I've had a few emails from my faithful readers telling me it's time to post! So here goes.
I was in Springfield, MO (a.k.a. Mecca) June 4-7 for some meetings with several department heads of AGWM. These meetings were for me to figure out what my re-assignment would be. I met with several different people within World Missions. My first meeting was a bit discouraging BUT I wasn't going to let that affect the rest of my meetings. As each meeting came around I was encouraged each time. The final meeting was probably the best. I was give 'hope' if I can put it those terms.
I can't share the details publicly yet but I'm so encouraged that the ministry I'm looking to work with is the best step in the right direction. Please pray with and for me as I transition into this assignment.
One GREAT thing about this change is that I'll still a missionary but not a traditional one. I'll be living Stateside (in Springfield, MO) yet traveling all over the world. This is one of the prayers I had. God is SOOOOOO good!! I'm looking to buy a place of my own in Springfield. I have no furniture save for 1 dresser and 1 chair. So needless to say, extra donations to the Terri Griswold missions fund are being accepted!! Sorry Visa, MC, or AmEx are not accepted!
I thank all of you for your prayers & support. You are my cheering crowd and YOU help me in this race....

Love y'all~
Terri

I'm back

Hey gang!!! I've been back now a week. Just wanted to report that my trip was a success. I was able to sell/give away TONS of stuff. Actually came home with a little more change in my pocket then I left with! :)
Thanks for all your prayers.....in case you're wondering....Macchi (my puppy) has a new home and is going to be alright! I miss him but I'm glad he has a good home now!!
I am heading to Springfield, MO the first week of June to do some 'job' searching. Mostly to see what there is in the area of Missions via living Stateside! Please pray for the decisions I have to make!
Wish I could spend time with you all and hear what is happening in your life. Drop me an email if you ever get the chance. gris021075@yahoo.com

Have a fabulous day

Terri

The photos

Hey there. While I was in England I decided to gets some new headshots done. I need your help in deciding which one to order. Your input is valuable!!!

:)

Need your votes

Pray for me

Hey Terrific Blog Fans!! :) I need you to pray for me...I'm going to be leaving on April 25 to go to Romania. I need to get my things from the house I was living in. I'm going to spend about 2 days in London with a friend and we are going to take a 3 day trip to Barcelona. I am looking forward to this.
Pray with me as I 'close' up the chapter of Romania in my life. I'm sure that there will be some emotional moments but I know that God will help me.
I am grateful for the time I had in Romania but I am also grateful that my time there is complete. God has taught me many lessons the last year! It was one year ago tomorrow that I left USA to move to Moldova/Romania. WOW!!! What a year it has been.
Gotta run but I'll write more later!

Peace,
Terri

Comments

Please feel free to leave comments on my posts. It helps me know that there are people reading this!

THANKS

My apologies

Hey everyone! I know....it's been almost a month since I posted anything on here. Let's just say that there isn't much to share. I mean there is a lot going on in my life but nothng that I can really share at this time.
I am doing well and keeping busy with things. Still working as a volenteer for my church Southwest Community. It's been a great place for me to learn more about ministry.
One of the biggest things I've learned this last month is that God LOVES me! You might be thinking, "didn't you know that already?", and the answer is yes but only in my head. I didn't realize that I didn't know it with my heart. Our head knowledge gets in the way of our heart knowledge. If you are like me and grew up in the church you know the song we sung Jesus loves me tis I know, for the Bible tells me so, little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong, YES Jesus loves me, YES Jesus loves me, Yes Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so I can't believe it took me this long to really get it! I've discovered that God loves to 'hang out' with me and He doesn't care about my trophies and all that. He loves me just as I am, with make-up or with out it! :) And guess what, God LOVES you just as you are! He wants YOU to know that with your heart, not you head.
Discover God's love for YOU today!!

In His Love,
Terri

another book

Another book I forgot to add is Anonymous~ Alicia Britt Chole

GREAT reading!!!

TLG

Recommened Reading

Hey here are some excellant books to read!!!
1) Get Out of that Pit~ Beth Moore
2) Praying God's Word ~ Beth Moore
3) Thr3e~ Ted Dekker
4) Blessed Child~ Ted Dekker
5) Transformation of the Inner Man~ John & Paula Sanford


Check them out! I'll post more books later!!!

Blessings,
TLG

Decisions

The next few weeks I'll be making some decisions on my assignment. Please pray with and for me during this time. Pray for those that are my superiors who will be helping me make the decision. I trust that the Lord will reveal to all of us the next step.
I appreciate all prayers and support that you have given. I truly know that we are ONE body and we have ONE Lord who leads us.

Please feel free to send my your prayer requests and concerns. I will pray with/for you!!!

Terri

Faithful!

Over the last several months I have really seen and recognize just how FAITHFUL our Abba is. No matter how faithless we are He still is faithful to us! I was sitting here and this song from Brooklyn Tabernacle Chior was playing. I love this song! If you have access to iTunes you can find it under Damaris Carrbaugh! Listen to it and then say a prayer of thanksgiving to the God of all creation who is faithful!!

In my moments of fear / Through every pain and every tear / There's a God whose been faithful to me / When my strength was all gone / And when my heart had no song still / He was faithful to me / Every word He promised, is true (Oh, yes it is) / And what I thought was impossible / I see my God do.
Chorus 1: He's been faithful, faithful to me (He's been faithful) / Looking back, Your love and mercy I see (mercy I see) / In my heart, I questioned your will / And I failed to believe / BUT You've been faithful, faithful to me.
When my heart looked away / The many times I could not pray / still in love my God, He proved faithful to me / The days I spent so selfishly, reaching out for what pleased me / Still in love You proved faithful to me / Every time I go back to Him / Don't you know, He's waiting with open arms and I see once again
Chorus 2: He's been faithful, faithful to me (He's been faithful) / Looking back, Your love and mercy, Your love and mercy I see (mercy I see) Your love and mercy I see / Many times in my life, Lord, I questioned your will / And I failed to believe / But You've been faithful, faithful (faithful) to me.
Bridge: Great is THY Faithfulness, Great is THY Faithfulness, morning by morning (morning by morning) new mercies I see!
Chorus He's been faithful, faithful to me (He's been faithful) / Just looking back, Your love and mercy I see (mercy I see) Your love and mercy I see / Many times in my life, Lord, I questioned your will / And I failed to believe / But please God, You've been faithful, faithful to me.

Old blog spot

If you want to see some past posts on my old blog spot here is the address: http://www.terrificnews.org/terrificblog/

Have a great day!

32 years!

Today I turn 32! I look at that number and think wow I'm so young and I have so much life to live. And yet I look back at all the years of life I have had and all the experiences I lived through! God is full of grace & mercy. Without those things and His salvation I'm a hopeless indivdual roaming in this world.
Although life has changed for me over the last few months, I am so grateful for His hand on my life. No matter what suprises come my way, NOTHING surprises my Abba! I am amazed by God's everlasting love and mercy. What I am going through now is for His glory! And I am becoming a better person everyday!
Spend some time reflecting on your life, reflect on the people you have met, places you been to, & lessons you have learned. Journal your reflections, let Abba speak to you through your reflection!! Be open to His gentle hand guiding you and trust in the Almighty!!

Celebrating Life!!

Terri

Blessed

My song of the week is a song by Rachel Lampa and it's called "Blessed" , here are the lyrics...If you can listen to it's even better......

I may never climb a mountain so I can see the world from there I may never ride the waves and taste the salty ocean air Or build a bridge, that would last a hundred years But no matter where the road leads One thing is always clear
I am blessed, I am blessed From when I rise up in the morning Til I lay my head to rest I feel You near me You sooth me when I'm weary Oh Lord, for all the worst and all the best I am blessed
All along the road less traveled, I have crawled and I have run I have wandered through the wind and rain until I found the sun The watching eyes asked me why, I walked this narrow way I will gladly give the reasonFor the hope I have today
You've given me joy You've given me love You give me strength when I want to give upYou came from Heaven to rescue my soul This is the reason I know I know

As I walk through this time in my life. I needed to hear this song because I have been blessed and I need to recognize that God has given me so much. I need to acknowledge HIS blessing in my life. When life seems to look grim and hopeless I can KNOW that it is not hopeless. I can look at all He has blessed me with.

So I take time to thank God for what I've been blessed with.....
1) My family-> I've been blessed with 2 nieces and 1 nephew. I am in love with those kids.
2) My friends-> There are WAY too many of them to name but you all know who you are.
3) The opportunities to see God's world and the experience of broadening my worldview.
4) Blessed to have recieved Salvation. Without this my life is indeed grim & hopeless.

There are so many more but I won't share them all. I hope and pray that you take time today to count your blessings, then take time to thank the Almighty for blessing you.

You are blessed,
Terri

Welcome to Terrificblog

Hey Welcome to the new and improved blog page for Terri!

Come back in a few day. My goal is to blog at least once a week.

See you around!