Hi Everyone
I want to share with you some stuff about one of the most inspirational and supportive people I have ever met (drumroll) - the wonderful Tracey!
I first met Tracey in 2000. I was not a Christian but had gone to her church out of curiosity with my friends Amy and Jen. Amy, Jen, Tracey and I went to a pub after church.
My first impression of Tracey was that she was funny, creative and down to earth. Sometimes first impressions can be realistic.
Tracey became a Christian in 2000 (before I met her) because of her flatmates Nick (now a church elder) and Mikey (now a pastor). The house she lived in was near the church and a lot of the church members would pop in after church. She also especially remembers Paul Chew (now an Anglican minister).
After becoming a Christian Tracey "Felt like everything made sense."
Tracey's leadership abilities were obvious and after a year of intense spiritual growth in 2000 she commenced a Ministry Apprentiship in 2001 at the University. She said that although this was a steep learning curve for her she didn't want to waste any more time.
At the end of 2002 I had my breakdown. My friends Amy and Jen called Tracey and we met up. Tracey took me through a Bible study about depression and supported me with weekly meetings.
Tracey also taught me how to have better social skills so I could explain to people what was going on and what they could do to help. This was invaluable as most people had no idea what was happening or how they could help.
Tracey encouraged me to develop my intellectual reasoning also so that I was not making decisions purely with my emotions.
When I met Tracey she was finishing off a Bachelor of Arts. In 2004 Tracey moved to Melbourne to go to Bible College. I did not want her to go. I didn't think I'd cope without her and, to a large extent, I didn't.
Tracey has now completed her Graduate Diploma in Bible and Ministry and she still hasn't come back to Hobart! Come on Tracey we need you!
Anyway Tracey is currently studying for a Graduate Diploma in Counselling. She will be an awesome counsellor. She is due to finish this at the end of 2010. After that she will consider a range of options including a school chaplain, church counsellor or University Ministry.
She also currently works as a legal receptionist. She says she doesn't love this job but it has been good for her.
If you want to find out more about Tracey her blog address is http://www.tracex-trace.blogspot.com. She doesn't update it often but it is always fun when she does.
God Bless
Amber
What a lovely post about your friend. Friends like these, true friends, are a real blessing!
ReplyDeleteI am so, so flattered by this, Amber! These are the kinds of things people say at funerals, when it's too late for the person to hear it! This has been so encouraging.
ReplyDeleteIt was so lovely to see you yesterday. Look forward to seeing you in June.
God bless you, my dear.
Hahaha, I'm sorry, but when i read the first paragraph, I knew it wasnt me, but its strange hearing people talk about others with the same name as each other. and there are so many similarities, congratulations Tracey on being a good friend.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet ou Tracy! Lovely post about you! Blessings.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to both Tracey's for being great friends.
ReplyDeleteThanks to Sorlil and Just Be Real for visiting too.
God Bless
Amber
Tracy sounds like a wonderful, inspirational friend. :-)
ReplyDeleteHey there.
ReplyDeleteNo, I havent been to Baghdad, but I do know a lot about it. I read books about it, Ive always followed the news on whats been going on there, and I actually read a blog of an iraqi woman who wrote about her everyday life there, including the wartime period with the US.
Not many people know it but Iraq used to be the most educated country in the Middle East. But men tend to destroy the beautiful, and so Saddam Hussein and George Bush did their job spendidly to achieve that.
What I think is terrible is how uninformed the majority is about that country. Everyone thinks they know all about it, after all, they have been watching the news for the past few years, but really, they have no idea. The stereotype seems to be that Iraqis are all terrorists and are dangerous, but they are just normal people wishing for the same every other person wishes for: security.
Take care :)
Hope your Monday was a good one Amber!
ReplyDeleteBlessings dear!
Thanks for sharing with us your story and you found an angle when you are in need. That's reaffirm that God is never abandon anyone of us. Similarly, Tracey is in His good hand. Let us pray that God's peace is always with us. Amen.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog guys. Sorry I took so long to get back to you.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless
Amber