In Action

I don't have all my pictures ready just yet. Or my video with the tour of the apartment.

Things will be a lot easier next week when I'm at the school with more internet access. However, I would love to share with you a little be about my Friday...

The weekends here are Friday and Saturday because Friday is considered the holy day...so cool right? So I got to go to fellowship this morning for the first time. The church is larger than I expected (2 services with 200-300 people at each). We got to meet many interesting people and already have a lunch invitation for next week! There isn't a Spanish speaking service like I was hoping but there is a small group led by a man and his wife who are from Argentina.

I'M. SO. EXCITED.

Hopefully, this means I will learn Arabic and not lose my Spanish at the same time *fingers crossed*.

Today, because it was a fifth Friday, it was a family friendly service. So kids of all ages led the singing, did the announcements (in which all the new people got to stand up and introduce themselves) and were the ushers. Then we heard a wonderful message on Philemon.

When was the last time you heard a good message on Philemon? I racked my brain and I'm not sure that I've every actually heard a MESSAGE (not lecture) on Philemon. It was all about putting faith into action. Keeping our eyes open to be able to put into practice the things we have learned from the Word. Paul encouraged Philemon and commended him for being a good servant but then challenged him.

Challenged him to forgive.

Challenged him to let go.

Challenged him to put into practice what he had learned from Paul.

Fitting don't you think?

I'm about to start my first week teaching in a different country. It's time to practice what I've learned.

Missing all of you,

Adjusting...The First 3 Days

I’m living in a state of shock. I’m not sure that I actually believe I’m going to live here for the next 10 months. Can you believe it?!?!?!?!

The past 4 days have been absolutely crazy. I left from home on Thursday afternoon (thank you Annie) and arrived here around 9pm local time (that would be 1pm EST). Then began the process of entering the country. We had to get off the plane, use the bathroom, get our baggage, go through passport control, go through customs (twice) and meet our driver. Surprisingly, this only took a little over an hour and a half. After we loaded up all the bags (there were 6 of us being picked up together) on the bus we started the drive to the city in which we would be staying. We had heard it would only take 90 min but we didn’t get to our apartment until nearly 2am. 

We were completely shocked when we entered the apartment. IT’S HUGE!!!!! There are four bedrooms, four bathroom, a kitchen, a entry way which serves as our dining room (sort of) and a huge living room. After we picked rooms and put our suitcases away we discovered there was no running water. After nearly 24 hours in transit this wasn’t exactly pleasant news. In addition, we were stranded in a new city with no phone or internet. We had no way of contacting anyone to let them know. So we laughed about the whole situation and resolved to figure it out the next day. 

So Saturday, we were picked up by the school bus with the principal and taken to the mall (a 4 min walk from our apartment but it seems like over twice that in the heat). We got cell phones and were able to pick up some basic needs. I have to say after a summer in a small town in Oman the Carrefour (kind of like a Walmart) here was a bit of culture shock. There were actually American products in the store and I was able to buy things like peanut butter and a reed diffuser. It still has all of my favorite Arabian products like dates and mangoes :) The afternoon was spent relaxing, waiting for the water repairman. He came that evening and an hour later we had running water!!!!!! I never thought I would be so thankful to the Father for water :) Then we trekked back up to Carrefour with our list to get more stuff only to realize there was no way we could make it back to the apartment with everything. We took the 15 second drive in a taxi back home.

Sunday was our first day of orientation and it was great to finally have all the brand new people in one room together! We got to talk about the history of the school and then share our stories of how the Father brought us all here. It was absolutely amazing. The Father is working in such amazing ways to transform this region. After a delicious lunch we got our very first tour of the school! The family that owns the school took us all over the campus. We got to see the classrooms, the library, the gym, the swimming pool, the playground and all the offices/work rooms. I didn’t get pictures because I forgot my camera :( But I promise I’ll take some the next time I go! After this we went back to the apartment and got ready for another trip to Carrefour (I’ve been there every single day since I’ve arrived). Any spare time has been spent unpacking and hanging out with my housemates. I’m with three amazing young women and I can’t wait to get to know them even better! 

Today was another day of orientation. We learned more about what the school will be like and what will be expected of us. Then we got to hear more stories (our team is quite large) and spend time together. I finally finished unpacking this afternoon and hung out more with my housemates. The heat really drains energy from you and the afternoons are needed for rest and recuperation. 

I found out today some exciting news about the upcoming year...

-I will have my very own classroom!!!!! Originally, I thought because I was in a support/resource room type role that I would be sharing a classroom or rotate into other classrooms. However, yesterday after our tour the principal informed me I would have my own classroom to do whatever I wanted

-I don’t have a classroom decorating budget. We were told today that we would make a list of everything we want and the school will get it for us, within reason of course ;)

-I’ll be working with 3rd-5th graders! This is brand new for me but this age seems like an amazing group to be teaching. Apparently, their last teacher wasn’t very effective and the kids are eager for a teacher that genuinely cares about them.

-I find out which classroom in the school is mine tomorrow. I’ll definitely be posting pics of the decorating process when I get started.

I don’t have too many pics on my computer because I haven’t been able to sync them from my camera yet but as soon as I do I’ll post a tour of the apartment and the school!

Here are some pictures I never got the chance to post...

Goodbye breakfast with Annie!

My last American baseball game

My packed suitcases

My countdown to leave has been replaced with a countdown until the first day of school...September 9th!

Arrived

I'm here!

Back in the desert and back with people I love.

It has been quite a whirlwind and I'm not even sure what I can say.

But I'm safe and incredibly excited. I'll be posting pictures of my apartment (it's huge!) as soon as we get internet in the apartment (it could take up to a couple weeks).

Stay tuned...

On My Way {Part 12}

Location: Farmington Hills, MI

God has been so good to me through this preparation process. I have met some amazing people and I'm so grateful for the team, those going and staying at home, of which I am a part. This past month my to-do list has included:

-Sending out updates
-Meeting with friends and family
-Preparing expense reports
-Packing
-Moving things back to Michigan
-Sending out Thank You Cards
-Buying clothes
-Going to doctor appointments
-Numerous Skype dates
-Most importantly...lots and lots and lots and lots of PRAYER!

I can't believe that I'm leaving in a little more than 48 hours! However, I'm so excited for this new adventure and can't wait for you all to be on it with me :)

*Anybody interested in receiving my update emails with more specifics about this trip let me know (via comment or email) and I'll put you on my list*

A little bit of blog love

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

My car is stuffed and I'm heading back to Michigan today!!!!! The rest of my week is quite busy so I'll be MIA from the blogosphere. However, during my absence let me throw out some reading suggestions from blogs that have been quite encouraging to me recently :)


I'm forever indebted to Annie for introducing me to the world of blogging. She got on my case when I wasn't consistent and has helped me with every reincarnation of my blog (I think I'm on number 3 right now). Her blog has always been an example for me. Not only in the design but also in the way she pours out her hearts in the posts. Her vulnerability and writing style teach me every time I read a post. When I grow up I want to be a blogger like her :)
Check out her collection of posts about how God called her to Spain. (Fair warning: I cried a couple times)

Erin's heart for encouraging young women is inspiring to me. She has a desire to "inspire women to love God, chase dreams and pursue purity". How amazing, right? When I read her posts I am encouraged by her honesty. God has consistently used her blog in my life to convict and challenge me in my faith. She's also one of the sweetest people I've met via blogging. I don't think I've ever gotten a reply/comment from her that doesn't make me smile. 
You should definitely read this post about pursuing purity, as a Disney princess fanatic it particularly caught my eye :)

I don't even know where to start with Samantha. We found each other through a series co-hosted by the two lovely ladies above with two other bloggers. Since then our friendship has grown via blog comments and numerous emails. As a fellow teaching nerd we have loads to talk about. As is true of all of the girls in this post it is her lovely heart that has grabbed me. She has a heart for the nations and is thinking about teaching overseas one day. It is such an encouragement to have her in my life...she's a gem.
Find out why she wants to be a teacher in this post...the dress she's wearing in the picture makes her look very teacher-like :)

Katie is another blogging friend with a passion for the nations. Her love story is amazing. Her posts are wonderful. Most of all, the encouraging comments/replies I receive in my inbox from her light up my day. She's also a fellow traveler and her collection of travel photos are exquisite. I'm most excited to see how God works in her life as she continues her journey with Empowering Lives International.
Learn how she got there in her series about her heart for Africa... {part 1} {part 2} {part 3}.

Whitney doesn't have a blog button...yet :) She's one of my dearest friends from college. I met her freshman year and we became acquaintances. Thankfully, God brought us back together junior year to become close friends. Recently, she's been through quite a trial and her strength and courage throughout the whole ordeal has been awe-inspiring. This blog is quite new and I can't wait to see how God uses her in this new season of life. 
My favorite post so far is about a topic close to my heart...striving for excellence in everything you do.
That should keep you busy until I get back ;)

Senior Picture Album

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

This trip is different than any other. I’m not packing for a weekend, two weeks or even two months. I packing for an entire school year. Having just graduated and moved out of college, I have the perfect opportunity to sort through all of my belongs, organize everything and decide what’s coming, what’s staying and what’s being tossed. 

During this process I came across an interesting piece of history, my senior picture photo book. Do you remember those things? The little black photo holder that you collected your friends senior photos? If your friends were anything like my friends they wrote cute and funny farewell notes on the back of their pictures.

As I looked through these pictures I realized I’m not in touch with ANY of these people anymore. I’m not kidding. I have no idea what’s going on in the lives of a single one of these people. For some reason, the people with whom I kept in touch never gave me their senior pictures *cough Annie cough*. 

I got a bit nostalgic, granted high school wasn’t that fun for me, but I did have some great friends. However, I was one of the few people who went out of state for college. In addition, I went to a private school where everyone was training for full-time kingdom work. My life went in a completely different direction than my high school friends. The majority of my friends in high school weren’t Christians. It seems as we went through college our lives went down completely separate paths and we had nothing to talk about anymore. 

I’m friends with most of them on Facebook but social media can only provide you so much information. I’ve seen them at college parties. I’ve seen them on Spring Break. I’ve seen them at their graduations. Yet I still feel completely disconnected.

I don’t think I ever seriously expected to keep in touch with all of these people. Now my circle of friends is centered around college. However, these people are from all over the country and world. Aside from school, there’s no central place to see this amazing group of girls. I’m going to miss them so much while I’m overseas but I hope I’ll do a better job keeping in touch :) 

miscellany monday

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

1. Wednesday night was spent celebrating the birthday of a VERY special woman from church. She has greeted me with a smile, kiss and hug every Sunday for two years. I felt so privileged to be a part of the celebration of her life. I will miss these ladies so much!

The birthday girl

Some of the small group ladies

My side of the table

2. On Thursday my mom drove all the way from her house to Chicago (5 hours in the car not including stops or the time difference) with my twin brothers to pick up a large amount of my belongings to take back to MI. I'm so blessed right?

3. I got to have brunch with this very special girl on Friday morning. She even got all dolled up for me :) It was so amazing to be able to spend time with her before I leave. She's been such a special part of my life for the past year and a half. I'm going to miss her!

4. I don't think I've every been so thankful for a thunderstorm than I was on Saturday. I was scheduled for my first (and last) double shift at the pool (9:45 am - 8:45pm). Luckily for me, after I got back from my break a huge storm rolled in and I sought refuge inside. No one came for the rest of the evening and I got to catch up on some reading.

5. I found out yesterday that I have three other girls who will be on the same flight overseas as me. This provided some much needed relief. Now I don't have to worry about arriving by myself :)

How was your weekend?

Encouragement (a.k.a. why I love blogging)

Location: Old Town - Chicago, IL

I have been on the receiving end of encouragement lately...

It started this past weekend when I received a surprise in the mail. A real amazing surprise :)

You know that feeling you get when you sort through your mail and it's not junk, bills or something from a mass distribution list? The feeling you get when you you see a hand written address.

When you see a return address from a person, not a company.

When you turn it over and someone's taken the time to write "a note special for you". That's the feel I got this past Saturday when I received a note from Samantha. 

Inside the envelope I found an encouraging note from this sweet blogging friend, a source of encouragement as the preparations for my trip continue. I sat down and soaked up every word of the note, thankful for friends like her. 

I hope one day I can meet this amazing girl in person.

I received quite a similar feeling when I opened my financial management page for my upcoming trip and a new donor's name popped up. Most new donors email me and let me know that they will donate but this name took me by surprise.

It was my dear friend (both via blog and high school) Annie who donated to my trip. This amazing girl who just got back from a trip of her own sacrificially gave to my trip. I was humbled and overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude. I can't wait to see her in person (so SOON!), give her a big hug and hear all about Spain.

There are other girls who have done the same who aren't mentioned here but I appreciate just the same. These just happen to be the girls who most recently, in a time of great stress, have blessed me.

I hope as I continue blogging to forge these kinds of relationships with other amazing young women. If you want to know more about my upcoming trip let me know. I would love to share!

*A quick note: I apologize for being so sporadic in my blogging recently. My life has been quite busy with preparations and hasn't left much time for much else. I'll be playing catch up the next couple days :)*


Blessings,

Confirmation

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

I'm quite a poor communicator.

This isn't a joke...my communication skills leave quite a bit to be desired. My thoughts make sense in my head but when it comes to expressing them to other people it's quite difficult. I attribute this to a couple different reasons:

1. Thoughts flow through my head at an incredibly rapid pace. I'm constantly writing things down on post-its, making lists on my computer and setting reminders in my phone. If I don't record something quick it enough I'll completely forget

2. My brain tends to skip steps when it comes to solving problems. This caused many problems in my math and science classes when it came to showing work. It always made sense to me how I got to the answer but some steps were so automatic to me it didn't seem necessary to write them down.

So when it comes to explain my thoughts to other people I tend to ramble, take multiple tangents and forget to connect my thoughts together. This affects the way I do my lesson planning and the way I write my update letters.

This struggle caused some anxiety in the month of July because I was in the position where I needed to ask for financial support. I prepared a letter and decided to send it out hard copy instead of via email. I agonized over whether or not I had made it clear how God had brought me to this place so quickly and why I was asking for financial support. At the time I was reading an amazing book about the support raising topic and it helped tremendously. However, there was still a small seed of doubt within me, wondering whether or not everything would come together.

Just the other day I was on the phone with my mother (who has been incredible throughout this whole process, I heard some horror stories at orientation about other families) and I was telling her about all of the new financial supporters had given. I was so amazed that in only a couple weeks God had provided all of my one-time financial support needs, a third of my monthly pledges and nearly a quarter of my daily prayer partners. Then my mom said something that really struck me:

"It's quite a confirmation"

This revealed two different things to me. One, God has called me to this work. He wouldn't have placed it on people's hearts to give and He wouldn't have provided the way He has if it wasn't His will. Two, no matter how poor of a communicator I am, I cannot mess up God's plans. It reminded me of the story of Moses, who even though he was old and had a speech impediment, God used him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. God works through broken, imperfect people to accomplish His Will. God's shown me this countless times and it still manages to astound me every time :)

P.S. I got to meet a young woman who lives about 45 mins outside of Chicago who's going to be teaching at the same school this fall and she's AMAZING!!!!! We spent a couple hours at Starbucks talking and getting to know each other. I'm so excited!

miscellany monday

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

1. My oral surgeon is amazing. I had my wisdom teeth extracted on Saturday and everyone warned me that I would be in a lot of pain and heavily reliant on the narcotics. It didn't happen. My biggest problem is some jaw stiffness which makes it difficult to open my mouth very wide or talk, probably a good thing for me ;) I have to admit though the food choice leaves a bit to be desired but I'm not going to complain.

2. Annie is back from Spain!!!!!!!!!! This makes me so happy because I've missed her a ton! Also I can't wait to hear all about her time over there and what God did in and through her. 

3. I leave for overseas in 31 days :) That's one whole month. This seems so insane to me, mostly because I don't feel prepared in the least bit. However, God is faithful. He has been providing step by step and guiding me through this process. If you want to know more about this trip send me an email.

4. I'm managing to stay on top of my to-do list every week. I don't know how it's happening with my hectic schedule but God is giving me the wisdom of how to manage my time wisely. As a result my to-do lists are no more than 1 or 2 post-its on my computer. This may sound like a lot but usually my to-do lists are 4 to 5 post-its. Let's hope it stays this way for the rest of the summer.

5. I've got to watch a couple movies this weekend as I was recovering from the anesthetic, What's Your Number?, In Time and This Means War. I liked them all and I'm nervous that my movie addiction will soon be returning.

How was everyone's weekend? Any big summer plans coming up?

miscellany monday

Location: Old Town - Chicago, IL

1. Remember last week when I said I aimed to cross everything off these to-do lists?

Take a look at this...

They're empty...YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2. I got to have another Skype conference call with some of the teachers I'll be working with this fall. This time we focused more on getting to know each other. I'm getting more excited if that's even possible :)

3. Look what came in my email today...

My diploma is on its way :)

4. I've officially installed a countdown on my dashboard :)

5. I've found a new British TV show...

It's all about being the ultimate bluffer...David Mitchell is hilarious!

How is your Monday going?

On My Way {Part 3}

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

I opened up the email on my iPhone. The subject line simply read...

"Teaching Opportunity in the Arabian Peninsula -- Interested?" It was from the director of one of the departments of the company with whom I was doing orientation with in two months. 

Obviously, no harm would come from simply reading the email so I skimmed the contents:

The position is for this fall *uh-oh*

They needed an ESL teacher *check*

The position is paid *sigh of relief*

The required education was a Bachelor's degree *check*

Teaching experience was preferred *check*

As I finished the email I felt myself getting excited. I prayed, "Lord, keep my emotions in check. Don't let me starting making plans without knowing it's your will first."


I emailed back saying I was definitely interested and would love to talk at orientation in two weeks.

Then I prayed and waited...

*Anybody interested in receiving my update emails with more specifics about this trip let me know (via comment or email) and I'll put you on my list*

Transition

Location: Old Town - Chicago, IL

Things I will miss about the barrio:

-The vendors selling paletas, nieve y elote :)
-The music from the parties at night
-Being able to walk to church
-Living in the same neighborhood as most of the women from church
-Small group on Wednesday nights
-Being able to say hi to the neighbors on their porch steps on the walk home

Things I'm looking forward to in the AP:

-The FOOD; shwarma, rutub, lahem 
-Sitting on the floor eating with my hands (I'm a child at heart)
-Cahwa (real cahwa)
-My students!!!!!!!
-New roommates 
-No winter :)

Happy Friday!

P.S. 41 DAYS!!!!!!!

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On My Way {Part 2}

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

*I leave 6 weeks from tomorrow (CRAZY RIGHT?!?!?!?!) for my very first official teaching job. I was inspired by the way my friend Annie shared her journey to Spain and started a series of posts titled "On My Way".*

It all began May 12th. I had walked across the stage. All of my stuff was officially moved out of the dorm. I had a couple five jobs that would last me until the of the summer. Then what?

The question plagued me as the big dark cloud (also known as the fall after graduation) loomed nearer and nearer. Every day I woke up having to surrender this anxiety to the Lord, seeking the peace that transcends all understanding.

I had put off grad school known that it wasn't where God had me in the fall. The security of school had vanished and I had to start applying for jobs. Thanks to the generosity of my pastor and his wife I was able to live in their house (RENT FREE!) until I figured out what I was going to do. I had a whole team of people praying for me and so I began the post-grad job hunt.

I didn't limit myself to teaching jobs, though inwardly that was my desire. I went on interview after interview. I found an apartment and then it fell through. A couple jobs looked promising but then they found someone else. The only thing I new for sure was that I would be going to a two week orientation in Texas. Beyond that I had no idea. By May 25th I was really struggling.

I prayed and I prayed, hoping the Lord would open a door.

And five days later He did :)

*Anybody interested in receiving my update emails with more specifics about this trip let me know (via comment or email) and I'll put you on my list*

miscellany monday

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

1. I had a Skype conference call with the principal and some of the teachers I will be working with this fall last Thursday. If it's possible this only made me more excited. We have another conference call this Thursday and we're going to focus more on getting to know each other. I'll be leaving 6 weeks from this Thursday...crazy right?!?!?!?!

2. I got to spend Saturday morning with my lovely friend Dawn. We got breakfast, did some shopping and hung out at her place. Due to our busy schedules we only get to see each other about once a month. It's always a treat :)

3. Sunday School went really well for what I would consider the first time since January. My gifting is not necessarily with young children but I'm learning a lot. 

Some of my boys begrudgingly let me take a picture of them

Frisbee time outside

The city isn't big on front lawns

Sidewalk chalk was also quite popular :)

4. I sent out my letters this weekend, officially announcing my trip overseas. I'm already getting some responses and I'm thankful to God for the people on my support team. *If you would like to receive these letters, send me an email and I'll put you on my list :)*

5. My to do list is getting longer and longer and so I've decided to make it my goal this week to finish everything on these 4 post-its. I'm sure new stuff will come up this week but if I can finish all of this by the end of the week I'll be one happy camper.

How was your weekend? Anyone else have some lengthy to do lists for the week?

The study that blew my mind

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

Finally, the post about the Bible study I talked about here and here.

I never really understood God's heart for the nations. I used to think going overseas and bearing witness was the means and the end of the mandate of the church. After this study I began to have a whole new perspective about God's heart.

In reality, the means AND the end is worship. Preoccupations with numbers and attracting people from the outside has twisted what the church is supposed to be doing all over the world. It has give birth to unbiblical methodologies.

This study looks at the mandate of the church through God's eyes, not man's. When I stopped and realized it is through our own personal worship that we draw others to God, I see how I've been doing it all wrong.

We cannot give what we do not have.

We cannot keeping giving what we don't keep getting.

Our hearts must be full in order for us to share with others.

In addition, this study included some shocking statistics about the focus of the church when it comes to reaching out. The majority of the church's resources go towards places which already have witnesses, speak English and don't require creative access.

However, the Biblical precedent set by Paul demonstrates a desire to preach where there are not witnesses. Where people are hostile. Where people whose name will be written in the Book of Life live. God loves these people and desires them to hear the real Good News.

It is for these reasons and many more that I am going. If you want to know more, email me :)

Good night!

miscellany monday

Location: Irving Park - Chicago, IL

1. I HAVE A TEACHING JOB!!!!!!!!!! I'm going overseas to teach ESL officially and I can't believe it. I'm actually going to do what I've been studying for the past four years. I'm in a bit of shock and for security reasons I can't post too much about it. But if you would like to receive my update letters via email let me know :)

2. That being said I have until August 22nd to get all my stuff in order. More moving and reorganizing, but for a very exciting reason. I'm sure my friend Annie will give me all sorts of grief as she always does when I leave for overseas. Never mind that she's going to Spain soon!!!!!

3. I had a really fun weekend :) Both Friday and Saturday I only had to go to one of my jobs and got to spend some time relaxing. It's been awhile since I haven't had multiple jobs in one day. I wonder what it will be like when I just have one full time job instead of four part time jobs.

4. I've spent more time in Starbucks that past couple weeks than anywhere else. The place I'm staying doesn't have internet and since I'll only be there until August it's not worth it to try to get it installed. However, I'm still keeping my caffeine addiction at bay by ordering iced tea. We'll see how long that lasts.

5. As mentioned in #3 my friend Annie is leaving me for Spain. Head over to her blog if you want to know more about it and would like to support her! We managed to spend over 3 hours on the phone on Saturday and I can honestly say I'm going to miss that girl like no other!

How was your weekend? Any exciting summer plans?

Happy Monday!

Unpacked

Location: Old Town - Chicago, IL

I've unpacked my many boxes and I'm officially moved into the basement. A part of me feels accomplished because I'm no longer living out of suitcases and boxes. The other part of me wishes I could have just lived out of suitcases and boxes until the end of August. The idea that I have one or two more big packing/moving endeavors during this summer is a bit daunting. My goal one day would be to fit all of my possession in 2 suitcases. That way I would have the ability to be constantly mobile :)

As I did the physical unpacking I also did a bit on mental unpacking...

As I face the possibility of really going overseas, for a whole school year, I realized this will be a time for me to put into practice all of the training I've received over the past 4 years. I've become so comfortable being in training, preparing for the day when I get sent out. Now that day is drawing closer and closer and I don't feel ready, sounding very similar to this post.

Things are moving faster than I expected and trusting God, knowing He knows whether or not I'm ready, is quite difficult. But when I began this process I said I would walk through any doors God opens knowing He has a plan and He has yet to shut a door. So I will continue in faith, surrendering my fears and anxieties on a daily basis. I would appreciate your prayers as God continues to lead me, challenge me and shape me.

The house I'm staying in doesn't have internet so my Starbucks addiction is returning :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

miscellany monday

Location: Evergreen Park, IL

1. The packing process has begun again. It's only a partial movie, hopefully only for the next two months. Then I might be doing it all over again! One day I'll be an expert :)

2. I'm back in the Chicago area and can't wait for my new job schedule to start. Things are going to be less chaotic and I'll probably be able to get into a rhythm.

3. The reading assignments will begin this week. I'll have to put my fun reading on hold as I try to complete my requirements as an appointee. I'll try to make sure I get some leisure reading in at the same time. 

P.S. I'm still working on the "Suggest a Book!" Page :)

4. I'm still waiting to hear about possible opportunities to go overseas. God is teaching me a lot of patience.

How is your summer going? Any big changes coming up?

Reentering

Location: Evergreen Park, IL

I'm back in Illinois and excited not to be living in a hotel room. As much as I loved my roommate and spending time with my Texas friends, it's good to be in a place that feels like home.

I'll be moving to a basement apartment tomorrow (very excited!) and I'll be in my own space. Also, I was able to go to a birthday party yesterday, a Mexican one, and see my friends and students from church.

However, not all parts of coming back have been fun and exciting. It's been difficult feeling so different when everyone else seems the same. It's a similar feeling to arriving home from a mission trip and having your entire worldview changed while everyone else is still caught up in their own lives.

I'm struggling with the idea of support raising, getting people to catch the same vision I have for going overseas. I will continue to pray and seek God's guidance as I wrestle through this process. I would appreciate your prayers as well through this time :)

This post is simple me trying to get some thoughts out and not necessarily and exhaustive treatment of the topic. More to come...

Night all!