Giants of Silence a Hit

Today, the band officially left. I might be as tired as they are but it was so worth it! God moved in some really neat ways to arrange concerts, provide funding and make His name known. I'm attaching some pictures.

I'm blessed to be a part of something so big. Wish you could have rocked out with me at the concerts!

This has been a roller coaster of a week. On Monday we had a day with the Lord. Matt and I went to the Latin American Tower to pray for the city. It was such a cool experience. On Monday, I didn't really have an idea as to how the Lord would ask me to surrender things in ministry and in my life.

Here are some pics from the tower:

As I trusted Jesus this week, he continued to confirm to me that I was in his hands and that He is bigger than circumstances on earth.

Here are some specific things to believe God for with me:

• for the band called Giants of Silence http://www.giantsofsilence.com/ that is arriving tomorrow to play at various venues in Mexico City
  
• that I would walk humbly with the Lord and continue to trust him with the outcomes
  
• for this city! that the Kingdom would come to Mexico City and to the rest of the country
  
• for my friends that are visiting in the next couple of weeks

Also, to those who "just happened" to send packages this week to encourage me, it worked! Great timing friends!

Love to all,

Emily

What I've been up to...

It's been a busy couple of days here.

First for Christmas, my parents bought the ladies in our family tickets to the Lion King in Detroit when I was home. I liked it so much in the states that I went again on Friday with some of my teammates and friends. The costumes, the music, all of it is incredible. I feel blessed to live in a city where I get these opportunities.

Second, the whole team headed up to Naucalpan, which is in the state of Mexico, the last two days to visit approxiametly 15 campuses. Yesterday was a hard day for me. Kevin and I visited 3 universities and struck out. I have to continually remind myself that God is at work and just because I don't see it for one day doesn't mean He's not working. On the way back to the hotel where we were staying, Kevin and I had an opportunity to share the Gospel with our Taxi driver. Today, Michelle and I went to Universidad Mexicana and met Isabel. She told us that her mom is a believer and she is constantly thinking about spiritual things. It was a fun couple of days but exhausting as we explored.

New Team, New Semester

Here's the new clan (missing a few though)...we are a pretty good looking clan.

Things are on a roll here. We don't really ease into much. Last week I was with the Keynote prep team visiting student leaders that are helping set up outreach concerts on their campuses between Feb 10- Feb 25. I was so encouraged by some of the students comments as they prepared for the event.

Here are some things I heard:

"I believe that God is going to use this concert to reach my campus. We want every student to have an opportunity to respond to Christ."

"God I ask for every student on my campus to know you" -student praying yesterday

"I don't only want to reach Mexicans in Mexico but I want to go to the US and Canada and reach the lost Latinos there as well."

As you can see, God's hand is moving across this generation in this city to do something incredible. I am so excited to be a part of it.

Just wanted to let you know....

That I'm back

in Mexico

and I am so excited to be here.

Love, Emily

Indiana for Christmas

I made it back home to Indiana on Sunday to celebrate Christmas with my family. I was welcomed by my parents at O'Hare Airport and a ton of frigidness! I've been busy staying warm, drinking tea, shopping and visiting friends.

Here are some things I've been up to here at home:

My sister, Amy helps run a reading program at our church's local outreach in downtown South Bend. I helped last night at the Christmas Party before break.

But before I left Mexico,

We said Good-Bye to our teammate Nate with a bowling party

And attended a staff conference for staff all over Mexico. Here are my friends and I (Clau, Angie and I).

What a semester! Thanks for walking with me through it!

24 Hour Prayer

We started off our last week on campus with praying for 24 hours. We split up times and Kevin set up a room on our roof for us to withdraw with the requests written on the walls. What a haven it was! We have voted and the prayer room is staying for good! I personally met with the Lord and thanked him for the things he has done in our hearts, in our lives, and in this ministry. We prayed for our time at home, campuses that we want to see reached next semester, for things that we want to be true about ourselves, our families, our financial support and health concerns.

I snapped some pictures of the requests and the room. Enjoy!

Things have been busy around here, let me share with you some highlights.

Thanksgiving was a blast! I watched as Caitlin prepared our first Turkey here. We ended up having 20 visitors come and eat. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures of the actual people but just the table all set up.

As you can see, we had plenty of food and just enough seats.

The weekend after Thanksgiving, I had the opportunity to go visit my friend Heather Sanchez in a city called Queretero. It is 3 hours away by bus. Heather and I know each other from when I was interning at the University of Northern Colorado. She's on staff and married.

And today we had the opportunity to go to the Red Cross to pack boxes for victims of the floodings in Tabasco. It was fun to do something that you could see an immediate result from. We packed 5 pallets of boxes today!

Please pray for us:

• as we finish the semester, that we would do so strongly- not wasting any day on campus
• for team transitions- our teammate Nate is leaving and Kat is coming back from a long time in the states dealing with sickness and we have 3 new teammates coming in January as well.
• for our time at home with our families
• for transition back into the United States and cultural shock
• that we would remain steadfast in our walks with the Lord
• for revival in the hearts of Mexicans and we would see this city transformed by the Gospel
  

We got to spend a day with the Lord today. Classes and many businesses were closed as they celebrated Revolution Day here. So I headed to a coffee shop. I was reminded of some sweet things.

In July, my friend Vanessa and I layed before the Lord the idea of me being finished with support so I could leave with my team. As we prayed, the picture of God asking Noah to build the ark before one drop of rain fell. At the time I believed that God was asking me to start packing before support was in. Noah by faith built that ark and I by faith sent invitations out for a going away party and made every plan to leave. And God sent the rain and I left with my team. Now I'm here in Mexico City and seeing God's character show up in new ways everyday.

I love the book of Romans (if you haven't caught that yet). Today I was reading in a devotional about Romans 4 which happens to be one of my favorite chapters. This chapter points to Abrahams faithfulness to be the father of many nations even before he even had a child. Here is what it says:

"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." Romans 4:20-21

As I thought of this today, I was reminded of our hope for City Wide Transformation here in this city. What is the difference between Abraham and I? I believe that God has promised us that He will bring every nation to himself. He says that in the Bible. So if Abraham could be fully persuaded then why can't I? I don't have the power to change this city or country just like Abraham didn't have the power to bring a child into this world. He believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. The power that made Abraham the father of many nations is the same power that is at work in this city. I am fully persuaded that God has the power to do what He promised here too.

What I'm reading these Days

It was suggested to me by my friend to check out the book written about the life of Jim Elliot called "Shadow of the Almighty". I've been reading it for about a week now and am hooked. You should pick a copy if you are a reader and want to be encouraged. Here's one of my favorite quotes so far. As you can see, he had a passion for Latin America too.

"Mexico has stolen my heart. We've been here for a fortnight and they have invited me to stay as long as I wish. Right now I almost wish it were for life...The Lord has been good to me in bringing me here and giving this brief opportunity to se the field and hear the language a bit. Missionaries are very human folks, just doing what they are asked. Simply a bunch of nobodies trying to exalt Somebody."

I couldn't agree with you more Jim.

Birthdays and Fun at the Beach

Every year, Short term teams from all over the world take 4 days off to relax, recharge and meet with staff from the states. This year, our midyear conference just happened to fall over my 26th Birthday. What a great way to mix work with fun!

I was able to celebrate with some of my friends and favorite food in Mexico as well. We made banana boats and had our cook at the restaurant stick them in the oven--messy but good.

But mor than that, we got some amazing time with staff from the states that came down to specifically develop us and help us work better as a team. We did a personality/strength test and compared our results with the rest of the team. What an eyeopener to see how we all are wired so differently but together we are God's provision for each other.

Here are some things to pray for me as we beging to wrap up this semester (I can't believe it's already that time):

- that I would trust and walk in the way that I was made in Christ...meaning I would live out of my strengths and not be abandon them.

- that my identity and worth would continually be in Jesus and Jesus only

- I would be able to connect with students from this semester to encourage and help plan for the spring.

- I would enjoy my weekend in Puebla with other staff women from around the country.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to leave a comment.

The Opportunities We Miss

We have become pretty accustomed to the Metro these days. We take it a couple of times a week. Early on in the semester, I began buy a bottle of water everyday from the same vendor inside our metro stop. It was a young guy and everyday we would chat a little and that would be all. I had the hopes of getting to know him to share the Gospel with him. I think the "friendship" gave me hope of having real Mexican friends apart from ministry. Well one day I went down into the metro and his stand was closed and hasn't been reopened since. I realized that I kept waiting and waiting for a better time to share with him and now I've missed my chance.

It makes me think about all the times I miss sharing Jesus with someone because I want to be sure about the relationship. What opportunities have I missed today?

ASK JESUS TO SAVE YOU

Now, many of you know about my growing obsession with tracking with the stars. I love reading people.com when I get time (which has to happen usually) but I ran across something this morning that I would like to share with you.

In this picture of Britney Spears heading to court, the paparazzi and people flood around her car. If you have not heard, there is a pretty crazy custody battle going on for her kids with exhusband Kevin Federline. Anyways, there is a sign in the back of the picture saying, "ASK JESUS TO SAVE YOU". Yes, I'm glad that Jesus finally made http://www.people.com/ but not in this way. I am going to get on a soap box here and this is why blogs were created for soapboxes. I love evangelism. I love for people to come from dark to light in front of my face because of the life-changing nature of Jesus Christ. However, I feel that this sign is more of a hinderance than a stepping stone for Britney to the Gospel I'm 96% sure that when she looks at this sign she feels judgement, condemnation and shame from the "Christ Followers". I have in the past prayed that someone would enter Britney's life to tell her about Jesus but this isn't the fashion that I hope for. Relationships...that's what changes lives. My relationship with Christ is what changed my life and as I build relationships with others, they see that my walk with the Lord is not one of shame, condemnation but one of forgiveness, grace, mercy and unconditional love and that my dear friends is what saves us through Jesus.

Faithfulness

Here are some exciting things going on right now in Mexico City:

• Becky from St. Louis is visiting and I'm 98% sure that she is joining our team in January. She's great, excited and up for about anything. I can't wait to have her here permanently.
• We went to campus on Friday and found a Christian group already there. This is good news....many students knew about the group and could give me info about it. Praise the Lord that God is calling students to reach their campus.
• We are going for our mid-year conference next Thursday in Puerta Vallerta. I can't wait for the beach, to see friends and to get out of the city for a few days.
• We have found some potential movement launchers at my favorite campus along with Christian Professors. How cool is that?
• I have gotten some fun emails lately...what an encouragement to me.
• I am so grateful for my friends that the Lord has provided for me. He is so faithful to love me by giving me faces (and voices) that will be a guiding light to Him.

Thanks so much for reading and praying with me.

We have had a busy weekend! My friend Heather who is on staff with Crusade too works in Queretero, Mexico came to visit this weekend.

We got to visit Chapultapec Park (for the first time for me even though it's only 10 blocks from my house), spend time with my team and go see a play and out to eat Greek food with friends as well. Heather and I worked together at the Unversity of Nothern Colorado when I was an intern with Campus Crusade and she was just coming off of STINT in Puebla. Our friendship was fun and we got to work together to reach out to students in Colorado. I was in her wedding last December and now we both live in Mexico, working and serving Jesus! It was fun to catch up with her.

Also visiting is our new friend Amy. Her parents work for Crusade and specifically send staff kids on summer projects. This summer over 50 missionary kids will be coming to Mexico City to reach out to high school students. Amy and Caitlin are pictured below.

My roommate Caitlin has gotten involved in a local theater company and has begun to reach out to college students in something she is passionate about --Fine Arts. Last night we went to see the musical CATS. It's a strange musical regardless of the language. Here's a picture with Caitlin and some of her friends from the cast.

Today, we are privileged to be spending the day with God. Once a month, we take the day off to connect for a length of time with Jesus. What a blessing that this is a requirement for my job. Pray for our team--many of us are struggling with personal things. Pray that the Lord would mend hearts. Thanks for reading and praying!

Road Trip!

We decided after a meeting in Puebla to check out Veracruz, Mexico. It's on the east coast only 5 hours from Mexico City. Here are some pictures from our adventures...

Who do you want to be?

God is continually working and showing me more of himself. As we talk to people from cab drivers to students to pastors and parents, we see the need for revival is a reality. On our walk to the metro, there is graffiti on an area of a skate park that left me speechless the first time I saw it.

"A LOT OF PEOOPLE WISH TO BE SOMEONE ELSE". Written in English. People are searching for significance and truth in a place where at times could be perceived as a desert. Pray that these people find Christ on their journey for success.

The Honeymoon Has Ended

Often in ministry, we talk about the cycles of momentum. The main on lasts about 6 weeks and it is called the honeymoom phase. This means that everything is great, you love the culture and you "seem" to be adjusting well. After that, it goes into a time of hard adjusting of figuring out who you really are in this culture. Today the honeymoon stage ended. People say that one of the hardest parts of living in another country is attempting to get a haircut. I tried today and it's was unsuccessful. It's been a rough one. Who knew my hair would suddenly mean so much to me? This issue is deeper than that but I'm looking forward to what is to come in Mexico--to see who I am in this country, in Christ and what it looks like to love well.

Needless to say, I may not be posting a picture for awhile (hopefully the follow-up appointment tomorrow will be better)!

Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. --Acts 28:31

I read this last night when I got home from a hard day on campus. Sadly, I didn't preach boldly. I was scared and lived a defeated day. Caitlin and I had a hard conversation with some girls on campus. They had really been searching for truth and they found some bunk spiritual stuff like reincarnation and that Jesus was just a man who died for political reasons. I really wrestled with the Lord last night that if people were looking for truth...how come they couldn't find him? I haven't really reached an answer but I know that God is good and he desires that none shall perish.

Today was a little different. I woke up in a really horrible mood and skipped working out with Kat and spent some time with the Lord. I was determined to help further the kingdom and be obedient today. Nate and I went to a campus and it was so refreshing! We went to a campus that has a thriving student led ministry. I met some amazing girls and just saw genuine authentic community being played out.

HERE IS THE GROUP OF STUDENTS THAT WE VISTED TODAY

I praise God for days like the last two. I realize that not every day is going to be easy or refreshing and in actuality we are in a battle for student's souls. I just have to choose everyday to pick up my sword and fight with Jesus. He doesn't need me to fight but he certainly doesn't want another defeated Christian in the world.

Busy Little Weekend

We officially started meeting as a team on Thursday. Our last teammate, Kevin finished support on Friday and will hopefully be coming this week. On Saturday, we went to party for another college ministry in the city to continue our partnership. There were all kinds of fun activities there. Including water games, a mechanical bull, awesome Mexican food and a praise band.

Yesterday, we also spoke at two churches that are partnering with us to reach college students. It was a very long day but I believe that God is going to use these pastors and these church bodies to help us give every college student an opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel. It's an exciting time to be a part of ministry here in Mexico!

Thanks for walking with me and literally being the hands to reach this country.

My Cupboard

As many of you know, last year my goal was to be down here working with the team last year. However, God had different plans and desired that I would be developed at home in Indiana for a full year and never get an opportunity to serve with the team from 2006-2007. Well I'm here now and am enjoying it but living in this house, I see evidences of the girls living in hope last year for me to be here. The other day, Kat and I were assigning cupboards in the kitchen and we found my cupboard from last year! I took a picture for you.

It was a weird moment for me. I love God's sovereign plan. Just thought I'd share with you.

Adventures in Cuernavaca

My team and I spent the last week at Language School in Cuernavaca Mexico. Not only did we learn more of the language but we made new friends and had some adventures. Here are some pictures.

Here is my friend April and I. She's from California and is studying Spanish for the next 4 weeks and is hopefully going to come and visit us in Mexico City. We went to an Ecology Park for a field trip one afternoon.

One evening, my teammate Kat and I went with some other students to a Luche Libre fight. It is like a less professional version of WWE.

I also made a small wager with one of my friends regarding one of the matches. I came out with 40 pesos!The luchadores were so dramatic but we had good laughs from our seats.

We had a blast and our host family were Christians and loved us well. We hopefully will be able to see them again in Mexico City for a soccer game.

Here are some prayer requests:

• that I would continue to learn the language but on a heart level
• for our meetings that start this week for ministry
• that our team would continue to unify for the sake of Christ
  

Metros, Mercados and Churros

Yesterday was a fun one in Mexico City. I went with my new friends Pat and Aubrey to the market. We had to ride the Metro to get there and it was interesting. On the way home, it was packed! I looked to the left and right and all I saw were scores of people hanging on as that baby was flying down the tracks.

Last night some of us went to the part of the city called Coyocan. We had a blast and got home late.

I'm enjoying my time here hanging out and getting to know my team. The pace of life is very different here so it takes us longer to get somewhere and to do little things but I'm adjusting.

Here are some things you can continually pray for:
- that my body would adjust in a healthy way to Mexico (I just started having problems last night)
- that language school next week would be helpful and encouraging
- that God would direct us to the students that their hearts are prepared for the Gospel
- for my new friends Asa and Eman--> that their support would come in quickly so they can begin working with us on Sept. 6.

Estoy Aqui!

I have arrived in Mexico City! We came in on Sunday evening after a very long day of travel. Yesterday we went exploring for a little bit and had a really fun dinner with some of my teammate's friends and some Mexican teammates.

Right now we are in all kinds of transition. We are trying to figure out language school, where we are going to live and some of us how to navigate the city.

If you haven't seen yet, Hurricane Dean is wreaking havoc on the Yucatan Penninsula and we are going to be seeing a lot of rain the next couple of days. Mexico City is actually in the mountains so we don't have to worry about too much flooding where we are but there is concern for the homeless and the underprivileged that live in the slums and the dumps.

I'll post some pictures when I remember to take them! Thanks for reading and tracking with me!

Back Home Again

I made it home in one piece and sore face muscles from laughing so much in the mini-van. Here are some things that I'm still smiling about:

- 4 girls and 3 guys singing "You Raised Me Up" by Selah

- mad libs

- theological discussions over meals

- taking the train to South Bend

I had a blast in Colorado and now I'm home praying that the Lord will finish things up in the next 2 weeks so that I can leave to go back to Colorado for STINT briefing and then on to Mexico City!

Here are some things you can pray for:

• that God will raise the last $380/monthly in two weeks


• for good times with my family


• for healthy endings at home


• that my brain will be able to retain all the information from the conferences that I have attended and will attend


• that God would continue to take care of my intestinal track as I tread through changes

I also got to meet my niece Carly yesterday! What a cutie!

I Stand Amazed

I love Colorado. I love my Crusade staff family. I love my friends here. I love it when I can be myself and laugh and have a blast with people that get me. I also love the sky and those mountains too. This is what the sky looked like the other night. How awesome is that? I had to put down my stuff to get this on camera.

I also got to spend some time last weekend with my stepdad's family. Wayne and Sylvia took care of my friends and I as we settled into our time in CO. I'm so grateful for the rest and refreshment before meetings and challenges of going to the conference. Here is a picture of us at the Cheyenne Mountain Club in the Springs.

I'm leaving tomorrow morning for Colorado. Here is what I'm excited for:

- the Rockies
- dorm living with no air conditioning (ok I'm being sarcastic about this one)
- time with friends that love me and know me well
- I'll be outside of Indiana
- awesome teaching and seminars

I'll be coming back on the 28th to finish up support stuff. Pray that the Lord will finish my support in those 2 weeks. EEEEK! I'm so excited to almost be done.

I'll post pictures from Colorado. :)

MC3

My church is doing some cool things in the downtown area. I think the way we in recent years have portrayed Christ is changing. In the past, we honestly have been all talk. We say that Jesus would feed the poor and serve the needy but I didn't actually participate. I just talked about it. So we "Christians" would say it but not do it. Maybe it has been since I have started to mature in my faith that I have seen and gotten to be a part of the body of Christ doing instead of saying.

Yesterday, I went to the new community center in downtown SB to volunteer. The team is still renovating and working to get the center up and running. All 3 student ministries were there to help (middle and high school and college age). I'm feeling the burn this morning but it was so worth it. I know that I may not be able to be a part of seeing lives changed in those buildings but I know that I got to be a part of helping demolish, move and transform buildings so that lives may be impacted by a real life, practical, relevant Jesus. I don't want to talk about what Jesus would do. I want to do it.

To watch the progress of the buildings and to see the vision check out the blog. http://mylifecampaign.blogspot.com/

Have you seen this thing?

Ok friends...have you heard about this iphone? Apparently people camped out overnight in places to be one of the first in line to get their hands on this baby.



You know that I'm a girl that likes technology. I like new gadgets and trying to figure out how they work. My friend got a new phone the other day and I liked playing with it. But I don't think I would ever stand in line for a cell phone. I guess I see that there are way more important things in the world. I think the need in our culture to always have the next best, biggest, more better thing is draining to me. Here's a fact: I can't keep up with the Jones'. So I'm going to quit trying. I want to spend my money on something that matters not something else that will fill the landfills in five years.

Just thought I'd share my thoughts with you.

disclaimer: if you went out and bought one, i don't hate you. in fact, give me a call... i think i want to check it out.

Empty Houses and Whiney Cats

This week I'm house-sitting for a friend in Elkhart. She went to Phoenix where it's probably 110 degrees today. I love house-sitting for a number of reasons... let me share them with you.

- 25 year old women are not built to live at home. I love my parents--but it's just too much even when it's just for a season.
- I have figured out that I really need my alone time these days. To collect my thoughts, talk to Jesus, read a couple of books...these things are muy important to me.
- I actually like staying in a neighborhood where I can walk outside instead of by my parent's house where your only choices are taking a jaunt through the woods or on the highway.
- I think I like change in my life too... something different.
- I love having a garage! Call me crazy but pushing that button and having a door pop open for my car is so fun.

Next Monday I move back home for a bit before traveling to Colorado. Can't wait to see those Rockies.

Hope

Hope does not dissapoint. I feel like I'm in a sweet spot with Jesus lately. Of course one of complete surrender and obedience but one where He is comforting me and encouraging me as I wait on that perfect timing. I am content. I am joyful. Just thought I would tell the rest of you. :)

I did my first 5K last weekend. It was a big step for me. I started going to the gym in January but this was my first "public" appearance of real physical exercise in a long time. Amy and I walked it and it was fun. Afterwards, we headed up to Chicago where our friend Cara was doing the Avon Breast Cancer Walk. Breast Cancer walks are a different culture. All 4,000 were walking for the same purpose and the shirts were hilarious. I'm including a picture of Cara getting a nice little massage after her first day of walking 16 miles and then she turned around and walked another 13 the next day. Can we say Champ?

Pray that I would continue to trust Jesus as I walk this walk.

First of all, for those that read along--I lost my password and I had to pretty much send my right arm to blogspot to get in. Sorry for the delay.

I've been plugging away here in South Bend. Well actually I just got back from Indianapolis for a week so that was fun and a change of scenery. It's been a challenge for me to believe God for big things the last couple of days. I know He is at work and wants to work in BIG ways but I like to have an agenda for what I think is best and that isn't what really is best. So that has been a struggle but it's neat to see how God is restoring and redeeming me.

My brother Eric is in from San Diego. I wish I could go back with him for a little vacation. We enjoyed Memorial Day as a family and it was really fun. I'll load some pictures of the nephew when I get a chance.

What Grown Daughters Need from their Dads...

The other day the weather stunk again in South Bend. I headed out to my Bible Study and I saw two accidents before I drove a mile. I called Roger (my stepdad) to see if I should go home--more importantly to tell me to go home. Even though I'm 25, I need a man in my life to care for me and look out for my best interest...and typically that is supposed to be filled by a father. This father/daughter issue has been a sensitive subject for me for a number of years. But Jesus has given me a stepdad who is willing to fill in and help out as I grow up. This morning, Roger dropped me off to connect with my friend EMoe and he filled up her tire. I love that guy. Just thought I'd share some of these thoughts.

A couple of days ago, I was studying Romans 13 the last couple of weeks and my mind began to wonder. I really know nothing about taxes and why I need to pay them. So I talked to my brother, Ryan about these things on Easter as we went to McDonalds for those new cinnamon melts (which are wonderful by the way). Anyways, Ryan started explaining about excise tax and all that jazz and I realized that I should have probably paid attention in high school and college. In fact, how did I pass? and how did I get that stupid academic honors diploma and made the Dean's List? What a joke! All this to say I feel a new need to understand these things so I can be a proper upstanding citizen. So if anyone has anything to add to my knowledge base, I'm willing to grow in the area of taxes.

Happy Break from Spring

Today it is freezing here, yet I still refuse to wear my winter coat. It was so warm and cozy here and now Spring went on vacation with my parents to Hawaii. My sister, brother and I are on Grandma duty this week. It's been fun and interesting for sure.

Which leads me to tell you what I praise God for:
- that Grandma drank her Tylenol PM last night without holding it first in her mouth for 45 min and then spitting it on me. You don't understand how much this ministered to my little heart.
- that my brother and I are getting along! I love this kid but I know sometimes I'm not too nice to him.
- for Monday night with my sisters, Amy and Katie (Katie isn't actually a blood relative but Amy and I will take her any day)
- for lent being over on Sunday so that I can eat sweets again!
- for Blake Lewis on American Idol--get cuter buddy!
- for my MPDBFF EMoe... I can't say enough about this chick
- for supporters that love me and stand beside me and will do anything to help me finish my initial support.

Jesus is providing for my little needs as I wait for him to provide all of my support.

Gloomy Day in South Bend

I am thankful for:

- bible studies that point me to Jesus and His word
- pedicures with pink toenail polish
- Panera bread
- people that have a heart for college students too!

That's all for now...

Things I'm Thankful For:
(p.s. my friend suzanne suggested making these lists when i'm not feeling thankful)

- an evening of laughing with my friends
- a cute new black skirt
- random house sitting jobs and old dogs named Gloria
- a huge one time gift
- passing out boxes to hungry families

Jesus, reign in my heart. Help me to know your face more!

My friend Elisabeth introduced me to a song. We were both kind of in the same spot this week as we were concentrating more on raising support than our relationship with Jesus.

Here is part of "Wedding Dress" by Derek Webb. You should check it out.

..."I am so easily satisfied
by the call of lovers so less wild
That I would take a little cash
Over your very flesh and blood"

I'm doing much better this afternoon. I'm back on track. God's face--that is what I am seeking and all the other things are just not as important.

LIFE

Life is so crazy these days. I feel like I'm learning new things about Jesus all the time and I don't always believe that I'm open to really seeing His character and the things he has for me. I mean, I say I want to see God work in my life but when it comes down to it, I don't like change.

For example, this week I'm babysitting and 8 and 9 year old. I'm not saying this to solicit my new trade. I actually think that I'm not that good at it. At the core, I'm a very selfish person that likes things my way. Now I'm am being called to be selfless and not have my priorities or my expectations met. Don't get me wrong, I love the kids and it's good for me to experience what so many people are doing around me. I just didn't think I would be seeing my nasty sin as much as I am.

Needless to say, I'm still raising support. And it has it's ups and downs. I don't doubt the call but am weary in the process. Thanks for praying for me.

I'm reading this book called "The Life You've Always Wanted" by John Ortberg. I think he is one of my favorite authors. He writes in a very frank and convicting manner that changes my life. Last night I was finishing up the chapter called "The Unhurried Life" and I just wanted to share a couple of thoughts with you because I am guilty of running through life. Today I was convicted by what I could be missing.

"The truth is, as much as we complain about it, we are drawn to hurry. It makes us feel important. It keeps the adrenaline pumping. It means we don't have to look too closely at the heart or life. It keeps us from feling our loneliness."

"American society is filled with ideas and values and pressures and temptations about success and securty and comfort and happiness that we will not even notice unless we withdraw on occaision."

Hope this speaks to you in the same way it spoke to my heart.

Love you all.

Freedom Writers

My sister and I went to go see Freedom Writers this weekend. I thought it was going to be "Dangerous Minds" revisited but it was so much different. Erin Gruwell inspired classmates to abandon old beliefs set up by their families to unite in one class. I loved it. My sister and my mom are both teachers and I'm sure it was inspirational to Amy but for me it challenged me to do my job better. The reason I stepped into college ministry was because my own life was transformed by the Gospel in college. I'm not the same. This movie reminded me how sweet life change is and how blessed I am to be a part of it. Go see it...I think you'll love it. We, as Believers, have the power through the holy spirit to change lives. Let's do this together.

Colorado...

I'm back in Colorado for our annual student and staff conference. It's fun to come back here and be reminded of what the Lord has done in my life here in this hotel. When I first attended the Denver Christmas Conference (DCC), I was a senior in college--not sure where the Lord was calling me. Now, I'm here in the middle of raising funds to impact student's lives the same way that Jesus used staff here to change my life. It's good to be in a familiar place with people that know me well.

I was talking to my friend Suz the other day about the restlessness that I feel sometimes in this season of life. We talked about how different it is to live in authentic real community. She told me this quote from a friend, "Once you have lived in a community that takes steps of faith together, you'll never feel at home anywhere else." And I have been thinking about this a lot and realized, my heart longs for a community of peers that knows me well. I can't wait for heaven.

Tough Days

Things are weird lately in my little head. I went to mexico for a conference and a wedding. I think that was the beginning of hard stuff. Then I found out that my grandpa passed away so I flew home early for the funeral which was right before Christmas. Since Mexico I feel like I am having an out of body experience.

Please pray:
-that I would cling to Jesus for understanding
-that I would get back in a routine with my life
-that support raising would be good and encouraging

Thanks so much.

Fun Times from Turkey Day

Thanksgiving was great...I didn't come home last year so it I forgot how fun it is to sit around with my extended family and crack up. Some highlights of the day included:
- Kim encouraging Ben and Alec to spit ice cubes on the table. One landed in Grandma's lap.
- Pumpkin Bowling in the back yard.
- The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
- My mom's Pumpkin Dip
- Playing Zigity with Kim and Heather
- Seeing Brady crack up in his Turkey Outfit.

I've included a picture of Roger with Ben and Alec. How cute are these boys?

God's Work in a Year

I was reminded today of the fierce work that God faithfully did in my life in the last year. I can't go into tons of details but this week last year was one of the hardest times in my life. I watched as the Lord stripped many things away from me so that I could have the option of taking an amazing journey with him of restoration and healing. I am so grateful for the way Jesus has used women in my life to grow and change me and I am so thankful for his commitment to my growth.

What a thing to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone.

Ryan's Art Show

A couple of weeks ago, my brother had a steel piece in an art show. It was a big to do in our family and in the art show business as well. I just wanted to let you know how proud I am of this guy. Here's a pic of Ryan with his piece.

25 Years Old!

This past weekend, I turned 25 years old. I love birthdays. I love being surrounded by people that care so much for you. I was reminded and refreshed in big ways and I am so grateful for that. It's hard to sometimes to connect with others when I am busy working, raising support, meeting with small groups and working on my New Testament class so it was good to have community all weekend.

I was also reminded of God's sovereign plan for my life. I love the thought that I am right on track. That God knew before the beginning of time that I would be sitting here in South Bend on my 25th Birthday with my family instead of in Mexico with my stellar team. It wasn't news to Him.

He continues to bless, stretch and grow me in this process. Thank you for walking with me, praying for me and encouraging me by just being in the race with me.

Sibling Fun Part One

My sister ran her marathon on Sunday in Chicago. I'm so proud of her. So much of what I'm doing right now with support reminds me of a marathon. I'm recruiting people to stand on the curb of my journey and go crazy as I barely plow through. Here's a picture when I jumped in and ran with her. There will be other fun pictures of this past weekend's activities to come as well.

Fall Weather and Gray Skies

Above is a picture of me at work at the podiatrist. Behind me is Steph and Amber. They work there as well. I work here part time while raising support.

Well, I just got back from Hillsdale, MI where I got to spend some quality time with friends from the summer. How encouraging it was to be with people that God has planted in them a similar heart to me.

I have really struggled with this issue--being around people that get me, my vision, and how hard it is at times to continuously ask people to be a part of this with me. Don't get me wrong, I am completely sold out to reaching college students for Christ. Sometimes, it's just hard doing it alone. But altogether I'm so thankful for the time here. I thank Jesus for my parents and how they love me and take care of me. I praise God that they care enough to ask about raising support and my heart.