Colorado

Well.. I have returned to Colorado for STINT briefing for the next week. I'm excited but it is kind of weird not going to Greeley with the staff team. Lots of changes are happening in my heart and mind. Yesterday was crazy. Not only it was the longest day of my life but it's not everyday that you burst into tears multiple times at the Midway Airport. I think my heart is just unsettled and after spending some time with Jesus, I just desire His presence. What a good thing to desire huh? I feel like the last couple of weeks that I have abandoned my first love- God Himself. Yesterday was good to set me back on track. I'll update later in the week.

Reality

It's setting in. I have realized that raising support may take longer than I think. Honestly, I don't like the in between time like this. I want to be in Mexico. I'm built for ministry and sometimes it's hard to see where Jesus is while I wait and trust for Him to work. It's a good spot to be in--just another opportunity to trust Jesus.

When I step back and look at my experience of building my team thus far I am so encouraged. I'm so thankful for my team and how they love and take care of me. I sit here and know that the Lord has strategically placed them around me so I wouldn't be here alone.

Last night at church we talked about how we all have a position on the team. Whatever position it is, we need the other parts to operate the way God intented. The big question is: "Am I ready for the game?" Are my shoes on? Am I ready for the big game?

Pray with me as I prepare and seek the Lord to get me ready.

Back Home Again...

In Indiana.

I drive around here and think so many different things. I'm reminded of my past and how I used to deal with life. I think through where God is pushing me and what He's asks me to leave behind. All this to say--I'm still adjusting to being back.

I'm so grateful for my family. I spent some time in Indy last week reconnecting with friends and family then spent the weekend at my Aunt and Uncles for the funnest weekend of the year. The Hendricks Family Reunion. This year, I invited my 3rd cousin Larry. He has been a part of my ministry and I never met him so I thought this was my year to build the relationship. I had such a good time with all of them.

I'm reminded today to continue to be thankful for where God has me and the people he has strategically placed around me. I want my life to count for something more and today matters for eternity.

Dog Days of Florida are Coming to an End

Wow, I can't believe that it's about time to head back to Indiana. I can't explain how grateful I am for being here and taking classes and building new relationships. In the midst of all this, I have seen Jesus in a new way and His desires that He has for my heart.

I am so excited for what the Lord is doing and will continue to do in and through me as I head back to Indiana to get serious about raising support and a team of people to minister along side of me. What a privilege it is to have partners in the Great Commission.

Pray for my next couple of days... as I transition out of Florida, traveling, and that the change would be gradual on my body.

Love to all.

Disney World, Finals and whatnot

Wow! I can't believe that we have only two more weeks here in Florida. I took my final this morning in Doctrine Survey. It wasn't my best but it certainly not my worst. I guess I forgot how much studying goes into finals. Last night, a bunch of girls watched a chic flick instead of studying among other things...

But this weekend, Heather and I got a 2 day park hopper to Disney and we blew through all four parks. Man it was fun but so so tiring. I'm still feeling the effects of walking so far. I love roller coasters and the magic of Disney. It's unlike anything else.

I'm doing the Beth Moore "Breaking Free" Bible Study with my sister right now. I'm learning so much about things I already think I know. Today I read about legalism and how our lives are supposed to be about Passion and not Performance. How quickly I get that mixed up... you know? I just want it to be about me so much. I remember two years ago when God first convicted me of this. I felt like he was saying to me, "You know Emily, this little song and dance that you do is not pleasing. It does not bring me glory." How I continue to try and steal the Lord's glory. He must Increase and I must Decrease and that's the way it has to be.

Seminary Classes and my dorm desk...

So today we are half way through our intense two weeks of Institute of Biblical Studies courses. I have studied so much but it has been a time where I have learned the most as well. I've heard after taking Doctrine Survey that your beliefs meaning your convictions, your persuasions and your opinions are grounded and more real than ever before and I see the Lord working those things out for me. My times with Him have been different partially because I sit around and think of some "ology" that I heard about in class or I analyze the same 10 verses in Ephesians.

All this to say- I am so incredibly thankful for this time here and I'm even more grateful that I only have a week left of it!

For those of you who don't know. I found out this weekend that I will be officially going to Mexico City for the next year. I'm really excited and I love the way that God has even begun to shape my heart for this city. Even when I found out in April that this may be a possibility, the Lord has been faithful to move and work in me since then.

p.s. I get the opportunity to go to the happiest place on earth Disney World

My Heart is Full....

Wow! I am so thankful for today. The president of Campus Crusade for Christ came to speak to the new staff today. He shared how God is moving in all different ways across the globe. My heart just expanded...here are a few things I jotted down.

The JESUS film (produced and distributed by Campus Crusade for Christ):
- there have been 6 billion exposures to the movie
- has been shown in every country (the only movie in history)
- has been translated in more than 930 languages
- resulted in more than 200 million decisions for Christ!
--> all this to say when the founder of Crusade, Bill Bright, suggested it, the staff thought that the film was not a good idea.... amazing huh?

On a lighter note, my care group and I went to Downtown Disney last night. Here's a picture of me with the Lego Family.

Transitions Are Fun

Well, I'm in motion again. In another airport, visiting another city and getting ready to make new friends. It's amazing how the Lord continues to call me to new things. I would have never imagined that He would direct me to this place and I wouldn't even fight it. I was talking to my cousin Kim this morning and I can only describe this as peace and contentment. I'm excited for what Jesus has in store for me.