Hello there! I'm afraid I need to make this up-date rather short! I am currently in Abingdon, VA. I had the pleasure of speaking at my home church yesterday for the last Sunday of their mission's conference! I am also staying in town for a few days so that I can visit with friends and "family" from when I was young! It is always good to be back!
However, due to this, I don't have much time and I'm also using a computer in the public library that has a broken space bar so I have to bang it pretty hard to get it to work (but all of the other computers are occupied so switching isn't an option)!!! Given that, I think I'll just let you all know that I am doing well and that God is blessing me greatly through many wonderful visits as well as opportunities to get some studying done!
Thank you so much for continuing to pray! I'll write a longer up-date next week and will hopefully have pictures to attach then! Blessings!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
February 19, 2008
Happy Belated Valentine's Day to all those whom I love! It is special holidays such as these that I am reminded how much I am loved by all of you through your faithful support and prayers. Thank you so much!
I just have a couple of quick things to share with you in regards to some of the prayer requests I mentioned last week.
First of all, we recently found out that Grandpa could be released from the hospital as early as the first week in March. This will mean that some decisions need to be made concerning his transition, based on what kinds of things he will be strong enough to handle. Please continue to pray for all of us as we seek wisdom through this decision-making process. Pray for Grandpa too, because regardless of what decision is made, the accident has taken a toll on him and he will not be able to be as independent as he was before.
Also, thank you for continuing to pray for my financial support level. Praise the Lord...the gap has closed ever so slightly as a couple of people have raised the level they are able to give and a friend recently asked to be a new supporter. However, I continue to be slightly below 70% and need 80% before I can return to the field. Yesterday, I was also able to get a copy of the support application for the church where my parent's attend in Suffolk. I will get that filled out and I believe the committee will be meeting at the end of March so that they can discuss their mission's budget. There are also a couple of other churches/individuals with whom I have been in touch concerning this deficit. I would appreciate your continued prayers for this need.
Well, I think those are the highlights for the time being. I will be travelling for about the next week and a half (starting in Bedford, VA with a visit to my aunt and uncle...then on to Abingdon to speak at Abingdon Bible Church...after a few days there, I'll go to Winston-Salem to stay with Carrie Bonner, a childhood friend...finally, I'll have class in Charlotte and return to Franklin in time to give a presentation in my Sunday School class here on March 2). Thank you so much for your continued support and prayers. You are each such a blessing to me!
I just have a couple of quick things to share with you in regards to some of the prayer requests I mentioned last week.
First of all, we recently found out that Grandpa could be released from the hospital as early as the first week in March. This will mean that some decisions need to be made concerning his transition, based on what kinds of things he will be strong enough to handle. Please continue to pray for all of us as we seek wisdom through this decision-making process. Pray for Grandpa too, because regardless of what decision is made, the accident has taken a toll on him and he will not be able to be as independent as he was before.
Also, thank you for continuing to pray for my financial support level. Praise the Lord...the gap has closed ever so slightly as a couple of people have raised the level they are able to give and a friend recently asked to be a new supporter. However, I continue to be slightly below 70% and need 80% before I can return to the field. Yesterday, I was also able to get a copy of the support application for the church where my parent's attend in Suffolk. I will get that filled out and I believe the committee will be meeting at the end of March so that they can discuss their mission's budget. There are also a couple of other churches/individuals with whom I have been in touch concerning this deficit. I would appreciate your continued prayers for this need.
Well, I think those are the highlights for the time being. I will be travelling for about the next week and a half (starting in Bedford, VA with a visit to my aunt and uncle...then on to Abingdon to speak at Abingdon Bible Church...after a few days there, I'll go to Winston-Salem to stay with Carrie Bonner, a childhood friend...finally, I'll have class in Charlotte and return to Franklin in time to give a presentation in my Sunday School class here on March 2). Thank you so much for your continued support and prayers. You are each such a blessing to me!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Frequently Asked Questions!
Sorry I'm a little late up-dating my blog this week. I got wrapped up in my studying and things yesterday, which meant that I lost track of time. The day was over before I realized it! Oh well...better late than never!
I decided that this up-date needed to focus on answering a few "frequently asked questions" that I have received recently. I'll do my best to straighten out any confusion...
1. "How is the unrest in Bolivia?" Well, I haven't heard much recently about the politicial unrest there. It calmed down over Christmas and most people felt it would remain calm until after Carnaval. That was a couple of weeks ago, but I haven't heard anything new. There has been some difficulty with flooding in Bolivia for over a month or so. I have read that 40 or so people have died and thousands have lost everything they own, including their home. Flooding usually contributes to a rise in food prices because so many crops and animals will be lost. This economic difficulty combined with the already heightened emotions of the people and the fact that the food prices were already high (with a decrease in the value of the dollar) doesn't make for a great situation. They could definitely continue to use your prayers!
2. "I didn't realize you were so far behind in your financial support, what happened?" As I mentioned in number 1, the value of the dollar has decreased which has meant a larger amount of support is needed in order to provide for my living expenses while there. Also, I am now considered a career or member missionary with SAM, which means an increase in the amount I need to raise compared to when I was an associate. There are several reasons for that. Basically it is because now I will be returning with the mindset that I will be investing more in the people and in my own personal living environment. I need things that will last and may wish to share more with others as the need arises. This increase will also help provide for retirement, which I didn't have before. Anyway, my support also dropped because I lost a couple of faithful supporters over the last 3 or 4 months. One of them was my aunt who passed away on New Year's Day. Finally, I have struggled to find new monthly supporters and am currently waiting for God to provide them from among those I already know or from those I have only recently met! If you know of any rock I have left unturned, as far as my part is concerned...I'm open to suggestions!
3. "How is your grandfather?" Grandpa is doing quite well. He got a good report yesterday that he can put full weight on his bad leg. He describes it as having to learn how to walk all over again, which isn't easy for anyone much less someone who's 102 years old! He remains in good spirits and it is a joy to spend time with him! I am thankful for these moments! We haven't heard anything yet about when he will be able to come home from the rehab center. I'll be sure to let you know when he does! You can be praying for my parents as they approach the transition of Grandpa returning to the house. There will be a great many decisions to be made!
Well, I think those are probably the three most common questions I get asked right now...if you think of additional concerns that you have, feel free to drop me an email or add a comment to the blog! Thank you so much, as always, for your faithful support and prayers!
I decided that this up-date needed to focus on answering a few "frequently asked questions" that I have received recently. I'll do my best to straighten out any confusion...
1. "How is the unrest in Bolivia?" Well, I haven't heard much recently about the politicial unrest there. It calmed down over Christmas and most people felt it would remain calm until after Carnaval. That was a couple of weeks ago, but I haven't heard anything new. There has been some difficulty with flooding in Bolivia for over a month or so. I have read that 40 or so people have died and thousands have lost everything they own, including their home. Flooding usually contributes to a rise in food prices because so many crops and animals will be lost. This economic difficulty combined with the already heightened emotions of the people and the fact that the food prices were already high (with a decrease in the value of the dollar) doesn't make for a great situation. They could definitely continue to use your prayers!
2. "I didn't realize you were so far behind in your financial support, what happened?" As I mentioned in number 1, the value of the dollar has decreased which has meant a larger amount of support is needed in order to provide for my living expenses while there. Also, I am now considered a career or member missionary with SAM, which means an increase in the amount I need to raise compared to when I was an associate. There are several reasons for that. Basically it is because now I will be returning with the mindset that I will be investing more in the people and in my own personal living environment. I need things that will last and may wish to share more with others as the need arises. This increase will also help provide for retirement, which I didn't have before. Anyway, my support also dropped because I lost a couple of faithful supporters over the last 3 or 4 months. One of them was my aunt who passed away on New Year's Day. Finally, I have struggled to find new monthly supporters and am currently waiting for God to provide them from among those I already know or from those I have only recently met! If you know of any rock I have left unturned, as far as my part is concerned...I'm open to suggestions!
3. "How is your grandfather?" Grandpa is doing quite well. He got a good report yesterday that he can put full weight on his bad leg. He describes it as having to learn how to walk all over again, which isn't easy for anyone much less someone who's 102 years old! He remains in good spirits and it is a joy to spend time with him! I am thankful for these moments! We haven't heard anything yet about when he will be able to come home from the rehab center. I'll be sure to let you know when he does! You can be praying for my parents as they approach the transition of Grandpa returning to the house. There will be a great many decisions to be made!
Well, I think those are probably the three most common questions I get asked right now...if you think of additional concerns that you have, feel free to drop me an email or add a comment to the blog! Thank you so much, as always, for your faithful support and prayers!
Monday, February 4, 2008
February Already?
Well, here we are in February...unbelievable! Classes have started up once again. Last weekend I had Theology Survey II. It is taught by the same professor that I had last semester for Theology Survey I, which is a good thing, I really learned a lot from him! It was a good class, he somewhat jokingly started off class on Saturday morning by saying that we were going to spend the whole day talking about Christ! I can't think of a better way to start the day. We talked extensively about Christ's divinity as well as His humanity and the relationship between the two. This conversation transformed into Christ's death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Of course, since this was a theology class, you may be able to imagine where the discussion went next...Calvinism, Arminianism, and their views on predestination. All in all it was an extremely interesting class. Of course, I was equally excited that we got out early and I was able to make it back to Franklin by shortly after 8:00pm!
I enjoyed watching the superbowl last night! It was only the second one I've seen in 4 years, and the last one that I saw was on cable television in Bolivia (with Spanish announcers, no memorable halftime entertainment, and no cool commercials)! This year definitely made up for it!
I have a great deal of studying that I need to get done today, so I'm going to make this up-date a little shorter than usual. Before I do, I just wanted to ask you to continue praying for my monthly support. The outgoing support is important too, but thankfully I have had a couple of large one-time donations recently, which has helped this area some. Currently, I am more concerned with the need that I have by way of regular monthly donations. Please pray that God would continue to provide people who can commit to faithfully donating each month, even if it is only a small amount (small amounts can add up quickly)! I think I am still close to $1000 short in this area.
Thank you for your love, support, and prayers! I feel so blessed to be able to partner with you in this way!
I enjoyed watching the superbowl last night! It was only the second one I've seen in 4 years, and the last one that I saw was on cable television in Bolivia (with Spanish announcers, no memorable halftime entertainment, and no cool commercials)! This year definitely made up for it!
I have a great deal of studying that I need to get done today, so I'm going to make this up-date a little shorter than usual. Before I do, I just wanted to ask you to continue praying for my monthly support. The outgoing support is important too, but thankfully I have had a couple of large one-time donations recently, which has helped this area some. Currently, I am more concerned with the need that I have by way of regular monthly donations. Please pray that God would continue to provide people who can commit to faithfully donating each month, even if it is only a small amount (small amounts can add up quickly)! I think I am still close to $1000 short in this area.
Thank you for your love, support, and prayers! I feel so blessed to be able to partner with you in this way!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Back Home in Franklin, For a Few Days Anyway!
Greetings friends and family! It's hard to believe that we are now nearing the the 1st of February...time sure does fly when you're having fun!
I had a wonderful time with my friend Dana in Arkansas, although it was a quick trip we were able to pack in a great deal of visiting! I also had the joy of meeting her parents and students as well as seeing many of the places that I have heard her talk about so much. Returning home last Thursday was a bit of an adventure, but God provided many blessings along the way so it was an enjoyable adventure. To give you a short recap, I got to the airport early and checked in. While sitting by the gate, I realized that my flight was going to be delayed. This was a problem, because I only had a few minutes in order to change planes in Houston. A delayed flight on the first leg meant I was sure to miss the second flight. I have flown enough to share in a few of the horror stories of airlines and flight attendants, yet this was not one of those experiences. The airline not only changed my flights, still with one layover (not too long, but long enough to eat lunch this time), worked it out so that I was arriving at basically the same time (only about 5 minutes later), and (this is the real incredible part) found my luggage and changed the tags so that it arrived with me in Norfolk! All of this, while actually being friendly without treating me like I had just ruined their day! Praise the Lord! I was so thankful for the pleasant experience!
On Friday, mom and I made a quick trip down to North Carolina. She babysat my nephew on Saturday and I went to a seminar at Gordon-Conwell. We got back late on Saturday night so that we could go to church on Sunday. I was thankful to get to worship at Westminster once again. I also was able to have lunch and hang out with some of my friends from church, which I really appreciated!
This week is back to old clothes and porridge! It sure is hard to get back into a study routine, but I don't have much of an option there, my classes start again this weekend! This semester I will be taking three classes again (Theology Survey II, Contemprary Missiology, and Church History Since the Reformation). I think I forgot to mention that I found out that I got an A in one of my other classes from last semester! I now know that I received an A and an A- in two of the three classes from last semester. I still haven't heard about the third class, but I am thankful for how well things have turned out so far! Praise the Lord for the strength and endurance to finish well last semester! Please continue to pray for my classes this semester, that God will continue to give me the necessary strength to complete each assignment on time.
Thank you so much for all who have asked about and continue to pray for my grandfather. He is doing quite well, praise the Lord! Today, we found out that he is now able to begin putting partial weight on his leg, about half of his weight. This is a change, since he has not been able to put weight on it up to this point. Please continue to pray for him. As you can imagine this is particularly hard for him to have lost so much of his independence. He has tried a few times to do things on his own (without permission, unfortunately) and has fallen a couple of times. Thankfully this has not hindered his progress, but we are not encouraging it either. It is a difficult lesson for him to learn!
I have one last bit of news that I wanted to share about how God continues to provide for my needs. I shared a couple of weeks ago that I am still lacking about $1000 monthly and $6000 outgoing support. Although not much has changed in this area, I wanted to share a quick story with you. When I was visiting with my friends from my Sunday school class, I was sharing with my teacher about my need for further financial support. From across the room, one of the girls in my class said that she was interested in sending me some money, could I get her an address? Obviously I didn't say no to that and told her I would email her the address. She and I then began talking and decided to meet for lunch yesterday, because she wanted to practice her Spanish. We met for lunch and had a very nice time. Although she is a new friend and this was really only the first or second time that we have sat and talked, she immediately handed me a wad of folded bills upon arriving at the restaurant. It wasn't necessarily a lot in the world's standards, but it was a huge deal to me. Honestly, it almost made me cry...this was coming from a single mother of two who is living at home with her own mother while she works and takes classes part-time! I know she doesn't have a lot, yet God has given her a heart for missions and this is the way that she feels she can play a part! I am so thankful for her and the demonstration of love and a giving heart that she has shown me! It really is incredible to get to be a part of stories like this!
Well, I guess that's all I have to share with you this week! Thank you so much for your continued prayers! Until next week...
I had a wonderful time with my friend Dana in Arkansas, although it was a quick trip we were able to pack in a great deal of visiting! I also had the joy of meeting her parents and students as well as seeing many of the places that I have heard her talk about so much. Returning home last Thursday was a bit of an adventure, but God provided many blessings along the way so it was an enjoyable adventure. To give you a short recap, I got to the airport early and checked in. While sitting by the gate, I realized that my flight was going to be delayed. This was a problem, because I only had a few minutes in order to change planes in Houston. A delayed flight on the first leg meant I was sure to miss the second flight. I have flown enough to share in a few of the horror stories of airlines and flight attendants, yet this was not one of those experiences. The airline not only changed my flights, still with one layover (not too long, but long enough to eat lunch this time), worked it out so that I was arriving at basically the same time (only about 5 minutes later), and (this is the real incredible part) found my luggage and changed the tags so that it arrived with me in Norfolk! All of this, while actually being friendly without treating me like I had just ruined their day! Praise the Lord! I was so thankful for the pleasant experience!
On Friday, mom and I made a quick trip down to North Carolina. She babysat my nephew on Saturday and I went to a seminar at Gordon-Conwell. We got back late on Saturday night so that we could go to church on Sunday. I was thankful to get to worship at Westminster once again. I also was able to have lunch and hang out with some of my friends from church, which I really appreciated!
This week is back to old clothes and porridge! It sure is hard to get back into a study routine, but I don't have much of an option there, my classes start again this weekend! This semester I will be taking three classes again (Theology Survey II, Contemprary Missiology, and Church History Since the Reformation). I think I forgot to mention that I found out that I got an A in one of my other classes from last semester! I now know that I received an A and an A- in two of the three classes from last semester. I still haven't heard about the third class, but I am thankful for how well things have turned out so far! Praise the Lord for the strength and endurance to finish well last semester! Please continue to pray for my classes this semester, that God will continue to give me the necessary strength to complete each assignment on time.
Thank you so much for all who have asked about and continue to pray for my grandfather. He is doing quite well, praise the Lord! Today, we found out that he is now able to begin putting partial weight on his leg, about half of his weight. This is a change, since he has not been able to put weight on it up to this point. Please continue to pray for him. As you can imagine this is particularly hard for him to have lost so much of his independence. He has tried a few times to do things on his own (without permission, unfortunately) and has fallen a couple of times. Thankfully this has not hindered his progress, but we are not encouraging it either. It is a difficult lesson for him to learn!
I have one last bit of news that I wanted to share about how God continues to provide for my needs. I shared a couple of weeks ago that I am still lacking about $1000 monthly and $6000 outgoing support. Although not much has changed in this area, I wanted to share a quick story with you. When I was visiting with my friends from my Sunday school class, I was sharing with my teacher about my need for further financial support. From across the room, one of the girls in my class said that she was interested in sending me some money, could I get her an address? Obviously I didn't say no to that and told her I would email her the address. She and I then began talking and decided to meet for lunch yesterday, because she wanted to practice her Spanish. We met for lunch and had a very nice time. Although she is a new friend and this was really only the first or second time that we have sat and talked, she immediately handed me a wad of folded bills upon arriving at the restaurant. It wasn't necessarily a lot in the world's standards, but it was a huge deal to me. Honestly, it almost made me cry...this was coming from a single mother of two who is living at home with her own mother while she works and takes classes part-time! I know she doesn't have a lot, yet God has given her a heart for missions and this is the way that she feels she can play a part! I am so thankful for her and the demonstration of love and a giving heart that she has shown me! It really is incredible to get to be a part of stories like this!
Well, I guess that's all I have to share with you this week! Thank you so much for your continued prayers! Until next week...
Monday, January 21, 2008
January 21, 2007
Greetings from Siloam Springs, Arkansas!
My last week with Janet and Rick was as enjoyable as the first. Janet and I took a quick trip to San Antonio on Wednesday and Thursday. It was beautiful! I had always wanted to go there and this was the perfect opportunity! We got to take a tour cruise on the Riverwalk. We also went to La Villita, which was the first settlement in San Antonio and now has many interesting shops. On Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning we went to the Alamo and then to all of the other missions in the area, which were established by the Spanish in order to convert the Indians. One of the highlights of the trip for me was a musical group from Peru that was playing at the Riverwalk Mall. The music was typical to what I often heard in Bolivia and I had a chance to talk to them after they finished playing. All in all it was an incredible trip!
I also enjoyed sharing about Bolivia in the Spanish classes at Bethesda Christian School on Friday. It was a lot of fun! I enjoyed meeting the students and the Spanish teacher. Interestingly, the teacher and his family had recently returned to the states after serving the Lord in Guatemala. We enjoyed swapping stories and experiences of culture shock.
On Saturday morning I said good-bye to Janet and Rick. It was bittersweet; I was sad to leave them, yet ready to be on my way again. I then flew to Tulsa, Oklahoma where my friend Dana Sterling met me at the airport. You may remember that Dana was one of the other women who lived at Lidia's house with me my last year in Bolivia. She is now back in the states teaching in Rogers Arkansas. After picking me up from the airport, we had brunch at her parent's house and then came to Sloam Springs, which is where Dana lives. I will be here with her until Thursday, at which time I will return to Franklin (just barely in time for my next semester of classes to start).
Well, I guess that's about it for this week. Because of all the travelling that I have been doing, I am a little behind on current news concerning my condo and other such prayer requests. Thank you for continuing to pray for those things! I'll be sure to let you know, once I find out something myself! Blessings to you all!
My last week with Janet and Rick was as enjoyable as the first. Janet and I took a quick trip to San Antonio on Wednesday and Thursday. It was beautiful! I had always wanted to go there and this was the perfect opportunity! We got to take a tour cruise on the Riverwalk. We also went to La Villita, which was the first settlement in San Antonio and now has many interesting shops. On Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning we went to the Alamo and then to all of the other missions in the area, which were established by the Spanish in order to convert the Indians. One of the highlights of the trip for me was a musical group from Peru that was playing at the Riverwalk Mall. The music was typical to what I often heard in Bolivia and I had a chance to talk to them after they finished playing. All in all it was an incredible trip!
I also enjoyed sharing about Bolivia in the Spanish classes at Bethesda Christian School on Friday. It was a lot of fun! I enjoyed meeting the students and the Spanish teacher. Interestingly, the teacher and his family had recently returned to the states after serving the Lord in Guatemala. We enjoyed swapping stories and experiences of culture shock.
On Saturday morning I said good-bye to Janet and Rick. It was bittersweet; I was sad to leave them, yet ready to be on my way again. I then flew to Tulsa, Oklahoma where my friend Dana Sterling met me at the airport. You may remember that Dana was one of the other women who lived at Lidia's house with me my last year in Bolivia. She is now back in the states teaching in Rogers Arkansas. After picking me up from the airport, we had brunch at her parent's house and then came to Sloam Springs, which is where Dana lives. I will be here with her until Thursday, at which time I will return to Franklin (just barely in time for my next semester of classes to start).
Well, I guess that's about it for this week. Because of all the travelling that I have been doing, I am a little behind on current news concerning my condo and other such prayer requests. Thank you for continuing to pray for those things! I'll be sure to let you know, once I find out something myself! Blessings to you all!
Monday, January 14, 2008
January 14, 2007
Greetings once again from Arlington, Texas! I have heard from several of you who had time to read my blog entry last week, thank you for squeezing that into your busy schedules. Your prayers were definitely felt this week!
I continue to have a great time here with Janet and Rick. Last week, Janet and I went to the museum at the Wycliffe Center. That was a lot of fun and very well done! Also, Janet was playing in a concert with the Waco Symphony and they invited Art Garfunkel to come as a guest performer for the concert. Janet didn't think about it being a sold out concert so she hadn't gotten tickets beforehand. Fortunately, God worked it out for Rick and me to be able to get tickets so that we could attend, even though we were on a waiting list until about 2 hours before the concert! Praise the Lord! I had a great time watching Janet perform and hearing Art Garfunkel sing! It was a wonderful concert! On Saturday night we were able to have dinner with Bob and Mary Kaiser longtime friends of our from Abingdon...we grew up with their kids. They are now serving with Wycliffe so we enjoyed hearing about the work to which God has called them.
On Sunday, I had the opportunity to speak at Janet and Rick's church. We also did a couple of songs in Spanish with their worship team, since Janet is the music leader. I appreciated that greatly! It is a little quick to see what hearts God may have touched, but I did have one woman ask me about sending in financial support so that is a definite answer to prayer! There were also several people who asked to be added to my mailing list. Praise the Lord for these new partnerships! In order to help you pray more specifically for my financial needs, it looks like I am about $1000 below on my needed monthly support and about $6000 below on my needed outgoing funds (which is the one time lump sum for exiting the country and setup fees in Bolivia).
(lunch with Rick's sister and her family and Janet's
friend, Kim, after church on Sunday)
This week, Janet and I have decided to take a quick trip to San Antonio on Wednesday, coming back on Thursday. I am super excited about that! I have never been there before and always wanted to go since I have heard such beautiful things about it. I am glad God has so openly worked it out for us to go. Also, on Friday I have the opportunity to speak to three different Spanish classes at Bethesda Christian School, which is one of the schools where Janet goes to teach private lessons. I enjoy having opportunities such as this to get back into the classroom. I am thankful that God has provided this connection.
I have one quick note about my Gordon-Conwell classes...my mom called today to let me know that the rest of my assignments along with the final grade for my Church History class last semester had arrived. They show that I received an A- in that class! I am quite pleased and praising the Lord for the strength, endurance, and discipline to have done so well! I haven't heard about the other two classes yet, but at least I now know one of the three! Thank you for your prayers for that!
Well, I think it's time for me to go get some dinner! I am constantly encouraged by your constant love, prayers, and support! Thank you so much!
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