Birthday Pictures

My early birthday present from my parents. My friend Stacy was with me when I got it in the mail. At first I was like "its a...put on blanket.." But then, I realized that it was one of those as-seen-on-TV snuggies! It has kept me warm on the cold VA nights






My friends had a little party for me on Sunday afternoon. This is me blowing out my one candle. My roomate made cake balls on a stick. They were quite yummy







After worship we all went out for good ol hamburgers at a place called "Cheeburger, Cheeburger". Most of us are going to places where we can't eat beef so we were all excited. I got a little carried away on mine though...I could hardly finish it.

Cultural Worship

Every Sunday evening they have what is called Cultural Worship. Basically what that means is that they have a worship service for us...but its not the typical American service. Everything is done in a different language and in a different fashion. (i.e. Tonight we took off our shoes and sat on the floor) It was our region's turn to facilitate tonight. This evening I had the chance to take part in the worship team. We heard songs in Filipino, Hindi as well as various other languages. Its just really amazing that we serve such a creative God that we can worship together in so many languages. I had no idea what I was really singing...I said something about "holy" and I am sure I heard "Jesus" come out of my mouth somewhere in there. But, the Spirit was the same and I felt just as comfortable singing those songs as I did singing in my heart language. I walked away feeling like I had been in the presence of the Lord. Here is a picture of me from tonight's service.

Valentines Day Reflections

Well, today is Valentine's Day and I actually almost forgot about it. But, when I opened my door this morning, I had little valentines on the floort to greet me. My sweet neighbors gave me cards of encouragement and....chocolate! Sweets are a rare treat around here. They don't serve dessert after meals. They are trying to "wean" us off of the comforts of this world. So, every night after dinner, I drink chocolate soy milk for dessert. (Don't make fun of me.... )That is why I was so excited to get goodies this morning. And to top off the day- my wonderful roommate bought me DR PEPPER! She has only known me a short while but she already knows my love language.

People have been asking me lately about being single. And although I do have desire for my own family, I just keep being blown away by the love that I am being shown through Christ and through others. I am just so thankful for the family that He is giving me. The words of Paul concerning singleness really have a whole different meaning to me as I go through this journey. Because I am single, I can concentrate on the things of the Lord in a unique way. So, yeah, of course I go through times of being lonely. Its Valentine's and I don't have a date. But- the life that He is giving me for now... it is more than I could possibly ask or imagine. My cup overflows.

When I Was Young

This weekend I had some free time. So, I decided to go visit one of my best friends in nearby Lynchberg. Amy and I have been friends since the 4th grade. She loved me when I looked like this....she is a true friend. I walked into her living room on Friday night and it seemed like all the time and distance between us just melted away in an instant. I love Amy for the truth and love that she speaks into my life. I love her for the fact we never have to explain ourselves to each other. And I love her because I think she gave me the big red cowboy hat I am wearing in this picture....j/k. It was nice just being able to hang out with her and her husband, who feels like a brother to me. It was a breath of fresh air for me and I was thankful that I had the opportunity.

His Glory Is My Reward

Today marks the one week point of being at boot camp. I got off to a rough start but I have been surrounded by God's grace and sweet friends to help me along the way. I am finding myself being SO introverted as my mind is trying to absorb the information being thrown at me. After each day is done, I scurry back to my room. I even hid my head underneath the covers one day...I felt like I was 5 years old again.... But with my introversion, I also have had more time to spend in the presence of God. And it has been pretty amazing.

Part of my day consisted of the Malaria/Japanese Encephalitis/Dengue Fever speech. Words like "hemorrhagic fever" and "night sweats" out of the speaker's mouth. I leaned over to my friend and said "what in the heck did we get ourselves into"? We both just doubled over in silent laughter.....I think we both had just reached our limit.

But my favorite quote from day sums its up. "Its all about obedience, suffering is expected, His glory is my reward" And those are the words that will be on my lips as I lay down to rest.