{I Can Do ALL Things}: March 2012

Thursday, March 22, 2012

The Gift Of Family

A few nights ago Cody and Nat came over for supper. Nat had some things she needed to do in Huber, and Cody wanted to demolish Carson at Settlers of Catan. I wish Trent and Malinda could have come over as well; that would have made the night perfect.

I love my sweet niece Vienna Kate

She loves her Mama

Cookie time with Grandpa

Yummmmm

The maddening game of Settlers

Cody's smug face after blocking Mom

The game takes too much concentration

Spring has come early in Ohio

And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! ~ Matthew 6:28-30

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

End Of A Chapter, Or End Of A Book?

   Today was a milestone in preparation of my journey. This day marked the end of classes at Sinclair Community College. As I walked out from class I felt, scared, exhilarated, a bit sorrowful, and most of all, glad to be done with ALH 104.
   The reason for feeling a bit scared is, well, Sinclair has become a home of sorts. When I needed a haven to study, relax, meet up with friends, and get Starbucks, to the main campus library I would go. It's became a familiar friend. Moving into the unknown is a bit frightful. Many memories were made at SCC, and I believe I grew up a lot while attending classes.
   I felt exhilarated because I have the opportunity of a life time. Really, how many people are able to say at twenty years old they moved across the globe to learn more about Jesus? God has blessed me beyond what I ever though possible. While serving in a different land has always been a strong calling, I always wondered if it would really happen. Now I'm getting a chance to learn how to effectively serve, share, and bless others!!! :) My hearts desire is to glorify my risen Lord by serving, and sharing Him with others, no matter what the cost.
   Sorrowful, because I'm going to miss out on so much time with friends and family. Morgan, Tanner, and Vienna will grow up so much while I'm away. Friends will move on in life. Carson will be taller then I, when I get back. Over time things change, and if I'm not around to experience the changes, it will be different when I arrive home. Nevertheless, this is what I want to do. This is what God blessing me with.
   Never have I had a class I was so ready to be done with. ALH 104 is the most boring class I have ever taken. As much as I love to learn new things, this class was just not interesting. So, as I walked out of class, I felt super glad to put it behind me. I felt like my IQ would start to go up, simply because I was out of the dull, time-wasting class. Yes, it really was that bad.
   I have started to wonder, is this the end of a chapter, one that may be returned to in the future, or is this the end of a book never to be opened again? I don't know what God has in store next. Maybe I will get done at IGo and finish my education, or maybe I will go serve somewhere indefinitely, or perhaps, I will go back to IGo and do an internship. Right now I have no idea what is next, and I'm surprisingly okay with that. As much as I want to be a nurse, I want to follow my Father more. Probably, I say that over and over, but its what He is teaching me, COMPLETE SURRENDER!!!

The journey begins in...

34 days!!!

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Clark N Courtney

What fun to see my friends happy and excited to serve the Lord. Last night was an amazing fun filled evening. It started out with a photoshoot...that went badly...and on to a picnic down by the river. The evening was filled with much laughter and random moments. I'm am very blessed.

There was lots of laughter as I was trying to get a good photograph

I love the Dayton skyline

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Spring is one of my favorite times of year. I always kinda wonder if I enjoy spring or summer more. When spring comes around is welcomed in with such open arms. Its all because we have just endured the dreaded WINTER word. Nothing makes me happier then wearing short sleeves, sandals, budding flowers, chirping birds, yummy smells, bright sunshine, windows down with blaring music, happy people, and green grass. Love it when spring comes back to play.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Games

Typically my Dad hates games. Every once in a LONG while we are able to get him to play two games of Sequence. Needless to say it has quickly became a family favorite for this very reason.

I love my family! They will be greatly missed

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Sponsorship

This weekend at the Haiti Benefit Auction, a lot was said about sponsoring children, and different projects. Some of the sponsorship organizations talked about are Compassion International, Save The Children, World Vision and this weekend schools, IFM, Heart of Compassion, and International Fellowship Haven. Every photo of these kiddos makes my heart long to hug them and let them know they are loved. How much more must our Father feel that way when He looks down at each of us needing the love and salvation of His son Jesus. I look at those kiddos and think about their human needs, but the Father, He looks at all of us and sees our ultimate need, a personal relationship with Jesus.

I’ve never though I would be in a position to need sponsorship. After all, I come from a middle class American family. Why would I ever have that kind of need? Well, when faced with the opportunity to attend IGo I quickly realized I had no way of paying for it, and no time to raise the required money. Nevertheless, I was certain that was where God was calling me.

One night I decided He and I needed to have a little chat. God wants to hear what we have to say, and He wants to have to chance to answer back. So, while I was driving I started to talk. I laid it all out there, asking “Why are you calling me here and not providing for me? Why am I so excited about this and have no way to go? Why God, Why?” That night I received no answer and I went to bed feeling discouraged and confused.

God’s mercies are new every morning! I woke up the next day, and I was ready to put hard work into this calling. When God speaks, it’s time to follow no matter what the odds look like. My day was going to be spent researching fundraisers. I have never been okay with flat out asking people for money, and knew that was absolutely not an option for me. Mom and I talked about doing a spaghetti dinner, cleaning, babysitting, bake sale, etc. That all sounded like a grand place to start.

However, God, He had other, more wonderful, something I never would have considered, ideas. He, the most amazing person in my life, provided beyond my wildest expectations. There was a family, who felt God calling them to help me on this journey. (Every time I tell this story tears fall, God is just so faithful!) This family is living out Romans 10:15 by sending me on this journey. In the end it ended up I did need sponsored. My Father in Heaven provided in a way that I never had to ask, I only had to pray.

There are still daily needs, and things that I have to get before I go. God is showing Himself faithful and I know He is going to continue to provide. Please pray for me and my family as everything comes together.

My departure date is April 24^th. I will be gone 7 months, and 24 days. This equals, 34 weeks or 238 days, or 5712 hours, or 342,720 minutes, or 20,563,200 seconds, give or take a few. My arrival date is Dec 17^th.

8ish months is the longest I have ever been away from home. God has been preparing me and my family for this day for the last few years. Every trip I have taken has gotten progressively longer. First I was gone a month, then six weeks, then two point five months, then just under three months, and now 8ish. Just as every other journey He will be present in this one too.

Nursing school is being put on hold right now. Many people keep asking me what I'm going to do after this...I don't know. God has not unfolded that part of His plan yet. I am comfortable waiting on Him to guide me. All my life I have wanted to be a nurse, but if God has something else in mind, well, I choose to follow Him. How exciting to be able to completely trust Him for whatever is next. I'm in for the journey of a life time!!! "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD". ~Isaiah 55:8

Currently I'm finishing up one class at Sinclair. I will be done with it March 22, and what a happy day it will be!!! :) This has not been the most interesting class. Around our house people daily hear me say "I'm going to fail this class from pure, simple BOREDOM". Never fear, I really do have an A. The days I don't have class are spent working for Dad in the shop. Not the most enjoyable job, and I have to work to have a happy attitude about it, but its helping pay for things! I'm so thankful Dad is providing me a place to work before I go. Its hard to find a job when you are gone so much!