Post-Spring Break

After a hard transitioning week back from Spring Break, I decided I'd take a trip to Lubbock to visit a close friend. Not that this week was horrible (that will be this coming week), but a lot happened and is happening that I just needed another break to take me away from it all. I've been working on a Senior psychology experiment for basically 9 months, now, only to come home from Spring Break to find out we lost about 10-13 subjects data. That's costing us our chance of winning the conference and using this for Grad School applications. I'm also just really fed up with my partner. Our schedules just don't work for us to both work together on anything. On top of this news, I also have been working through some rough work in the area of boys. Just another let down, and I'm not necessarily worried over it, but it was just another thing to bring to the table when my table's already full. On top of all of this, I'm realizing there is only 4 more weeks of school left (including finals) and I'm nowhere near the level of ready that I need to be. Prayers would be appreciated!!

In other news, I'm making some new steps about future plans. As most of you know, I'm graduating this December ('08) and then afterwards ________________________.
(I sure wish I could finish that sentence.) I've been praying about a lot of different options. Mostly I feel that I will more than likely be doing mission work somewhere. I know I would like to teach English to children, and possibly work with the youth and children at a church in another country. There are a couple of options, and they all have their pros and cons, but I just can't seem to pick one. I've made the goal for myself to kind of choose one path before the summer, and so far, I'm not there yet. Also be praying about this!

Once again, the trip to Africa is still lingering in my mind. I've told just about everyone I've talked to about my experience on the trip, and so I'm just now starting to feel ok about being home. Please continue to pray for the missionaries and children over in Tanzania.

God bless...

"Around the Corner"

Now, let me tell you about the entire Tanzanian Spring Break:

We (the missionary team) spent our days working at the private elementary school, Hannah's Nursery, teaching english (numbers, letters, colors, animals, etc) and playing with the kids. During their break, they would go out and play and then sometimes sing us songs. At the end of their day (which was around 11:45pm) we would teach them a bible story. We taught stories like David and Goliath, Jonah, Daniel and the Lion's Den, and the Good Samaritan. Once school let out around lunch time, we would eat lunch and then head to the Orphanage. It was so sad to head there. To be completely honest, I don't think I could handle it very well. What the kids there really needed was a a medical mission team to go bandage them up. They had cuts that were infected, little ones like we usually get, but since they never fix them up, they were infected really badly. When we got to the Orphanage, we usually sang VBS songs, and then acted out stories like the ones we did at the school. We usually gave out the candy to the kids in the orphanage.

In the evenings, we would usually go to a local resturuant. The money exchange was $.90 to 1,000 shillings, but everything was so high priced. One dinner meal was around $10 US dollars. Water was more expensive than soda so I drank TONS of soda while I was there. On Friday wen traveled to Arusha and went to the market, and then Saturday we went on the Safari in the Crater Park. We saw tons of animals, and I'll never look at zoo's the same again!!

All in all it was an excellent trip. I've been on many mission trips throughout my entire life, but I've never felt such a longing to be back in Africa than I have for any other place I've done mission work. Maybe it's because it's only been a day or two since I've been back, or maybe it's because I fell in love with Africa, but I can't stop thinking about that place and how much I want to go back. If anything, it's made me ready to be in the mission field. Like I've said before, I've learned that I don't care where I am, I want to find myself working as a missionary with children.

Here's the cliff I jumped off of into the water. It's not even the entire jump!!

T.I.A.

This
Is
Africa

TIA is the most common slogan or ananoym that I could use to describe my experience so far on this trip. Not only is it used very frequently here in Africa, but is also very, very true. After an excrutiating 22 hour flight to Tanzania, and 4 hours of sitting in my own sickness (don't ask), we finally arrived to the Tanzania airport. We were welcomed by heat, humity, and the infamous blackout in the luggage claim area! Oh, also the missionary, Brent Richardson, picked us up and we began our TIA journey!

What we had planned for Saturday was a ladies seminar up Mt. Kilimanjaro, however, once we got there, we found out that through miscommunication, the seminar was cancelled, and so began our first TIA. We roamed through the mountain and had a short, but very interesting, bible study with a man who was very confused on the difference between church and demoniation. As we left, I thuoght to myself, "How many different things involving the church do I get confused about? Or how many things am I ignorant about because I don't simply open up my Bible and read God's Word for myself?!" It was humbling, to say the least, but also just amazing to sit and have a study with someone.

Since the seminar was cancelled, the Richardsons took us to these waterfalls. All the young kids were talking about this 60 foot drop off into the water, and begged us to go and try it out. I pretty much decided there was no way on Earth I'd be jumping off 60 foot cliff edges, but when we got there, I thought, "TIA" When is the next time I'll get to do this. Once we got to the top of that cliff, I sure wasn't thinking that anymore. The adrenaline was pumping, my heart was jumping out of my chest, and as soon as I took that last step off the cliff, I knew I'd never be able to take it back. For those of you who have never jumped off 60 foot ledges let me give you some advice -- No matter what you jump into, you are going to get hurt. And, ladies and gentleman, I walked away from that daredevil move with a bruised sternum and a sore neck and back. However, the story has a good ending because it only lasted a day and a half.

Today we went to Hannah's Nursery where we taught the children's classes. I knew today was going to be a little chaotic and rough since we didn't know exactly what we'd be doing, but by the end of the "day" (they got out at 11:30) I felt pretty confident that tomorrow would be better. In the afternoon we went to an orphanage and played with the kids. They were just about the cutest things I've ever met, and they all wanted a picture of themselves, so don't worry, you'll see some soon.

This trip has been amazing so far and it's only still the beginning. It's opened up my eyes to let me see what kind of suffering and trials others go through. It opened up my strength and courage to allow me to come out of my comfort shell and do something new and exciting. It's opened up my heart and reminded me of my love for the mission work of God. And it's opened up my mind, and let me understand that God has amazing things planned for me. I'm excited for the rest of the trip. I don't know if I'll have another opportunity to write again from Africa, but continue to pray for me. Once I get back, I intend to write up a full report letting you know all the great things being done here in Tanzania. Love and miss you all!

God Bless...

PS: the singing on Sunday was simply AMAZING! God blessed the people here in Africa with amazing voices. Seriously, it was breathtaking.

Baptism

I've been asked to write a excrutiating paper in Senior Bible Seminar. My topic? Proper Baptism should be considered a "test of fellowship." It's a 1500 word paper that involves me having to re-word, paraphrase, quote, and opinionate 5-10 sources, half of them must NOT be from the internet. So, you see, last night, I decided to get to 1,000 words and do the rest later today. I only got to 976. I felt as if I was saying the same thing over and over again. The problem is that our library database doesn't cover many articles worth using in my paper, and I have to debate my opinion or stance on the issue on Tuesday. While I've spoken in front of an audience my entire life, I've never felt more nervous about this presentation. You see, there are these two Bible majors who sit in the back. They are constantly challenging the professor as well as those who dare to speak up in class. I'm worried about getting up there, giving my case or stance, and then being ripped apart by those two... PRAY FOR ME!

3 whole days of school left before Spring Break! I can't think of a better word to describe my excitment than -- WHOOO HOOO!!! I'm so excited about Africa and I can't wait to get there. I got an email this morning from Greg telling me there was going to be a ladies' seminar the day we get there and was asked to prepare a lesson or two on some really good topics. I'll discuss more of them later this week. Right now, I've got class!!

Tired...

There are a few things I'm tired of: I'm tired of my research experiment. I'm tired of school projects. I'm tired of being tired all the time. I'm tired of working out weekly and not seeing results. I'm tired of sitting in my apartment on Saturday nights wishing I had a boyfriend. I'm tired of not getting to hang out with friends.


Ok, I had to get that off of my chest. It was seriously cramping my entire night. I've been thinking lately -- I've got a list of occupations I'd like to do in my lifetime, and I'd like to write them out for you guys:

1. Missionary for 2-5 years
2. Middle School Spanish Teacher (preferably in a private-school)
3. Middle School Volleyball/Basketball coach (while I teach Spanish)
4. Children's Minister
5. Marriage and Family Therapist

So, there's my list. I've got 5 occupations I'd like to do before I die. I'm hoping that the first four will take 13-15 years after I graduate. If I'm 21 when I graduate, that means I need to hit Grad School when I'm 36. Now, I don't think that's too late. I actually think I'd enjoy it more.

Let's change topics: I bought two potential banquet dresses today from ROSS. My friend, Alex and I went today and tried some on. They were really cheap and if I don't like them, I'm just going to take them back.

Well, my bed calls me... let's hope I can clean the apartment before my roommates come back! God Bless...

Whoa...

This past week was one of the hardest weeks I've ever gone through since I started school here in the fall of 2004. I don't think I went to bed before 3am any day this week. AGH! I don't know if I just put everything off until after Spring Sing or there really was SO MUCH HOMEWORK/PROJECTS due this week, but I haven't been this stressed in a LONG time. Having such a tiring week makes me look forward to sleeping in on Saturday.... ahhhh, the bed.

Both of my roommmates went to Tulsa this weekend. My roommates this semester are not the same as last semester and they are about 2 years younger than me. It's kind of rough at times, but we do get along great. Anyway, they are gone, and I'm here at the apartment all by myself this weekend. PARTY!! Nah, I'm just kidding. I'll probably order chinese, rent a movie, and sit on the couch tonight and enjoy this nice relaxing time. I don't know about you, but it sounds like a great plan to me!

Tomorow is one of my best friends birthday so I'm going to make him a nice cake or something. He'll be 22 tomorrow.... THAT IS UNBELIEVABLE! Earlier this week I had a conversation with Melia and Jill in the Caf about how "old" we were getting. Melia brought up that we were 7 or 8 years away from 30. It didn't sound that bad, but then Jill said, "When we're 25, we'll be 5 years away from 30!" I know it's just worded the same way, but I've never been more freaked out than I did at that table (If you have been paying attention in this post, you'll have noticed I've been having a lot of firsts this week).

It's so unreal to think that as one year after another goes on, I'll eventually hit 30. Then more years will pass and I'll be turning 40. I can't even imagine myself getting to that point! Then I start to wonder -- will I even be married by 30?! As the Spring comes, and more of my friends are looking forward to graduation, I can't help but psyche myself out. "What am I going to do after I graduate?" "Will I have to start all over again once I move away?" "Will I ever see that person again after I graduate?" "Will I meet anyone worth being in a relationship after I leave this place?" Question after question comes into my head, only putting me closer and closer to being all-out, 100% scared of graduating and having to change my life AGAIN! But, I guess that's how life is going to be? I'll move from one milestone to the next in my life and have to start all over. If I'm not careful, I can get real Debbie-Downer right now...

Let's end this post on a lighter note: I bought some Chaco's this week! I decided I could use them in Africa, Camp Blue Haven (which is where I'll be again this coming summer!!), and Mexico. They're supposedly really comfortable and since the strap is woven through the sandal, they snug right on your foot. I'm looking forward to wearing them while I'm in Africa. Today was slightly warm enough to wear them out, so I did! I'm growing to like them day by day! Here's a picture of what they look like:

God Bless...

Prepare for this...

In 8 days, I will be boarding my plane to begin my 2 day journey across the world into a forgeign land most people like to call Africa. I'M SO EXCITED!! I can't believe that it's almost a week until I start this journey I've been praying about since October!

It's amazing to see how much God has let me grow in order to prepare for this trip. Near October, I prayed about my financial support. He took care of that really quickly, and I'm so thankful to Him for giving me friends and family who love and support me in the things that I choose to be involved in. As I start to prepare physically for the trip -- packing skirts, light t-shirts, sandals, toiletries, candy for the kids, etc -- I am beginning to prepare myself mentally and spiritually for the trip also. I've been asked to teach one ladies bible class as well as some children's classes while we're at the orphanage. I'm excited about getting the chance to do this! At the same time, it's a little nerve-racking! Greg has told us that the church in Africa is still in its infant years spiritually, and I'm trying to pray and ask God what words He wants said while we're over there.

All in all, I'm ready to get there. I'm ready to play with the children. I'm ready to spend an entire week serving and learning the church there in Tanzania. I'm ready to fellowship with other brothers and sisters in Christ who I hope I will one day reunite with in Heaven. I am in love with serving through missions. This semester I've been reading through Rick Warren's, "A Purpose Driven Life." Even though it's in spanish and required for me to read in my spanish course, I've really tried to ask God what my purpose is. God has spoken to me -- through scripture, convictions, friends, family, and examples -- that my purpose is to be a counselor. Now, you're thinking, "Well, you are in school to be a therapist, are you really sure this is what God's purpose is for you?" I'd answer that with a simple and quick, "YES!" In the book by Rick Warren, I'm here on earth to serve, minister, disciple, obey God, and follow Him. God has prepared me -- since I was a child -- to be a counselor. What does that mean? It means that in whatever or wherever I am, I am a counselor. Whether I am at Camp Blue Haven serving and ministering to young girls, I am a counselor. Whether I am in Mexico working at an orphanage or the children of the church, I am a counselor. Whether I'm a children's minister at a local church in the States, I am a counselor. Whether I'm spending time with friends or talking to them on the phone, I am a counselor. That is what God has prepared me to be, and that is what, after prayers and meditation with God, I know God has called me to be. Now that I've written a section of my spanish paper in this blog...

I hope that you all will continue to keep me and the group in your prayers. Pray that we will be kept safe throughout the entire week (and even afterwards!). Pray that we will be able to be good examples to everyone we come in contact with. Pray that the group will get along with each other and we will be able to not only bless the people in Africa, but each other as well. May God bless you...

First and Foremost

I must confess... These web blogs don't always work out for me. There's something a little weird about putting my thoughts, feelings, and opinions on a website for the whole world to view. I guess it's a little strange on my part to think that the whole world would actually view my blog, but just the slight chance of some random person reading my blog gives me the creeps.

So you may be asking yourself: "If she doesn't like web blogs, then why did she start one?" Well, my friends, that is a great question. I've got many many reasons why I've decided to start my own blog. First, I would like to think that if I gave this website out to my family, it would be a great way to keep in touch with them. Not only would they be updated regularly on what is going on in my life, but when I do visit them in person, there won't be any waste of time trying to explain the past month or two-- they'll have already read about it! Second, I will be going on a few short-term missions in the next few months or year, and I'd like to give this website out to keep my supporters updated on what's going on with all of that. And finally, I started up this web blog to keep me on top of things. I've noticed that I have a lot of thoughts, opinions, and feelings on certain issues. Maybe people will be reading this, and maybe they won't, but I feel like I can channel or voice these thoughts and opinions so I don't keep bottling them up inside. All I have to say is that you shouldn't judge me. I've got some crazy things going on inside this head, and, as a growing woman of God, I'm trying to deal them all out and make a foundation for what I'd like to consider my future as a servant of Christ.

So, I'm here at the end of what may be my first, or last, web blog. I would probably write more, but there is a 6 page rough draft lying somewhere in my head that needs to be printed out. God bless...