January Begins to End.

As January comes to a close I am excited about the up coming month of Feb. I have many plans for Feb. I have an open house in Warner, SD on the 6th of Feb, my cousin's wedding on the 7th, speaking at a youth group on the 10th, speak at First Evangelical Covenant Church on the 15th, speaking at sunday school at Grace Lutheran Church in Walton, Neb on the 22nd. Busy Busy Busy. I am so pumped to see who God is going to touch and use in my life from these encounters. :)

Wyoming and Halfway there!!

December 2008.
My time in Wyoming was a time of regeneration and encouragement. I was able to sit down with Pastor Milo at Highland Park and discuss my future and my desires. Then I was able to hold an Open House there where we (my whole family) were introduced to another family that is going through similar process and this became the beginning of family's abroad support system casper branch. Which I am super stoaked about.

January 11, 2009.
I returned to Lincoln and have been attempting to reconnect with my friends and surrogate family here. This morning I spoke at Faith briefly and was told by the council there that $22,000 has been set aside for me this budget year. That sets me over half way raised and I am so wordless about this. Completely freaking out inside but also amazed and awed.

Progress Update!

January 11,2009.

Today I recieved some good news. I am now officially over halfway raised to go. Scary but exciting!!!



Free fund raiser
thermometer
to track your fund raising progress

The Norma//Ben Adventure!!

The first weekend of November I traveled with Lisa (again)to Minnesota to see Norma and Ben. Norma is a wonderful blessing to me. She is my longest commited supporter and I had never met her until Nov. 7th. The lunch we had was delicious but the fellowship was so delightful. I could not stop smiling. This strong woman had so much to share about her life and the places she had been and her enthusiasm for the work I am going to be doing was just so encouraging. I must never forget the gift I have been given by God in Norma. She picked my name off a list of all those serveing in Asia, and choose to partner with me. Then after lunching with Norma, we traveled up to Adventurous Christian Covenant Camp to see my brother, Ben. We got to meet the sled dog pack, hike the Cascade Nat'l Park's river walk, and played lots of games. I talked to Mike, Ben's boss, about the steps it takes to get to Asia. These steps are so confuseing. I know that most of you are still confused too, which is totally understandable....please contact me if and when you have questions.

Ron and Marg

So, on Monday the 3rd of November, I had lunch with Ron and Margaret. Thank you for a delicious lunch and for the joy you always encourage in me. I was reminded that those special souls who pour into you when you are young do not stop caring or pouring even when you are not so young. I left their house feeling encouraged and full of hope for this world.

Wilma

So on Wednesday, Oct, 29th, I traveled to Cedar Rapids, Nebraska with my friend Lisa to visit Wilma. Thank you so very much for being such a great hostess. We had lunch at the Senior Center in Cedar Rapids and it was incredible. :) I spoke to the entire Senior Center about leprosy and Asia. Because it was Grandparent's day the 3rd and 4th graders came and did a short program which was wonderful, and then the best part was getting instruction on how to shuck corn by two of the adults. We (Lisa and I) were then given a tour of the church (I attended it when I was very young) and the town. Wilma, still plays the organ and still gardens. I was able to give Wilma a better picture of what I will be doing and I hope that I was able to answer all of her/your questions. Wilma says hello to her sisters and brothers in Lincoln and to Rhonda, Jerry, and Ben. :)

Second Open House

So, Thank you all who came to see me at my Open Houses. I know that it was very enjoyable to me and I hope that those of you who came, learned more of my plans. I am so glad that you were able to come. I know several of you were unable to make it and I am contimplating having another one later: I will keep you posted. I am humbled and encouraged by all of your love.