Can we get a woop woop for being 24.90% supported? That’s 1/4 of the way there, only one month in.

We are having a hard time finding time for language training. Pray that we learn to simplify and focus our attention. I ate lunch at a restaurant and realized I can’t order a quesadilla in Spanish.

We are selling our car, a 2000 Ford Taurus, for $3500. It has 108K miles on it, a brand new alternator and battery, and is in pretty good shape. Frank keeps it clean. Let us know if you are interested. We will also be selling a 1996 Ford F-150 with 130K miles on it. Not sure of the price yet.

That’s about it. We’re purchasing what we need to move, and selling what we don’t. Our house is starting to look bare, and it’s even more motivation to get out of the door.

A couple of months ago, we completed a psychological assessment required by AIM before coming on as staff. It revealed a few minor issues we needed to work on before leaving for the mission field. Since then, Frank and I have both been undergoing counseling. To say it’s helped me tremendously is an understatement. I’ve had a hard time most of my life accepting God’s love freely, and my therapist is helping me see why this is so.

For the first time, I am experiencing “good days.” Days that are not dependent on circumstances to feel good about myself. Days where I am sure of God’s love for me, and God’s calling in my life. I’m maturing, and it feels good. The changes are noticeable. I smile more. I see the positive in those around me. I am starting to be freed of judging and negativity.

I say all this to explain to you the changes that are happening in me. Through your prayers, you are part of this. I’m filled with gratitude.

jesus never said he was God.
instead he asked “who do they say that i am?”
so as christians.
should we ever have to say what we are?
or should our lives be an example,
so people are compelled to ask “what are you?”
we can respond with “what do you think I am?”

Frank and I have started to check our support website daily. We log on, holding our breath, until we see the total. Each day has brought a new surprise our way. All of the donations have had a name attached. We’ll be sending out thank you cards this week. I have no idea what to say. ‘Thank you for your donation’ seems a little stale. ‘Thank you for believing in us’ seems a little too wearetheworld-ish. I hope everyone will see how incredibly grateful we are. Sometimes it’s hard feeling worthy, but each donation is reinforcing God’s call in our lives and covering us in love. So thank you.

A couple of weeks ago we met a guy at the park that was asked to leave a recovery center in town. He was really down on himself but was still sober. I’ll admit that until I talked to him myself I was defensive and skeptical. Within five seconds of talking to him this wall was torn down. We were able to get him into a local shelter that night and then into the same recovery center that I graduated from in 2005. It was amazing to talk to him and see how God has been seeking him and guiding him.

Through this God reunited me with several staff members from the recovery center – and we had the opportunity to sit and share our recent successes and failures with each other. It was amazing. It reminded of the wonderful memories I have of my early walk with Jesus and the contagious joy that I experienced while I was there. Today I am very grateful for my broken past.

If you read this blog – please pray for the young man that entered the recovery center a couple of weeks ago. Pray that he feels God’s love and acceptance and finds his true identity in Christ.