Closer to Love

After leaving PFO in Southaven, I returned to Houston to say my goodbyes and prepare for the big move to Singapore... it was three weeks of craziness! (that's why it's taken me so long to blog, sorry!) That time was probably one of the busiest times in my life, but also one of the sweetest! As I said my goodbyes, I realized how many amazing people the Lord has put in my life and how truly blessed I am!I was able to meet one-on-one with my close friends and share a meal or coffee. And in that time I was able to tell each one of them why they are special to me, how they had impacted my life, and let them know that I love them! For me, this was SO MUCH fun but also very draining! I think my love languages are quality time and words of encouragement... so naturally, I loved doing this... but, I'm also an introvert, so all the people time made me very exhausted! (side note: I was so exhausted that I slept 15 hours out of the 24 hour trip to Singapore, so when I arrived I was well rested!)

I also had two very special parties thrown for me, one by my homegroup at church and another by my friends/roommates for the summer. I was incredibly blessed by both of these times, especially all of the kind/encouraging words from my church body at homegroup. I want to share a couple of verses to affirm and encourage you to continue in what you are doing!

"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." Romans 12:4-5

"... to equip the saints for works of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." Ephesians 4:12

I am so glad that I have been able to see each of you grow individually and as a body of believers. We are one, united in Christ, but God has also gifted us each in a unique way. It has brought me such joy to watch each ofyou use your gifts for God's glory and to build up the body. You have encouraged and challenged me to do the same! So continue on in the Lord's strength and seek to live out Acts 2:42-47! I pray that God will be quick to lead me to a body that is seeking Him with the same fervor as you! This is just the beginning...

So friends, this blog is dedicated to you! Because of all of you, I am closer to understanding love. "you pull me closer to love... " -Mat Kearney

my summer roommates... praying at homegroup

final meal in the states... riding to the airport

all of my friends from church who came to my last meal in the states!

the guys grilling in the rain at my goodbye party

love you girls and thanks for the goodbye party!

Preparing Your Minds for Action

Well, I'm finishing things up here at PFO (Pre-Field Orientation or pifffo). I leave tomorrow afternoon to head back home to Houston. I had hoped to blog more while I was here, but with the busy schedule and writing a reflection paper... it didn't happen! So, here are a few thoughts to sum up my time of training to prepare for the mission field. The past two weeks have been a very intense time of looking at myself and my relationship with Jesus Christ. Some people have joked that we are receiving "free counseling" and they are totally right! We've dealt with all kinds of issues, including our personalities, communication, transition, third-culture kids, teaching Christianly, culture, and purity. I have learned so much (feeling a little brain dead) and now I feel much more prepared to make the move to Singapore! I am a nerd and I do love to learn new things BUT, that hasn't been the best part of PFO. The sweetest part has been... the PEOPLE!!! :) I have been so encouraged by the hearts and lives of the people going through training with me! It has been a really neat experience to be surrounded by other educators who love the Lord Jesus Christ and want the nations to know His Name. We've bonded in a special way as we prepare for this new adventure of serving in an international Christian school. I am so thankful for the encouragement they have given me through their joy, laughter, and genuine love! I know that I have been forever changed this week because of what God has done and I can't wait to see what He has for the future!

(and on a less serious note, "hey girl" will now be said ALL over the world as a result of the past two weeks!) :)

"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and bring sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

1 Peter 1:13

me and steph... she will be serving in Suriname... LOVE this GIRL!

my small group at Graceland :)

having fun with my new group of friends at PFO

walking along the Mississippi River with my Singapore friends!