My Support Group

Hey All,

I was thinking (scary thought, I know) that for all these months of this blog, I haven't really mentioned what an amazing support group I have at home. So this post is dedicated to the wonderful people at home who cheer me on, pray for me, and care what's happening in my life.

As some of you know, my dad is the pastor of a small independent Baptist church out in the country. I was born and raised in that church and the people there truly are family. They have watched me grow up and (hopefully) mature. They were right there for me when the Lord first laid on my heart the desire to go to the foreign mission field. I am so incredibly blessed.

Here's the whole group at the airport to pick me up. Please disregard the girl holding the roses (which her darling brother bought-- awwww!)
Ok, so my point is that I look awful in this picture. I thought that since Mexico was only 1 hour time difference as opposed to 14 hours time difference in Papua New Guinea, it'd be no problem readusting to the time. Um, WRONG!!!!! There were many factors working agaisnt me that I hadn't counted on. Like me getting sick, the whole team camping out for most of the night when we should have been sleeping(I think I got 2 hours of sleep that whole last night), saying goodbye one by one to each of my dear teammates. That about killed me! The travel wasn't too bad. It was only 12 hours from start to finish as opposed to the 48 it took to get home from PNG. Let me tell you, it was very encouraging to come home to this group of people. Such amazing family and friends. I love them all.

Hope you all have a blessed Easter. Remember why we celebrate isn't because of chocolate or the Easter Bunny or a big elaborate dinner, it's because our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ died for us. He DIED for us that we might LIVE through Him. Think about that for awhile....

April Happenings

Hey All,

This is horrible-- we are well into April and there have been no posts! For that I apologize. Life has been busy and hard this past month. Our beautiful black lab, Gretchen, died. She was 12 years old and was my bestest friend growing up. The adjustment has been hard.

A few weeks after she died, the "companion" of my grandma died. He was the deacon at our church and played a key role in leading my grandma to Christ. He is sorely missed.

These past months I've been in a funk. About 6 months ago, some things happened
and ever since I have harbored such bitterness in my heart. It affected relationships with my parents, siblings, and others. My heart was so ugly. Guys, bitterness DEFILES. It is awful and feels awful. Don't get trapped in the pit of it.

As for Mexico, it's less than 2 months away! It's exciting!!!!! I will be down there 6 weeks. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store. I will be doing another 3 week trip like last summer then staying 3 more weeks to visit some amigos and help the Terrells with another team that is coming down.

My sister Katy and her fiancee's wedding is so close! They will be married May 28'th. I can't believe it. She's all grown up **SOB**

Here's the happy couple on Christmas Day, when he proposed. Katy is marrying a godly man. They are young and life isn't going to be easy but their marriage is founded on godly principles so they will do well. I love my sister!!!!