duty night note

i am sitting on duty for the last time this semester in the wonderful new chairs, i no longer fear for my safety! almost finished with a large latte, i am wide awake but barely motivated to write the paper due tomorrow. instead i am trying hard to win this marmot backpack, but keep getting sent through hoops...is it worth it?

well, on to more important things. our last southeast asia meeting was on sunday. we got "momma's checklist" and i am feeling exceedingly excited and a little more prepared; at least there is a semblance of a plan. i am scheduled to fly out of minneapolis at 9:13am on may 28 and land in bangkok at 11:10pm on may 29 after about 18 hours in the air!

so, with 37 days left to go there is yet much to accomplish. for one thing i have a daunting few days of projects, papers and tests ahead of me, then i can relax during finals week with only a few finals. check-out, one of the best RA responsibilities, packing and driving home still stand between me and relaxation before the trip. more pressing- funds. the Lord has been so faithful to bring in a substantial portion of the funds and my faith really has been built. but, i still need to bring a little more than half of the funds. it IS possible! but i still need your help.

but most pressing, i need still need your prayers! both for peace and composure during this hectic time and for spiritual, emotional and mental preparation for a great work this summer!

ok. after that catharsis, i believe i am ready to go propose a social policy...due tomorrow.

peace.

Fun Ride

Good-bye "tentative", Hello "plan"!

I have been on a little bit of a roller-coaster ride in the last few weeks, but this particular ride has ended. A few weeks ago I got the news that the missionaries we were going to be working with in Bangkok were actually coming back to the States even before we were planned to get there. So, we had to decide what we were to do. The options: Go to Chiang Mai with the other team to work in the university, go to Vietnam to help in a coffee shop to teach English and build relationships, or stay at home.

After prayer and consideration, I decided to go to Chaing Mai with the large group. Spring break was good having a plan in place.

But alas, when I returned from spring break I received an e-mail requesting help in Bangkok. The missionaries need people for the summer to help with the English club and burgeoning relationships.

Though I was a little frustrated to have yet another turn, it stuck me that there is a need to be met and I am able to meet the need. If I were to go to Chiang Mai I know that it would be good and beneficial, however that need is already being met and there would be a deficit in Bangkok.

My partner in all of this, April has gone through the same process and has come to the same conclusion...she is still my partner and I am thankful!

So, for now, I am waiting in line for the next roller-coaster and preparing for it.

? Tentative ?

Considering the purpose of this blog is to give updates on my upcoming trip to Thailand, I think it is time to fulfill that purpose!

First, thanks for showing your support by taking the time to remain updated on the plans and the prayer requests.

Well, "tentative" seems to be the operative word in this experience...and in this line of work in general! But, here is what I do know...kind of:

April, another EU student, and I will be working with a married couple who have long experience in Bangkok to help develop a ministry for victims of human trafficking.

We have a tentative departure date: May 12 or 13!

At the end of the two months in Thailand, April and I, along with the other team who is going to Chiang Mai, will be debriefing on a beach for several days (I am trying not to get too excited about that part!)

Well, like I said, there are still many unknowns. I just learned that the missionaries we will be working with are planning on coming back to the States in June for the month. This creates an unknown. Given the nature of the work we will be doing (working with human trafficking) it is not necessarily safe to continue working in Bangkok without our experienced leaders. Therefore, the second month my April and I will have to focus our efforts elsewhere. There are many tentative (there it is again!) options for us to consider.

So, in light of all these things, prayer is needed!
Please pray:

• For direction regarding the second month of our time
• That I would have patience and trust, as I like to have answer and itineraries!
• That divine appointments would be aligned even now for the time we are there
• That hearts would be prepared
• For physical provision, in health, finances and spirit!

Because He is worth it all!

kinoki

tonight while running errands my friend ashley and i picked up some much desired kinoki pads. it seemed to be the right thing to do since they were on sale and we had a coupon. we had a great time reading the instructions and taking the first steps toward a new and toxin free life! here is the proof of the experience...it is thrilling! i sure hope it works.

New in my Life

It has been many moons since my last, and first, entry. This is still rather new to me!

So, just a brief update, since I am not feeling too reflective at the moment (sorry, the self-awareness paper took it all out of me).

Today is MLK Jr. Day and I am sitting in the library on my day off. I am about 2 weeks into the spring semester...only 3 left! I am taking 20 credits, but by the grace of God I am not overwhelmed with all that is on my plate. I think this is because I finally see how the pieces are beginning to fit together and it is so exciting to watch. And watch is all I can do because I know that when I try to manipulate it, the outcome will not be as beautiful.

Probably the most exciting thing to recently happen in my life is the opening of a door to go to Bangkok, Thailand this summer. I will be going with EU for two months. While there, I will have the privilege to work with a missionary in developing a ministry for women in sex trafficking. I greatly look forward to all that the Lord does in preparation for the trip, during it and as a result of it!

Breaking the Ice

I'd like to welcome myself to the world of blogging! This is my very first blog ever. I think I am going to use this blog to just update you on my life, even though it may not always be that exciting, and some of the exciting things that are transpiring in my life!

Enjoy!