Summer in the Country

I have been back at home for a few weeks now and oh how I have missed summer in the country. Beautiful sunsets, family and friends, church, no traffic, tall corn, and the smell of straw-----so good!! I need to soak up these last two weeks. I wonder what summer will be like in Germany.... I will find out so soon. My plane ticket is purchased and I'm leaving July 28th!!!

Support came in overwhelmingly this last week and pushed me over the 90% mark. It's all becoming more real now that it's official. Raising support has stretched me, humbled me, and amazed me. I am confident that Christ raised up a ministry partner team not only for me but for these missionary kids.

Please be in prayer for:
~ My safety as I head over
~ Orientation (that I will retain all the information I learn, the placement of R.A.'s and dorm parents within the residences)
~ For wisdom as I minister to these young girls

While at home I have had the opportunity to catch up with family and friends. This past week my mom, dad, and my cousin Autumn went up to Petoskey, Michigan. We have been going every summer since I was a little girl. It was such a relaxing time, filled with lots of goofiness, old memories/stories, and laughter!

Auti and I on the pier

A beautiful sundog....rain's a comin'

Mackinaw Bridge

I'm looking forward to the end of the week...my sister is coming home!! Her and Josh are moving back to Ohio. The Lord has graciously provided jobs for both of them in Columbus! Even though I won't be around I'm excited that they will be so close when I come home:) 

In these next couple weeks if you live near Ohio and would like to meet up before I leave, let me know!!

So Much Goodness

Where to begin....I have been in the city (Chicago) the past couple weeks. I am living in an amazing neighborhood that offers a park practically in the back yard. I was sitting there the other morning...no buildings in sight. Just trees, runners, moms with strollers, and the sweet sound of summer. I felt like I was in the country. Well, minus all the people. But really it's good. I discovered if I came back to the city this is the neighborhood I want to live in. I am living with a couple from my church-- the Wheeler's. It truly is splendid, I feel so at home! We even played tennis under the lights a couple nights ago:)

I'm babysitting three adorable kids. The girls I have babysat for the past year and a half. I say goodbye to them on Friday...not looking forward to that:( Yet, so thankful for the families kindness and getting to be involved in these kids lives.

Here is a good story! The other day I took the girls on the train for the first time! I was trying to get the CTA workers attention because kids ride for free. So I kept yelling "Sir, excuse me sir" "sir!" They were far away. Got a response finally. "I ain't no sir, who you calling sir?" Me "I am so sorry ma'am I couldn't tell from this far away." Now that I think back probably not the best response....whoops! Oh well, at least I can confidently know that I will never see her again.

Days at the beach, millennium park, pool, and lots of crafts! So good:)

More goodness from God---> I am currently at 75% of my support. I continue to be amazed at how the Lord is providing. Next Sunday I am speaking at another church. Kudos to my grams and gramps:)

My good friend Kim just came back into the city and we have been hanging out the past few days. It's great to have a week together before I head overseas. Well need to cut this long post to get ready for a game of Settlers with friends.

Bottom Line: I am overwhelmed with the goodness of God all around me!

Post-grad

Well it's official I have been graduated from Moody Bible Institute for almost a month. The reality of being done with school after 18 years still has not sunk in. Perhaps, it will seem real when the leaves begin to change and everyone else returns to school. Although, I am returning to a school--just not for my own education. In less than two months I will be in Kandern, Germany serving as a Resident Assistant at Black Forest Academy. BFA is a Christian, international, English-speaking boarding school for missionary children. Quite the mouthful to say! Although I'm not exactly sure what my daily routine will be I know it will involve loving on, serving, and discipling high school girls!

There is much preparation before I move my life to Germany. Right now I am in the midst of raising financial support. All staff members at BFA are supported. This allows the cost of education to be drastically lower for missionary families. The first week of June I spent my time at Greater Europe Mission orientation. They are my sending agency. They really know how to care for and encourage their missionaries! It was a long, exhausting week but many questions were answered. I was able to meet many staff members who had previously served at BFA or sent their children to the school. It was exciting to hear their stories and confirmed and grew my passion even more to work with these wonderful students!

I am currently at 50% of my support. My time in Germany begins July 31st. I need to be at 90% to buy my plane ticket. I have been so humbled at the amount of support that has come in so far. It's amazing to see the body of believers come together to support this ministry. I am trusting and praying in faith that the Lord would continue to provide.

On a different note- I'm in Chicago nannying for the month of June. Beach days, navy pier, arts/crafts...they keep me busy! I love this family....even the days when the kids really know how to stretch me:) I am living with a couple from my church and it has proved to be a great fit. Time seems to go faster and faster each day and before I know it I will be back in Ohio then on to Germany.

Keep up with my journey if you like and I will try to post fairly regularly!