The Final Countdown...

This is my 5^th attempt at writing this post…heavens to Betsy! I would start, then stop because I had written too much, then would try to cut it down to a more reasonable length, but never was able to complete it! Yesterday I talked to my friend Megan, and she said to me, “I want to know all about you!” and she encouraged me to just write everything and leave nothing out. Here goes!

Right now I am sitting in the children’s section of the public library. I probably look very strange to people walking by, but I would much rather sit here than upstairs in complete silence with boring old adults all around. The laughter of children and hearing parents reading to their kids is much more peaceful to me than any quiet place. I remember coming to this place when I was a wee lass. This now feels like the perfect place to write this post!

This post is all about how I came to this point in my life—leaving for Summer Project in less than a week (5 days!)—so being here in the library, where I would come when I was little is so cool! I kinda just ended up here because I don’t like working in coffee shops and needed some internet in town. Ha. Love the way He works. I wanted to give you all a glimpse into my life since all of you have been such a big part of it!

I very much appreciate my parents, and growing up in a home that was centered around the Lord. They encouraged us to read our Bibles and spend time with God. We memorized scriptures and studied the Old Testament. Every day during my home school years, we would begin with reading the Bible. We moved during the summer before my 7^th grade year in order to go to a private school. This school was a Christian school and we had an entire class devoted to studying the Word. So to say the least, my whole life up until college, I was constantly being fed information about God. Learning about His love, truth, forgiveness. Studying the miracles of Jesus and learning about other religions as well so that I may defend my own beliefs. Some of my friends said that I would go crazy in college because I would not know what to do without rules (my parents could be very strict at times—I’m thankful for that though, now). I could not say whether I would or not, but just waited for that time to arrive to see how I would react.

God was totally evident in directing my steps to CNU. My prayer during my senior year was “God, please leave open the door to the school you want me to be at, and close all of the other doors”. He did just that. When it came time to choose a school, CNU was basically my only option. So glad it was—I am in love with this school!

I was shy at times during my freshman year. I tried to get involved with various ministries on campus, but left the meetings feeling rejected and forgotten. So I gave up on making friends who were believers and in the “Christian community” and harbored bitterness towards many individuals within that community for some time. With just a few weeks left during my freshman year, my friend Eric invited me to Cru, which I had never been to. The first meeting I went to was great—just what I needed. The group was small, the message good and then there was a discussion afterwards. I started to get involved in the last few weeks of the semester, and was so thankful to make some friends that I could talk to about scripture and things that God as doing in my life. It is said that "Good things come to those who wait" and if the Lord wanted me to wait longer, I gladly would have, and it would have been worth it because I completely loved Cru's ministry.

Then came my sophomore year. What a year of growth this has been. I just think back to the summer right before I came back to school, and when I left for summer break 2011 a few weeks ago and am astounded by what God has done in my life. I have had SO much prayer from friends and family. A family at my church back home started sending me letters, verses, cookies (nom nom) and encouragement which always seemed to come at just the right time to lift me up when I was getting down in the dumps. Along with this family at my home church, God also led me to Hope Community Church where I attend while I am at school. Again, God's hand working in leading me there is another incredible story! He also began to work in my heart and removed the bitterness that was there by placing those who had hurt me in my life to heal those relationships. Now many those same people are dear friends of mine.

These friends are irreplaceable. I cannot even describe how blessed I am to have them in my life! They encourage me in my walk with Christ and are there for me when I slide into sin and start complaining about so many stupid little things. I could go on for another million paragraphs about them, but seeing as this post is already quite lengthy, I will resist!

I am sitting, trying to think of certain events that I could pinpoint as times where “growth” occurred, but is has been a long process and it is only when I step back and look at where I was, can I realize how far He has brought me. During the fall, I would never have thought about going on a summer project. Even at the beginning of this semester (after hearing all about various projects at Radiate-a winter conference) I thought some about going on a project abroad, specifically to Slovenia, but it was never more than a passing thought. I had no summer plans but thought about working at a camp or continuing to teach swim lessons. Then God brought a person so very dear to me into my life—Sara Lockhart.

Sara started talking to me at a cookout Cru had and asked if we could meet sometime (maybe once a week) to go through scriptures. I was thrilled! What an opportunity. So as we kept talking, she asked me about going on a project, and I just said that I had thought about one abroad. She then started talking about Hampton Beach and for some reason I became very interested. I do love America, but I feel like my heart DEFINITELY lies overseas (especially in Eastern Europe). Nevertheless, I started feeling pulled towards Hampton Beach (wonder Who could be responsible for that?) and the next thing I knew, I had applied and was accepted!

Then, over the past couple months, I have (with the help of you all!!!!) raised $2,000 to go on this trip! If you would like to DONATE, you still can! I still have a little ways to go to meet my goal, but know that He will provide! God is sooooo very faithful, and I am honestly just so so SO overwhelmed with his provision. I know I say that in almost every post, but it is so true. I am just dumbfounded.

Now only 5 days stands between me and Hampton Beach! I am sick with anticipation and am both nervous and excited. Definitely an equal mixture of both. PLEASE continue to keep me in your prayers! I still have some money left to raise, but more than financial, just that the Lord would prepare my heart! It is so close and I feel so unprepared! Love to you all!