From Bellingham, a quick report

It’s only day three on campus but the things God has revealed to me are stunning! A wise woman told me before coming here that I am not the same person that went to Centralia College and let her mouth run away with her, or the same person that went to Australia and couldn’t stop crying for the entire five months. But until I was actually on campus being tested on my homesick and maturity levels I didn’t actually see how true that statement was.
My walk with God is at such a different level now than when I had those other experiences and that is what is making this transition so incredibly different. The trust and hope that I have in God has saved me from the tears of missing my family, because I know that He is the core of my family and will meet all my needs not them. The trust and hope I have in him also gives me the peace to recognize I don’t need to be showing off, flirting, or any other nonsensical thing to gain attention. He will provide me with friends in his time and while these three days hasn’t found anyone pounding on my door to be my best friend I’m not worried or questioning my own desirableness. (Is that a word I wonder?)
I love the fact that I can see, at least in a little part, why he has had me go through trials and painful experiences; I can actually see the fruit of those labors. That fact makes me even more excited to see what this situation will produce. What new lessons will he teach me in these coming months and years? Who will I meet, what will I see, and what will I have opportunity to partner with Him in? I’m more that excited, I’m joyfully expectant.
Okay for those of you who want to know more about campus and where I’m living, here is a quick description. I’m in Eden’s Hall which is on the north end of campus overlooking the bay. My room doesn’t have that as a view but the dining hall I’ll be eating in everyday does and I’m oober excited about that! Eden’s Hall attracts mostly upper classmen because of their strict quiet hours (9pm-9am most days) and the fact that most of the dorm is alcohol free. Freshmen feel this cramps their style, I guess. I am in a suite set up, there are two of us in my room with a bathroom we share with our two suitemates located in a room on the other side of the bathroom. The blessing a private bathroom is incredible especially since this dorm is co-ed. There appears to be more girls than boys on this floor but still, me walking down the hall first thing in the morning is not something my family handles well let alone a floor of strangers.
Tuesday is orientation day for Elementary Education students and then Wednesday I begin my new classes. I cannot wait to start learning! I know in my last blog I mentioned having to wait that year and a half before this next step and that was a difficult process. But today, walking to breakfast, I realized that had I jumped right back into college, I would not have enjoyed my time now nearly as much. I would have been constantly comparing it to my community in Australia, and it would have fallen short because it is such a different environment. I also wouldn’t have had to work as hard to get here and you know that when you work hard for something, you invariably enjoy it so much more. I am, yet again, seeing the fruits of the trails and processes God has been putting me through. It’s simply wonderful! Be encouraged, my readers, God has so much good for you because of all the hard things you have or are going through!
Lots of love!

And She's Off!

As most of you probably remember, September 2007 found me leaving for a five month mission trip to Australia and then to Thailand. During this time I fell deeply and madly in love with God and through my time spent in Thailand I also fell in love with Asia and teaching English as a Second Language.

When I returned home I fully expected God to tell me what do with my new passion for Him and my interest in missions. I kind of expected Him to tell me what country I should focus on next, or which mission organization to apply to, or possibly where to go to school to get a degree in teaching. But instead, like God does with many of our assumptions, He asked me to set them aside for His timing and His plan.

This past year and a half has been an amazing continuation of the lessons God taught me overseas. He has taken my emotional passion and turned into a deep grounded love, He has shown me how to be quiet enough to Hear Him when He is speaking softly in mundane experiences. He has shown me how to be deliberate in serving Him in comfortable situations and He has shown me that He is the same powerful God Here in safe Lewis County as He was in the wilds of Australia. While this time has been full of ups and downs, I wouldn’t trade the lessons He has taught me for anything! As usual, His timing is perfect!

This past winter God started opening doors and setting plans into motion and I now can see the next step. Thursday (September 17^th) I will be heading up to Western Washington University to finish up my BA in elementary education with an endorsement in Teaching English as a Second Language. There have been so many confirmations that this really is the next step God has for me. From finding a Christian roommate, to provided the finances, to having a new major in them Elementary department starting this quarter focusing on teachers who want to teach overseas! God hand is evident in everything.

I know our culture makes going off to college mundane and expected but I feel that this season in my life is anything but mundane. I truly feel that this is my next mission trip, that God has specific people for me to talk with and situations for me to step into. I’m so excited about the things He has already been speaking with me about and I cannot wait to see what He has in store.

I would covet your prayers specifically for me as a missionary. Please pray for wisdom and insight, for my own spiritual growth and strength. That I would not become discouraged or overwhelmed with the natural pressures of college and most of all for courage to speak up and step out when He calls me to.

Thank you all for your loving support, please keep in touch.

Email: spiceadvice@gmail.com