La Araña Muy Ocupada

The Very Busy Spider... by Eric Carle

This is my newest attempt at language learning. Last night Megan sat patiently while I tried to read it to her. I'm not sure any Spanish speaking toddler would understand my poorly accented attempt at reading this board book, but Megan was gracious about it :)

Language learning... one of the biggest hurdles that I will face as I get ready to go to Honduras. But even this morning the Lord has encouraged me that He will provide even for that. Gary pushed me to start back with Spanish dinners (our weekly gathering to eat and attempt to communicate while Gary patiently coaches us), Brian offered me Spanish CDs and a book that he has, and Megan let me read to her last night to practice.

One thing that I will need to be reminded of over the next couple months is something the Lord has been reminding me over the last couple days. He is sovereign over all things. Sounds simple, but I forget that it means that to the Lord belongs all the money, He is in control over time, and yes... He even is in control of language learning. When He allows, my money will come in... as He purposes it, I will have time to work a more than full-time job and still have meetings with people to share my vision, and as He blesses my studying, I will be able to communicate in a language that right now seems impossible.

Coming home from Atlanta on a roll ready to move forward has been great! And yet, I was reminded of my job here and how much I love it and I want to be fully invested here until the day I leave. The students I work with need that from me and it is to Christ's glory that I work. And yet, I want to be fully invested in raising support and preparing to get the field. It doesn't sound like there is enough time for both of those things. And yet... there is because the Lord has put me here and He will provide time for both things to be done well and to His glory. So... pray for me - for good time management skills and discernment. I really am just loving life right now and where the Lord has put me. I get to be a part of two things that I really love... and that's awesome.

The First of Many

You may wonder, why the title "many the miles"? First, I stole it from a Sara Bareilles song. Secondly, because as I bask in the excitement of the newfound knowledge that I will be heading to the mission field, it also seems like a million miles away. There is so much to do in the way of finding prayer and financial partners, getting through language school, etc. Well all the while being fully invested in my current life and ministry, which I love. So... it's just a little overwhelming. But still makes me absolutely excited to think that the Lord is bringing to fruition His call on my life. He has brought me this far and will continue to lead me.

"Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children-- " Deuteronomy 4:9

This has been a theme verse for me as I have considered my call to overseas missions. One of the many reasons is because God is reminding the Israelites to look back on His faithfulness in their lives up to this point and be reminded that faithfulness is His character. And I hold to that.

Okay... now the details. Today I got accepted by MTW (Mission to the World) to serve overseas in Honduras.

My life as a missionary: Day 1 (that was for Caitlin Keegan)
1. I got an official MTW nametag
2. I'm overwhelmed with too much information intake
3. I love meeting people with a similar vision to mine
4. I reminisced today over emails from Zambia... that was an awesome trip
5. I am looking for good missionary stories... let me know if you have one!
6. I went out to dinner with my fellow new missionaries
7. I ate delicious cold stone
8. I created a blog
9. I got frustrated because I can't get my blog to do what I want
10. I'm tired and going to bed