When it comes to an end

I don't know how many people actually read and follow this blog, but I wanted to send out a general update on what has transpired over the last few weeks.

The month of July truly was filled to the brim with activities. From candidate seminar to the teens at Mission Enrichment and then finally EMC where we helped lead the STAMP program (the kids who are getting ready to head overseas). I loved being apart of everything that was going on. The rush of excitement through the office helped give us the stamina to make it through.
During this time Charity, my fellow intern, and I were having discussion about support and other details of the internship. We were faced with a hard problem. Neither of us had the support or vehicle needed to make this internship work. We sought after God and asked him to reveal his will for us, specifically with our jobs here at ABWE. Our boss looked into different options and today we came up with our conclusion.

Our time at ABWE has now come to an end. I have loved every project and conference that I was able to help with. Being at the home office and seeing the love of Jesus in every face that I encountered has been refreshing for my soul. I know that together as a team we pursued hard after this idea, but I truly believe that God has other plans. I'm thankful to the Mobilization team for welcoming me and making me feel at home, to all the staff for praying for us and being a part of my life while I was here, and for all my supporters who faithfully gave.

I'm not sure what is next, but I'm confident that I have a sovereign God who not only knows but cares about me. I'll be posting more soon!

Promises

We're just starting the bittersweet month of July here at the Harrisburg office. The month is filled with conferences, and everyone at the home office is stretched to their limit trying to get last minute details in order. Even though it is stressful at times, we all eagerly anticipate each one. One of the conferences we most look forward to is our Missionary Enrichment Conference. This is a time where those missionaries who have served on the field for 4 years come home and attend a week of debriefing and encouragement. This year our theme is The Promises of God. As we got together for chapel this morning we talked about God's promises.

"All your promises are true;
I will lift up my eyes to You.
When my heart starts to fail,
Lord, Your strength will prevail,
And all You have said You will do
Your promises are true..." Shannon Wexelberg


I'm thankful that I have a God who gives us His promises and then is faithful to carry them out.

Ravi

Listening to Ravi Zacharias talk about Atheism. This quote he used really hit me:

First dentistry was painless, then bicycles were chainless, and carriages were horseless, and many laws enforceless. Next cookery was fireless, telegraphy was wireless, cigars were nicotineless, and coffee caffeineless. Soon oranges were seedless, the putting green was weedless, the college boy was hatless, the proper diet -- fatless. New motor roads are dustless, the latest steel is rustless, our tennis courts are sodless, our new religion -- Godless -Arthur Guiterman

my thorn

Every day of my life I get these reminders. It comes in a magazine, newspaper, news report, movie, article, conversation, or just in plain sight. And for three years, not one day has gone by without it coming to my attention. I keep wanting to escape, even for 24 hours to pass without thinking about.

Most of you know what I am talking about because it is so close to my heart and because of that I can't help but talk about it.

sex trafficking.

It's the nasty-not-so-hidden industry that has shown its ugly face across the entire world. The movement has started and people are becoming more aware of it and ministries are rising up to fight. I got to experience working in a major red light district in Thailand for a few months, and that has forever changed my life. I know that I have a calling. I've never been so burdened for anything.

I could talk on this topic for hours, explaining how the whole process works, analyzing the customers, giving advice for those who want to help, and even my opinion on how we can create a better system for rescuing. For now I will leave this article that I stumbled upon...be moved by the mentality of men and grieved for those trapped inside.

http://www.slate.com/id/2255294/

My blogging as been less than consistent in my first month, but have no fear...I hope to be a little better as I get the hang of things.

Pennsylvania is definitely starting to feel like home. I am figuring out the confusing highways and hilly back streets. I've been able to make my way around York, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Dillsburg, and any other town ending in burg. I've also been able to explore Baltimore and Philadelphia a little. I've become familiar with places like Sheetz and Neato, and eaten my fair share of Thai and Cheese Steaks. One of my favorite things is the weather here. We've had a lot of rain but when the skies are blue there are some amazing clouds and starry skies at night.

At the mission I've been keeping really busy. Projects for GAP (Global Access Partnerships) and planning for M.E. (Missionary Enrichment) have really challenged me. I love getting to know the people I am working with, and I've made some good relationships by walking around and eating the candy on their desks :)

If you think about it, please pray for me as I am still in the process of raising support. God has provided for me for these first few months, but I still need prayer to bring in the rest for this year.

Pictures below: 1. Root beer, fries, and apple crisp from Wolves...so good. 2. A picture of a park from Philly 3. Me in my retro chair from the office, it's sad but I think I'll have to give it up when I move desks. 4. An awesome view from the top of "the hill"...aren't the clouds awesome?

day one

I had my official first day at the Home Office. It was an amazing experience sitting through worship, testimony, and prayer with all of the people that I am going to be working with. I sat there and praised God that He would bring me to this place and allow me to minister and work amongst these incredible people. I can't even adequately describe how excited I am to be here and to find out what God is trying to teach me. Thank you to all of you who are supporting me prayerfully and financially.

I also moved in to my new home! Amy and Marilyn Wheaton work and volunteer at the mission. They opened their home to me and will do so again for Charity when she comes in June. I have never had my own room before :) I'm sure there are going to be many amazing conversations and lots of laughter. Everything for this move came together perfectly.

And before starting my job and moving I had a ton of late nights and great conversations with family members and friends. I got to check out malls, outlets, sight and sound, and even went hiking. And I don't remember a time in my life where I've had so many amazing meals. I'll post some pictures as I get used to the site!

Stories and pictures coming soon...