a GREAT schedule!

I've gotten a couple emails from Kijabe this week, one from my 'host family' who will help set up my house (whatever that may be) and help me get all adjusted to life in Kenya. Another email from my RVA contact included the school year schedule for next year. The school year is broken into three trimesters with a month break between each one and a week break within each one. It's more conducive for dorm kids to see their families than a regular school schedule. Check it out, plan your visits:

School Year 2008-09

Term 1 Sept 1 - Nov 27 break: Oct. 10-14

Term 2 Jan 5 - Mar 28 break: Feb 13-16

Term 3 Apr 27 - July 17 break: Jun 5-8

Graduation: Saturday, July 18, 2009

Latest financial update - 61% of monthly, 73% of outgoing. Slow and steady!

my life as amelia bedelia

So it's funny, it really is, how life happens sometime. So far 2008 seems like a string of random, unanticipated events that make for good stories - after the fact. I already wrote about our house being broken into and my car getting hit the same week, but did I mention I thought a robber stole a ring of mine, so I claimed it, got the check . . . and found the ring in my gym bag? That was a classic Amelia moment right there. This past weekend I added two new mishaps - first, the losing of my debit card (I prefer to think I was pick-pocketed since I have no idea how I misplaced it and someone tried to use it right away at an ATM outside the Bobcats game I was attending). The following day, I attempted to fly to Cincinnati despite reports of a snow storm. "Attempted" because I only got as far as Baltimore, then gave up and was rerouted to Atlanta before heading back to Charlotte. I walked back in the door exactly 12 hours after I had left. Erin and Megan appropriately adapted this summer's welcome sign to my situation. :)


To be honest, some of this has been hard to take, and at times I've felt worn down. The situation at work has been difficult. Life seems to be moving fast enough without these inconveniences. But such joy, to come before the Lord, frustrated and spent, and to be renewed and encouraged! It was truly the 'peace that surpasses all understanding' that I sought and found on a flight from Baltimore to Atlanta, sandwiched in the middle seat. The Lord faithfully uses these 'moments' to draw me closer to Him!

an ode to the four

I just want you all to know that I have the greatest friends. Three of my favorites came out a month ago and you just need to hear about them . . . we found each other as freshmen at Taylor and are still going strong, six years later! We've traveled America together - New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Ocean City, Dataw Island, and of course - Upland, Indiana. We've eaten our fair share of teddy grahams, water ice, and Mrs. Preston's sugar cookies. We've shared laughs and tears and hilarious stories and God moments and life lessons. We're 2-2 on hot vs cold, beef vs chicken, north vs south, and sweet vs savory. We've married off one and seen the other three through various interesting relationships. :) And I love us dearly. Here are some precious pictures from Hunting Island, SC. I'm really going to miss them . . .

financial update

I've just gotten the latest figures in, for those who are interested:
I've received 54% of my monthly support (pledges) and 66% of my outgoing funds (one-time gifts).

So, thank you, friends! And thank you, Lord!

of political interest

Last night I was discussing politics with friends. Laci shared an interesting website - glassbooth.com. You can rate your priorities on current issues and see how your views line up with the candidates. It's a very basic representation of the their views, and also offers the option to compare candidates. Perfect for someone like me. :)

the video

My brother made this for me. Sweet kid. :)

Long time

So, all of my blogging resolutions went by the wayside when life started getting busy. And I have an even better excuse - my computer was stolen. And then someone hit my car. And then a big black box appeared on our TV screen every time you turned it on. And then I accidentally paid for our spring break package twice. Isn't life just funny sometimes?

Actually all of that stuff is old news, and mostly resolved (a million phone calls later). For a while I was feeling a little overwhelmed but it occurred to me that I could really learn something from all this, and I would hate to go through a mini tragedy without gaining the lesson! So, here's what I learned:

Isaiah 43:1b-3a
Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Sounds a little dramatic, the burning and consuming, but I realized that I myself was not harmed. God protected us and allowed these small things to happen but kept me safe. And I mean, really, they are SMALL things. (After my "lesson epiphany" I got an email from family friends about how one daughter was badly injured in a tornado and another daughter fleeing from a rebel army in Africa - see, my issues are small! Talk about going through the fire . . .!!) During candidate week we talked about giving up our "rights" - honestly, rights we aren't even entitled to anyway. So God is helping me along, challenging me and carefully peeling away what I might hold too tightly.

Here's to life lessons. Love learning them. Now, if only we could get that black box on the TV to disappear. . .