WinterWonderland!

We've been busy over here! We had a Christmas party at the Jacksons, complete with a gift exchange, singing Christmas Carols, decorating cookies, and Mr. Beans Christmas! It was a blast! Then just last night Neja put a group together to go ice skating! It was a lot of fun, but VERY cold! Tonight we have our All Nighter New Years Party. Yoo hoo!

The Girls! Enjoying Christmas Together! 

The boys! Terry Jackson, Miha, Sabi, Gasper, and Miso. 

Christmas Party gift exchange!! Naja and I in the back, Josh Patty and little Anja holding her gift of Klementines. 

Getting warmed up-the skates were NOT comfortable!! Me, Johnny and Neja. 

(l-r) Ziva, me, and Neja 

After Christmas

Christmas Eve I had a nice dinner with the Jackson family and Johnny. We had goose! Id never really eaten goose before--but I enjoyed it. It kinda tasted like chicken or turkey. Not a very distinct flavor, but not bad! Later on that night we went to a Catholic Mass to spend some time with some of our highschoolers. It was a midnight mass--again a new experience for me. Im glad that I went, but I was soo cold for 1 1/2 hrs, even though I was bundled up in a coat, gloves and scarf!! That night I stayed at the Patty's house. By the time we had all gotten back from mass we had all started to wake up. Needless to say I was up to a pretty ridiculous hour, all because I was past the point of exhaustion! Christmas day was a lot of fun. We opened presents with the Patty kids--this took Hours!! And then Christmas night there was a Christmas Children's program. I was in charge of the dessert afterwards. It was so much fun having our youth group serve our church! I felt like we werent individuals but a team. We all helped each other out. And when we had downtime, we all huddled together out in the cold drinking hot coa coa, talking and laughing. To think that just about a year and a half a go there was NOTHING, and now--we have this group of kids that love the Lord and are serving in their church. My heart didnt have words to express my amazement at the goodness of the Lord.

Today is the day after Christmas. And its so odd that I seem to swing the pendulum of being ridiculously busy to having nothing to do. Last week I worked 10-11hr days. Right now, Im finding myself with the feeling that I have nothing to do. Its times like this that I dont want to look back on and feel as though it was a complete waste. And at the same time I think rest is incredibly important and stopping after a crazy week and not doing anything is probably a good thing!! Its just so hard to do when given an entire day! And sometimes I waste time.

Anyway those are my ramblings for today. I will try to post some pictures of our Christmas party when I get them. One of my girls, as she was leaving the party said, "Wow, this is what I want Christmas at MY house to be like. Without all the fighting."

Its good to know im here for precious girls like her.

Cookies...

A fun collage of cookie making

(l-r) Neja, Miso, Naja, Me, Mana Making sugar cookies

Today we made cookies! 250 sugar cookies....! Slovene's never use measuring cups or spoons so I felt like I had a cooking show, or class--I got to teach them how to cook, American Style! I had to keep a close eye on them too--since they had never used measuring cups before they had a habit of scooping and dumping, sometimes great big quanities and sometimes very small ones--they just had no idea why it was so darn important to follow the recipie!! It was a blast!! Tomorrow at our Christmas Party we will decorate them and then on Christmas, our youth group named, Več (means "more" in Slovene: pronounced: V-eh-ch) will serve the cookies after our Christmas program. I sure do love my job!!

A Slovene Snapshot

Here is a little peek into...
Newness ~
I left Slovenia in the middle of summer and returned in the winter. Snow is everywhere and it reminds me that life has continued even while I was gone.
We have a Youth Group now!! I loved watching 20 faces of students/leaders worshipping their savior! Most have professed faith and a those that aren't, just can’t seem to get enough of being with us. It is why I live in Slovenia- to see a movement of God among the youth here!

Life ~
I can say that I am feeling again the pain and joy of sacrifice. The first week was overwhelming as everything takes more thought and energy then in the States. There were some difficult and lonely days, but I am feeling like I am beginning to settle into this life once again.

Laboring ~
Without my girls receiving any direct discipleship, growth seems to have slowed. The good news however is that they are eager to jump back into Bible Study and a closer relationship with the Lord. I will be starting this on Friday…

Favorite Words ~
“I used to see the world in black and white, now I see it in color.” (Mana, 17yrs)
“If I was to describe my relationship with the Lord I would say that it is frozen.” (Lucy 17yrs)

Thanks for your part in this ministry!! Drop me a line if you have time, I am always so encouraged by your notes,

Please be in prayer for…

• Wisdom and Direction as I start up my 2^nd year of Bible Study with Neja and Naja
• Lucy, who accepted the Lord last summer and now seems to be lost.
• Mojca, who accepted the Lord last summer and is so busy that I haven’t been able to connect with her at all,
• The church here (and my home) seems as though it is being fought for, both spiritually and with old leaders in charge. Pray that the Darkness would be pushed back in powerful and tangible ways.

Sitting Still...

Im normally really good about only writing blogs when I feel as though I have something profound to say. I mean, I enjoy reading other people's rantings and ramblings, but I feel like mine are pretty much boring and no one would really be all that interested. Well, here I am, with NOTHING to say. Im back in Slovenia. Im starting my life off slow, mostly because Im still recovering from jet lag and I keep waking up at random times, such as 1pm. For some people, actually many people that I know, that is completely normal, but I normally dont like to sleep in until the afternoon...All this to say that lately my life has consisted of a lot of hours sitting in my apartment doing pretty much nothing but unpacking and reorganizing. Which in all honestly I haven't been doing that good of a job doing. I still have my carry-on sitting by my bed, full, and I have no idea where to put the stuff I have in it. Ive started planning out my life for next week and it actually is filling out extremely fast. There is a lot to do here. So I guess I should be glad for 4 days of nothing.... I have a hard time just sitting still though, especially if Im sitting still in an empty apartment. Oh one fun thing I did yesterday. I went to the Jacksons and had a Christmas Evening there. We watched Miracle on 34th Street. Read Christmas books. Did an advent calendar, sang a Christmas song, and read the Matthew version of the Christmas Story. That has definitely been my highlight so far.

Well, ok, thats all Im going to say right now, except for, I love hearing from you all out there, so if you get a chance, drop me an email, or a comment, That just might be my second highlight...

Someday she'll trust Him...

Sitting in an internet cafe in Portland I reflect upon who God is through the book of Isaiah (ch 41-44) and my life over the past few months. (I fly back to Slovenia tomorrow). There are times that I am struck by the majesty of my God and this is one of those times. A God big enough to hold the nations in his hand and tender enough to bind up my brokenness. I've tried to journal about it, but my words seemed so feeble. How I wish I could step outside of myself and live like I was intended to live in the Garden. As I sit in reflection-- this song came on my headset. It has always been one of my favorites because I feel like it paints a beautiful picture of how I am at times. This is one of those times...

In open fields of wild flowers
She breathes the air flies away
She thanks her Jesus for the daisies and the roses
In no simple language
Someday she'll understand the meaning of it all

He's more than the laughter
Or the stars in the heavens
As close as a heartbeat
Or a song on her lips
Someday she'll trust him
And learn how to see him
Someday he'll call her
And she will come running
Fall in his arms, the tears will fall down
And she'll pray

I want to fall in love with you

Sitting silent wearing sunday best
The sermon echoes through the walls
A great salvation through it
Goes to the people who stare into nowhere
Can't feel the chains on their souls

He's more than the laughter
Or the stars in the heavens
As close as a heartbeat
Or a song on her lips
Someday we'll trust him
And learn how to see him
Someday he'll call us
And we will come running
Fall in his arms
The tears will fall down and we'll pray

I want to fall in love with you

Seems to easy to call you savior
Not close enough to call you a god
So as I sit and think of
Words I can mention to show my devotion

I want to fall in love with you
---Jars of Clay

The California Life

Here are just a few things Ive been up to down in CA when Im not support raising!

Fun Costume Party-Catwoman and Poison Ivy! 

Picking out pumpkins.. 

Katy and I at her wedding. I was the maid of honor--we've been friends since we were 6yrs old! 

My highschool mentor and sign language teacher, Lisa Taylor! She's a missionary in England... I hadn't seen her for 6 years!! 

Slovene Snapshot...

Hello!
Its coming fast and I am just over a week of when I will be flying back to Slovenia!!

There are just a few things that need to fall into place so that I can go. According to my records I only need $305 a month for my monthly support. Josiah Venture however is saying that I need $805 of monthly support. Why is this?! Well unfortunately Josiah Venture can’t go on promised pledges. I’ve spoken with many of you about sending in your support and you have been so incredible gracious. Thank you!

If you are considering sending support, now is a Great time to do it!! Josiah Venture won’t let me go until I am at 100% of my monthly support, and like I said promised pledges aren’t good enough for them.

Thanks so much for your participation and prayers!

Please Direct Support to:
Josiah Venture
PO Box 4317
Wheaton, IL 60189

Prayers…
• Please pray that the rest of my monthly support will not only be pledged but also come in!
• Also please pray for added dental and health expenses that I have incurred since I’ve been in the states to be covered as well!

White Shirts and Truly Living...

I recently read this story... of a woman recalling an incident of when she was little girl. She talked about how she would watch her sister hang up their Dad’s shirts to dry and how one day she wanted to show her Dad love by helping. In her innocence this young girl hung up his nice white shirts on an old rusty weel barrel. Dad came home and was so angry at her for completely ruining his nice shirts and she was humiliated. Well as an adult she recalled this story to a friend and shared that her image of God was often shaped by that of her angry Father. That he was a God angry at her mistakes. But now she recognized that in reality God was not like her Father. The true God would not even look at the destroyed shirt but would run to her and love Her regardless of what she had done. This woman’s friend stopped her and then corrected her.

He said, I actually I don’t think that is what God would do. God as the Father would notice the shirt, then he would take it, and he would put it on, and he would wear it to work the next day. And when people asked, he would say, “yes, let me tell you about my beautiful daughter and how much she loves me.”

I think there is a false idea of religiosity that says that its not ok, to not be not ok. In that book Im reading by Stasi and John Eldridge they talk about inviting God into your pain. I liked that idea, because although I probably would never admit this, I think I like to clean up before I go to God. I don’t like to come to God angry or come to God hurt or bored. I try to come into his presence with a continued attitude of joy, always rejoicing, worshiping or praising him. As though the God of the Universe isn’t going to notice that my lips are saying one thing and my heart is feeling another? But what if my heart needs to walk through a bunch of junk before I can shout out my praises? Don’t we serve a God that would want to walk through this junk with us in order that we may more properly and fully worship him?

And infact wouldn't he, like the loving God and Father that he is take joy in the cross and take joy in my vulnerability and welcome me unto himself so proud that I infact offered myself without trying to make myself perfect?

I read this verse this morning....You who seek God may your hearts Live! Psalm 69:32

I think truly living is living not just the joy but the difficult things as well, and how much much more exciting then to do this in the presence of the God who gave His all for me--imperfect as I am. My hearts prayer today is that I will truly live.

All shall be well...

"Think of what it is like to be caught in traffic for more than an hour. Horns blaring, people shouting obscenities. Exhaust pouring in your windows, suffocating you. Then remember what its like to come into a beautiful place, a garden or a meadow or a quiet beach. There is room for your soul. It expands. You can breathe again. You can rest. It is good. All is well.

I sit outside on a summer evening and just listen, and behold, and drink it all in, and my heart begins to quiet and peace begins to come into my soul. My heart tells me that 'All will be well,' as Julian of Norwich concluded. 'And all manner of things will be well.' That is what beauty says, All shall be well.

And this is whats its like to be with a woman at rest, a woman comforable in her feminine beauty. She is enjoyable to be with. She is lovely. In her presence your heart stops, holding its beath. You relax and believe once again that all will be well.

And this is also why a woman who is striving is so disturbing, for a woman who is not at rest in her heart says to the world, 'All is not well. Things are not going to turn out all right.' 'Like a fountain toubled,' as Shakespeare said, 'muddy, ill-seeming, thick, bereft of beauty.' We need what Beauty speaks. What it says is hard to put into words. But part of its message is that all is well. All will be well." (Captivating by John & Stasi Eldridge)

I ended up pushing back my plane ticket to Slovenia and am living on the Central Coast of CA until I raise up enough support to go back. Since realizing this would be the case there have been three words that have been floating around in my heart and mind. Beauty, Rest, and Worship.

The word beauty has emerged from the book Captivating that I recently picked up and have been reading. Sitting on the beach this afternoon I read the above excerpt and the words resonated in my soul. To be at rest is to be beautiful. And to be beautiful is to be at rest.

Realizing that the Lord has me on the Central Coast right now has caused me to westle and ask, "Why!?" His answer to me has been twofold. Worship and Rest.

I don't have many friends down here anymore. Im housesitting for my best friend who is in Hawaii on her honeymoon. So, my days seem very quiet and at times, lonely. Its so easy for me to seek to fill my time with meaningless activities--but deep in my spirit I hear the words, Beauty, Worship, and Rest. I believe that The Lord is telling me that as I cease striving, All shall be well.

Stability amidst Mosaic Pieces...

As you read this please know ahead of time that I am Perfectly safe, healthy, and alright! And from the looks of things, no one else was harmed either.**

It was like for one brief moment of time I stepped into a very disconnected world. It had swirls of colors, a conglomiration of sounds, and a confusing waterfall of emotions. It has taken a while to put the pieces together and to paint the entire canvas. But these are the pieces of the picture to the best of my recollection...

Initially, I think it was a feeling. I wasn't fearful, but something wasn't right. My eyes scanned the airport shuttle I was traveling in and it was as though we were floating--sideways. I can remember someone screaming. The woman I was talking to turning white. I looked out the window to see cars...a lot of them, in really strange places all across the road. It wasn't long afterwards that I realized it wasn't them scattered in odd places, but it was the shuttle I was in. We were infact heading sideways into oncoming traffic. I can also remember watching as glass was flying all around me. I remember shielding my face. There is something amidst this that still confuses me...a peice that still hasn't been brought into complete focus. At one point I raised my head from my hands and there was a metal pole crashing through the window not 6 seats in front of me. Later when I looked it wasn't there--did I imagine it? I can only think that I was so glad of the seat that I had chosen!! After we stopped, there were a lot of people yelling and talking excitedly. Faces were surrounding us from the outside as they were pressed up against the windows. I was confused. I didn't know what they wanted, what they so urgently were trying to communicate, or what I should do. I thought of a lot of things I wanted to say, but oddly enough it was though my tongue weighed a hundred pounds. I couldn't speak, and because of fear, I also couldn't move! I heard someone yell something about smoke and that we needed to get out immediately. It must have been the kick I needed because I was instantly on my feet clinging to my ridiculously large and much too heavy suitcase. The driver stared at us in an erie state of confusion as those around me screamed at her to open up the doors. Im still not sure how they got open because I don't think she ever moved. Someone must have opened them from the outside. When we finally were a safe distance away from the vehical I surveyed the scene. Cars were everywhere. Some were smoking. Some had dents. Some were obviously totalled. I heard someone say that we had slammed into at least 8 cars, as well as a large metal fence that we went competely through before plowing into the airport parking lot. Parked cars had smashed together one hitting the other like dominoes. Because we all needed to catch our flights we were almost instantly wisked away. After feeling completely paralyzed and being dropped off at my gate, I jumped into action. I had a flight to catch!! So I quickly found my airline, ran over to my ticket counter, and began typing in my info for my electronic ticket--determined to get on my flight! It was after I put down by bag that I realized I was shaking uncontrollably--I tried to ignore it and type in all of my info anyway, but it took a significant amt of time. I could barely push buttons and for the life of me I couldn't make any sense of the thoughts and scenes flashing through my mind. I finally made it to my gate, ticket in hand, eyes brimming with tears but also biting my lip to gain composure. I was mustering up what little strength I still had-- determined to be strong. Still trembling, I found an empty piece of floor off by myself. I sat down, not really sure what had just happened, and took a deep breath.
************
Like I said earlier I am perfectly fine! The Lord was carrying me the entire time, close to his heart. By the Lord's grace, earlier that same day, a friend gave me a verse that I am mulling over now as I recount this experience. Isaiah 33:6 "And He shall be the stability of your times..." Im not sure Ive ever read this verse before.

And HE shall be the stability.
He will be my STABILITY.
HE will BE.

I love the truth rooted deeply in this passage. Whether seeking to put the pieces of this mosaic together, stepping into a new or scary situation, or wrestling through a specific heart issues, He is my stability.

Let us not forget this truth dearly Beloved!!!!

just the kids! Josh, Jonathan, Jarid, Mindy, Me, Caleb. 

Aren't we a cute family?!?!!? l-r bottom Josh, Jonathan, Caleb. l-r back Dad, Mom, me, Melinda (foster bro's girlfriend), Jarid (foster bro).  

Choosing to Reflect...

I feel a bit like I have been caught up into a whirlwind of events and people. Since the day I arrived in the States I have been running from people to people and place to place. Reflection is something that I had hoped to do once I arrived in the United States. Reflection upon a year spent living in a different culture and reflection upon the many things that God has done in my heart in the last months. And yet I feel as though even taking the time to breathe would infact be a royalty. But still, sitting on my couch in my pajamas at 11pm on a Monday night I am thinking about the time that I have had and yet chosen to do other things. Although it is true that I have been busy, I still have made time for those things that are important to me--sitting and watching 24 with my brother, buying the latest Harry Potter book, and talking on MSN with a few of my Slovene students. So, yes I guess I have had the time, I just haven't really taken it.

It has been really surprising to me how completely normal it is to be back here. Sure there are some things that I have noted to be different then I have become accustom to, such as: the light switches are different, the toilets flush different, people seem to be a lot nicer when you are in stores shopping, and it has an overall "Christian" feeling when you drive and walk into town. And for the first time in a long time I really don't feel as though I stick out incredibly much. I feel like I can relax a lot more. I don't have to TRY as hard, or THINK as hard whenever I do...anything. Its nice. I like that. And yet...I do miss my friends and family in Slovenia.

So...its late...and I don't really want to be up pondering this much longer because...well, because Im too tired to make any profound observations. And yet, I often wonder if it is when Im late and tired that these things truly surface. Hmm....possibly but possibly not. I think I will just go to sleep. I have another big busy day tomorrow. Shopping with Mom, Lunch with Mike and Amber and then a visit with Amber's parents, potluck with my parents neighbors, and then probably a few hrs of 24 with my brothers. And you know, I think I will decide to spend a little time Reflecting as well....

United States here I come...

On wednesday I take off for the States....Here is a list of where I am and when! I am really excited about coming!

Oregon (Portland/Vancouver): July 27th-29th; Aug 6th-13th
July 28th at 7pm will be a time of sharing stories about Slovenia
Aug 9th at 7pm I will have a dessert and sharing time-location to be announced.

Washington (Seattle/Tacoma): July 30th-Aug 5th; Aug 14th-20th
I will have a dessert and sharing time. If interested in coming or hosting this please
email me!

North Carolina (Union Mills): Aug 21st- Sept 23rd
I will be at a training time during the week but will have weekends free.

California (San Luis Obispo/Five Cities): Sept 23rd-Oct 5th
I will have a dessert and sharing time. If interested in coming or hosting this please
email me!

If you want to have coffee I would LOVE to connect with you. Or if you are interested in coming to one of my dessert/sharing times please let me know. I hope to see you.

Whirlpools...

Have you ever gotten close to someone? I mean really really close to someone that is not your immediate family? The closer you get, the more things you see. And if the deepness is authentic you will probably see a lot of junk in that person. The team that I live/work/play with here in Slovenia is a group of people that I am very very close with. And throughout the last year I have seen a lot of amazing things in them, and we have also been through a lot of hard things. But you know what is truly truly amazing??? The closer I get to these people, the more amazing they become to me. And its not like I don't see all the hard stuff. I see it. And they definitely see me! But there is something so incredible in a person that has truly surrendered their life to the person of Jesus Christ. And Im not just talking about people that live the Christian life. I mean the type of person that lives with Reckless Abandonment. Giving their all and seeking with all their heart to become like Christ, Whatever the cost. This is so beautiful to me. And yah, our team isn't perfect. But I feel like its a cool picture of Christ in so many ways. And we have been through deep deep waters together. We have truly fought side by side through darkness. We have waged war against the enemy and battled together. And just like any other war, deep relationship has been formed between all of us. And now...I am going back to the States. How can I paint these pictures to my friends and family? How do I use words to describe the deep waters that Ive walked through? These are questions that are weighing heavily on my heart as a write. And as of now, I don't have answers...

Our team is changing. I feel it in the dynamics and I see it as Matt is leaving Slovenia. I am thinking about where the Lord wants me. I know I will be in Slovenia for this next year, but after that....who knows (God does). I feel really unsettled right now. Like the Lord is stirring up a whirlpool in my heart. I need to remember that although I feel like Im in this crazy whirlpool it is still the Lord that is stirring the pool.

So yes, that is where I am at right now. Seeking the Lord but feeling like he really has his finger on me right now--Touching deep places in my heart. And like the Lord it is painful and beautiful all at the same time.

I love them so so much. 

Stepping into Depth...

Yesterday I got back from camp, and tomorrow I leave again!!
I feel like a big theme of this last week for me was depth. I am walking away from this camp having experienced a depth in emotions, depth in relationships with students, and depth in understanding of the person of Jesus Christ. I felt deep joy as I saw students begin to understand who Jesus Christ was. They were asking incredible questions and it was so obvious that God the Father was drawing them to Himself. I enjoyed coming along side and not only watching but also being a part of some of these students surrender their lives to him. However I also felt a lot of deep pain as I deepened relationships with these students. My eyes were really opened to a lot of hurt, a lot of broken relationships and a lot of past wounds. So in this way my heart had a heaviness to it as I believe that I felt in a way Christ’s heart as he looks at his people full of sin and brokenness.
And for myself personally I felt as though I saw Christ in a new way. Through an illustration that Josh and David did in front of the group I saw an incredible depth in the love of Christ that I don’t think that I have understood before. I also feel as though I tasted much deeper that pain that Christ willingly went through to give us the free gift of relationship with Him.

Please pray for us as we step into our next camp!!! We are excited and anticipating what God will do.

A different kind of Adventure...

ts so amazing to think back on the year that I have experienced here in Slovenija. I said I would come here and be here for one year exactly, and then go back to the States. And yet, I feel the Lord calling me to step deeper into Him, to step deeper into realtionships with those around me and to step Deeper into this culture that I am slowly becoming adjusted too.

Two nights a go thousands of students flooded the streets of Ljubljana for a "Welcome to Summer" Party. Students everywhere could be seen doing drugs, drinking, and enjoying all of the pleasures this life has to offer. As I walked among them, I felt like a small flame of light in a world that was so so dark. Although seemingly happy and enjoying themselves, I saw so much brokenness, so much emptiness, and so much blindness to Truth.

Tomorrow morning we get the chance to step into relationship with these same students! We will be getting on buses and heading out to a castle in Austria for our first of two camps! Sunday June 26-July 3 Camp I in Milstatt Austria and then our second camp, Tuesday July 5-12 Camp II in Osilnica Slovenia. At these camps we will have the opportunity to develop relationships with them, and become a part of the work that God is already doing in them. It is so exciting to be about the work of God!

Already we are feeling the weight of this Spiritual Battle that we are stepping into. We need your prayers More then ever right now!!!! So for the next two weeks will you commit to be praying for us??? I am attatching some prayer requests at the end of this email. Thank you so much for your part in creating a movement of God among the youth of Slovenija.

Prayer Requests:
Health for David as he is directing the first camp. As well as health for Anna and myself (we are all feeling not quite 100%!).
That kids would have eyes to see their lostness and need for a Savior.
That they would see the hope found in Jesus Christ
For me as I teach 3 hours of English a Day!!!
THANKS FOR BEINGS A WARRIOR IN PRAYER!!!!

A few moments of thought...

I only have a few moments before worship nite starts. I am helping Anna put up some brown paper that we will later right on...Who Jesus is according to the book of Colossians. Today I walked downtown to a little craft market and I bought a few gifts. I then went to an all church picnic, which was just delightful. I am a bit tired and raspy--i have a smokers voice, but don't worry mom i haven't started smoking, its from being sick. Sl, im looking forward to a night of worshiping with my friends. And these are my few moments of thoughts...

Breathing Deeply

Recently I was in the Czech Republic at an Intern Training for Josiah Venture English Camps that I will be involved in this Summer. Student from America come to the JV Headquarters to be trained before setting out to many different countries across Eastern Europe. My position was unique because I did not have a team of Interns for Slovenija that I was leading (I WAS the intern). My position was to help lead a workshop on Living a Lifestyle of Evangelism. After my workshop I realized that I didn't have any other responsiblities that I was initially called to. So, I then felt a draw to take upon myself the responsiblity to connect with the Student Interns that were at the conference. I was immediately drawn to enter into their story and become a part of what they were involved in for the summer. However, after recognizing in myself an intense exhuastion every time I started up a conversation I realized that I actually did not have to connect with these students. Infact after that week I would probably never see them again. It was then that I began to pull out and use my free time to journal and spend time with Lord. I spent a lot of time thinking through what the Lord had called me to this summer and wrestling thru the many questions that were on my mind and heart. I also took a few long afternoon naps!! I left the Cech Republic feeling deeply refreshed. I feltl ike I was able to step out of the cloud the so often hovers over Slovenija and see clearly the Lord's work in my life. It was exciting. It was challenging. And it got me thinking about many different things. Get Ready Summer...Here I come!

An empty apt, chocolate,too many Friends, and The Lords Return...

So Anna is gone. She went off to America and left me all alone in our tiny little apartment in the attic of the church. Well, my dearest roommate will be back soon--three weeks--but until then, I am living the Miss Independent Life! So this week has consisted of me drowning away my sorrows by eating a lot of ice cream, chocolate and watching a few too many episodes of Friends! Ugh I feel sick just thinking about it...

Ive been thinking about the amount of time that I spend in the Word of God, and frankly wishing that I was a person like Dr. Mitchell (founded Multnomah). What would it be like to just be able to quote chapters and chapters of the Bible. To be on your death bed and not remember anyones name, but to be able to still quote Scripture. Wow. I just wish the Lord would come back--you know? How I long for that day. But then I think about some of the most darling kids that I have met here. And they don't know the Lord. Infact, with some of them, I feel as though I don't know what to do anymore to lead them to Him. Ive been praying for five kids to come to know God. My heart literally aches for them to know Him. To be set free from death and to be born a new. Some of them I think are close too....which makes me think, Salvation is a funny thing. When does it actually happen? Is it automatic? Does it happen in stages? Does one confess with his mouth but then believe with his heart years later? When is a person finally saved? Only the Lord knows the answer to this...

Well, until next time. I think I will watch one more episode of Friends before I go to bed...

My darling Lucy.

My Prom Experience...

Ok, so normally you are 18yrs old when you go to prom for the first time. Its a big deal, you spend money and all day at the Salon getting ready, you vote for Prom King and Queen, or maybe you get to be Prom King or Queen. My life however, is different then that. Oh so much different. My first prom was in the country of Slovenija, after I'd been done with high school for 6yrs. I got ready about 45 mins before I left and I did my own hair and make-up. No salon for me! So, this is the story. Neja invited Johnny and I to come as guests to her prom. Now you have to understand that prom in the states is completely different then prom in Slovenija. Actually prom here in Slovenija is more like a graduation, but a heck of a lot more exciting then graduation in the states. Its like a mix between a concert, a dance performance, a prom and a graduation. Each class does something in front of everyone that came, a dance, hand out "best of" awards, or tell funny class memories. Then there is a video of that class (each Grade is divided up into smaller classes. They are with that class for all four years of hs). After all that comes the dancing. Everyone (students and their dates, NOT guests) goes up stage and they do these choreographied dances! They were soo great! They did some kind of "Cha-Cha-Cha", Ballroom dancing, Slovenian Dancing, and many others. Johnny and I were up in the balcony seating watching Neja and Gasper dance. We felt like proud parents! We took about a million pictures and videos and couldn't stop talking about how amazing they looked and how proud we were of them. It was a blast!! Afterwards we went out for a drink with her parents and Gasper. Then we (Johnny & I) took Neja and Gasper to the Jackson house where everyone (Terry, Lori, David, Matt, and Anna) were hanging out. After oo-ing and ahh-ing over everyone we took pictures and took Neja and Gasper home. What a fun fun night!! Neja went on to hang out until 6:30am the next day with all her classmates. I went home and went to bed, as I am realizing more and more that I am not in high school anymore!!! But alas, I truly did enjoy my Prom Experience.

Neja and I after prom at a pub. I wish you all knew her. She is Wonderful!! 

Smiling big (for the wrong camera) at the Jackson house. Don't Neja and Gasper look amazing!? 

My Slovene Life

There are so many times that I just get this really weird feeling. Its almost like time stops for a second and I step back and look at where I am, who I am with, and what I am doing, and I think to myself, "How in the World did I get to this place?". I am 24yrs old, graduated from Multnomah Bible College, living thousands of miles from my family as a single woman, in a country that I actually never knew existed up until a few years a go...And you know what? I LOVE my life!!! I love the team that I get to work with. I consider them not only some of my closest friends, but my family. I love my job and the students that I get to spend time with every day. It is so incredible to me that my job is to love students, speak Truth to them, and show them Jesus. Even thinking about this brings a smile to my face. I know that the Lord has brought me to this place. And it is an incredible privilege to be counted worthy of following after the cross.

My Intern Team (l-r David Bordner, Matt Baldwin, Me, Johnny Stevens, Anna Stepanian) 

My Small Group Girls (Neja & Naja) 

And this is the life I get to live!!