25 March

Right now I'm feeling pretty good about being called to France. I was talking to a couple here who are called to an African country which they cannot name for safety's sake and anonymity. It's a great story. But if you get squeamish when God gets in our stuff and messes it all up, then maybe you don't want to finish this paragraph. The husband had a pediatric practice for 9 years. They had a nice house and were happy with their lives. The American dream... Then they went on a short term mission trip to South America. That's when God started meddling. A few trips later and after seeking and getting confirmation they are now here learning French so they can join a team in Africa that meets the practical needs of their neighbors. Living conditions are radically different from the home in the States with the dogs, etc. For example, she said that "shower" is a hole in the ground you stand over and pour your bucket water over you. And this is a communal shower shared by a few neighbors. The potty is the same sort of thing.

These people are not super heroes or even super Christians. They are ordinary believers, ordinary humans like you and me. However, they are amazing in their response to the call of God. I have so much respect for them and many others here. And it is another example of how God strengthens us and provides what we need when He calls. One must depend on Him fully when walk into the dreams of God. They are too big for us. BUT all things are possible with God. He is LIMITLESS. He is ABLE. He is our SOURCE.

Has God put a vision in your heart? Does it seem too big? Is it more than you can do? Of course it is! If it's from God, it's more than you can do. But it is not more than He can do! Submit. Surrender and watch what happens. You'll never be the same and neither will the world around you. And that my friends is what we are called to be and do, lovers of God, Kingdom builders. And on the note of you'll never be the same, that's both beautiful and terrifying. There is a cost to following God with all you are and all you have. Jesus paid the greatest price. Can we follow Him on that part of the path too? He chose the Father's will when it hurt and He didn't really want to do it. Just read the passage in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26 36-45). But He did it and it is our life.

So, maybe it sounds like I have it figured out. HA! These are things God has been speaking to me through what I read, who I talk to, the movies I watch. In other words, I need a lot of teaching and reinforcement.

Onto another note: Margaret and Becky are working on some cool fundraisers for me. Those of you at FOC and the Russellville area might keep an eye out for them and/or talk to these ladies and see if you might want to help. The money raised will go toward my tuition and housing costs.

Thanks to all of you who read this and pray and support me. I need all you do!


Please pray for:

~encouragement daily from the Holy Spirit. I must have the presence of God with me and in me! (Don't we all need this?)

~guidance on what to do after school in June. -where I am to go in France -what I am to do there -who I am to do it with (I am starting to look into a couple things, but nothing to really speak about yet.)

~grace to handle the work load and not burn out physically and mentally.

~provision.

March 13

You know when a song stirs something in you the first time you hear it? "Where You Go, I Go" by Brian and Jenn Johnson is the most recent song to do that for me. It simply talks about the fact that Jesus did and said only what He saw and heard the Father doing and saying. And the song declares to God, "Where you go, I go. What you say, I say. And what you pray, I pray." I'm letting this work itself into my spirit. It's what I want to do. Now to get on with it...

I've been back at school for two weeks now. I'm back into the rhythm of it. I am still adjusting, fine tuning if you will. It is so tiring to be immersed in a foreign language. I am doing well in my class. I am just where I need to be with grammar but find listening a struggle still at times. This is natural I think. But that doesn't stop me from getting frustrated. Perfectionism is not my friend.

This semester is very different from the last one. The school and dorm are very full. This is a good thing. It means more people with a heart to reach the French speaking world. For me, it means a lot of new people, less personal space and a noisier dorm. I suppose that is part of the reason I am still adjusting, the familiar mixed with the unfamiliar.

I would ask all of you to pray for encouragement for me and the students here. I talked and prayed with a precious friend the other night who also feels the strain. Here are some of the thoughts we share: ~This is hard. Can I really learn this language well enough to then live and work or study at university in France? ~How do I do my school work and do what's needed to prepare for the future at the same time? ~Am I crazy to think God really wants me to reach a people/the nations? ~Why can't I just be normal? (The last one makes me smile. We would never be content with 'normal.' Nothing but Jesus will satisfy.)

As with believers anywhere doing anything that know who they are and what God wants them to do, the enemy doesn't want us to fulfill that which God has called us to do. So he sends discouragement in many forms. I have been told that people have been so discouraged learning the language that they have given up their calling completely and gone home to do something else. I am not at that point. Grâce à Dieu. But I am fighting discouragement. And a student shared about that discouragement at chapel today. So, we the students of Les Cèdres, could use your prayers.

I would also ask you to scroll down to the bottom of the last post and continue to pray for the things listed there.

Thank you for taking your time to read this and pray for me. Prayer changes things. Your prayers are a source of great strength and encouragement for me!

**The picture above is me with Becky and Carl Hudson. These wonderful people take care of me. I couldn't do what I'm doing without them. Thanks to you both!!

March 3

The music swells, the tempo quickens and my feet shuffle to the beat. The continental dance continues...

I'm back at Les Cèdres. I have been to two days of class. I am happy to report that I was able to return to my old class. I turned in my tests and was taken in by Régine. So far so good. Mme. Freeman has me prepared for the grammar, and with a little time my ears and mouth will get used to French immersion again. Thanks to all of you who have been praying for me to do well on my tests and return to my class!

I was so happy to be in Paris again. It's just...right. That's not to say that it's not an adjustment or without it's challenges. I am far away from many special people. But God is faithful. It helps so much that I have good friends here. And God keeps reminding me to take it one step at a time and make time for Him. Isn't it funny how easily we forget the value of time with Him, being still, partaking of the Word. It centers me, strengthens me, fills me...

Christie and Andy's wedding was beautiful, moving and meaningful. It was a joy to be able to spend time with her preparing for the day and then being a part of it. I am so grateful for having been able to be there for such a special time in her life. **above is a picture of the happy couple and one of me with the bride.

I was also able to spend a couple days with my dear friends Ruth and Ralph Somerville on my way to France. They are the dear people who housed me for 9 months years ago when I lived in England. I can't imagine what life would be like if they hadn't agreed to let me stay with them while I was on DNA. They are a wonderful life relationship and a valuable connection to Europe. God bless them generously for all they've given to so many who have found respite in their home!

I am sorry it has been so long since my last post. Hopefully, I will get into a routine now and be back to a weekly basis. Thanks as always to those of you who take your time to read this and keep up with me. It is encouraging to know you are thinking of and praying for me.

Please pray for:

~encouragement daily from the Holy Spirit. I must have the presence of God with me and in me! (Don't we all need this?)

~guidance on what to do after school in June. -where I am to go in France -what I am to do there -who I am to do it with

~grace to handle the work load and not burn out physically and mentally.

~provision. I am ok for living expenses from monthly giving, but it is going to be a challenge to get tuition and housing paid off by June.