Another adventure...

My goal from the beginning of this semester (when I decided to take the semester off school) was to MAKE the MOST of THIS SEASON. I wanted to have adventures, travel, read good books, love people, be open to serving, pursue the heart of God. Now that I am halfway through the semester, I have started evaluating how all of this has been going. As usual, my expectations were quite high and I haven't been living up to all of my aspirations for this semester. It has been an enjoyable chapter in the story so far. But, I haven't read as much as I wanted to. I haven't loved people as well as I wanted to. I have been selfish rather than servant-hearted. I would always love to travel more. And I haven't given Jesus as much time as he deserves. But, I am so thankful for His GRACE. Every morning is a fresh start and a new chapter in this ridiculous life story that he put me in.

And, tomorrow yet another adventure is taking place...the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. I went last summer to spend time with some great friends, Joe and Shannon, who are missionaries there. My roommate, Julie, and I found cheap tickets (despite having 2 overnight layovers - it will be good training for when we are on the Amazing Race); Joe and Shannon have the week off; and things just kinda fell into place.

Its been a while since I have gone on a vacation trip; there is usually some type of work or project. I considered this idea in my head and realized that if my entire life goal is to glorify God and make Him known, it doesn't matter if I am on a "mission trip" or a "vacation." If we are followers of Jesus, we are full-time, 24/7 missionaries. I'm excited to see who God brings into our paths, how we can serve and love people...So...here we come...a week of rest, rejuvenation, good friends, lots of laughing, funny stories, Spanish, beautiful beaches, and a beautiful culture.

But, I am sure going to miss this...

We'll have to have another sister sleepover as soon as I get home :)

Car Ride with Tem and Tessa...

On the way to Grandpa and Grandma's house.

I love my new siblings. Even when I have no idea what they are saying.

Lately, I have been encouraged, inspired and deeply challenged by...

http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/ (This blog by a 20-something girl who sacrificed everything to move to Uganda and now is the mom to fourteen kids) Check this out.



www.brookhills.org/media/series/radical (This sermon series by Dr. David Platt has been blowing my mind and I just started the first one; I always come up with other things to do and fill my life with busyness. But, please make time for this.)


http://www.thereisnomewithoutyou.com/ This book called There is No Me Without You by Melissa Fay Greene. Greene tells the story of an Ethiopian woman who goes through terrible grief in her own life but then starts caring for orphans affected by HIV/AIDS. It was even better to read right after coming home from Ethiopia; all the memories were still so vivid and real.