Well, it's been a while since I last blogged. A few months already! Man, how time flies! Once Halloween comes, it's like November and December fly right by bringing us into the new year! I had a great Thanksgiving and Christmas break. I was able to spend lots of time with my family on both occasions. I loved picking out presents for everyone for Christmas and enjoyed seeing them open the gifts I had spent so much time choosing for them. I got some pretty cool gifts, too. Got some flashcards and books to help me with learning Thai and I've been putting them to good use. I've continued with Thai lessons once a week and continue to learn new things each week. I stay pretty busy and on the go these days, but it's all good stuff. I've made time to be with friends which is very good for my soul. I try to make time to relax each day so as not to get overwhelmed with all the things I could be working on. I recently signed up for Netflix which has been a great reward to relax with once I've accomplished some things on my to-do list. I guess I should also mention that I just turned another year older. It's strange being this old. I don't feel like I'm that old and I feel like I live life like I'm not that old, but I am. Turning another year older always makes me think about how I've lived my life and if I've really lived it or not. Some times I think back on those days when I was younger and had this picture of what life would be like when I got older and I realize that my life looks nothing like I thought it "should" be. It makes me wonder some times if I'm really still waiting for life to begin. I know that's not true. I guess you can say I've been waiting on the "big" things to come, but they haven't. That can make me sad some times, but then other times that just reminds me that I've found peace in living life to the fullest in the small things. Sure, others looking in at my life and my accomplishments from the outside may think that I've done nothing with it, but I know the truth. And I see my life lived out in so many ways where the "small" things are what made the biggest difference. So here's to another year! May it be a BIG year while living out each moment to the fullest and loving extravagantly! With this new year, I've also started working out a little. I've been joining a friend three mornings a week for 40 minute workouts. I think it's helping me sleep better and I am enjoying it even though it can be super hard on me some times. Joining a friend really forces me to get up early those mornings to show up so that's been very helpful.
I know that was a very brief overview of almost three months, but could you imagine if I shared about every little thing? That would be TOO long! Anyway, mostly I've been trying to connect with others the past few months. I have a bad tendency to withdraw when I get busy or overwhelmed so I've made a real effort at trying to connect with others and do life with them. Relationships are important and life is too hard to do alone! With that being said, thank you friends for being you and loving me! You are awesome!
Now for a brief update on my journey to serve in Thailand. I've just recently passed the 60% marker which is super exciting. Still a ways to go, but so much closer than I was! I've been blessed with the opportunity to speak in three different Sunday School classes and I've really enjoyed that. It's allowed me to meet lots of new people and share my story. Yes, I'm still trying to raise support. I must be at at least 95% before I can make solid departure plans for Thailand. And let me tell you, I CANNOT wait to get there! I get so excited to hear about what God is doing in the hearts of those in Thailand and just want to be there already so I can be a part of it all! Plus, I know those in Thailand are patiently awaiting my arrival as well. If you are interested in supporting my service in Thailand, please let me know. Or visit tms-global.org/give and under give to a missionary enter the amount and my account #3071. Every little bit helps! Even if it's as little as $10 a month. Thanks!
