Finito!
I took my last final yesterday, and did it in under an hour, might I add! This week's slew of tests left my brain more muscular than it's ever been. I was going for 12 units this semester which may have seemed like a piece of cake compared to my 16-unit attempts in past semesters. But I will tell you, these would have to be the hardest 12 units I've ever had to earn. Maybe I should stick with the 12 units and actually finish the courses rather than attempt 16 and end up with 12.
In any case, I am done! PRAISE THE LORD!
I am almost gone... and once I am gone, I will not be back for quite some time. The reality of it all is slowly sinking in, I can hardly contain myself. I've been selling lumpia all week, so that's helping the fund-raising process and I am also leading at the Worship Center here in Stockton this Sunday. They are so generous in their giving, so that will be a blessing as well.
Word of the Day: "Surely you shall call a nation you do not know, And nations who do not know you shall run to you, Because of the LORD your God, And the Holy One of Israel; For He has glorified you." Isaiah 55:5, NKJV
Countdown to Departure Date: 27 days
Countdown to DTS: 37 days
Elijah's Whirlwind
I recently looked at the story of Elijah. When it was time for him to meet the Lord, Elijah did not shut his eyes and go, he did not even suffer any pain. The Lord took Elijah up in a whirlwind, a tornado-looking cloud. And I ask myself, "What was going through Elijah's mind at that moment? And how does it feel to be in the midst of something so powerful as a whirlwind?" I cannot say that I have been inside of an actualy whirlwind, but I am telling you, there is a tornado that is swirling in mind right now, and my thoughts are painfully great in number!
It is finals week. My mental exhaustion causes me to believe that it has been finals month! Today I took my first final which was on US History! What a pill to swallow! Next up, English (tomorrow) and then Geography (Thursday). After that, I AM FREE!
There hasn't been much time to really focus on the details of my trip, but I do not mind because I have purchased my plane tickets! I will post my departure/arrival itinerary in a later news update, but for now I want to thank all of my friends and family who have prayed for the prep for my trip. Thank you for all of your support and I ask that you would continue to pray. It's only just begun! And there is plenty to pray about.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
-The financial need is still 2/3 of my full budget
-The hearts and minds of the DTS students and leaders
-The places that we are going to minister in
-Wisdom and aid in the final stages of prep
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL MISSIONARY!
Countdown to Departure Date: 30 days
Countdown to DTS: 40 days
Spiritual Upbringing
Throughout my life I have been blessed beyond measure to have parents that have always known the importance of spiritual growth. Not many people have been able to be raised in a household such as mine, and for that I am very grateful. But beyond having an immediate family that has cared for my spiritual well being, I have had the honor of my life being poured into by men and women of God who truly have my best interests at heart.
Two people who have more recently been guilty of messing up my life for the ordinary, people who I owe so much to already, are Pastor Danny and Stephanie Goodin. Pastor Danny, whom I affectionately call "Papa Dan", teaches me so much about responsibility and consistency. He is also such a great example of showing godly, merciful leadership. On top of that, he's a hecka funny guy and we have fun annoying his wife, Stephanie. Steph and I became better acquianted just a little bit before my trip to The Gambia, West Africa last summer. Since then we have become very good friends, and I think it would be safe to say that she understands me more than I realized any single human being could. We are good for each other, like the creme filling and the oreo cookies or rice and soy sauce. I love them both so much! Yesterday they took me up to Sacramento, to go shopping at
REI for things that I'm going to need when I travel. Everything we did was great, and they did so much more than they should have. But simply being with them and absorbing the things that they teach me is more important to me than all the money in the world!
We give honor to whom honor is due, and this news update is devoted to Mama & Papa Goodin. When I struggle with feeling alone in this time of transition, often questioning whether or not anyone is behind me to hold me up, I can count on them to give me their undivided support and love. I love you, Danny and Steph!
Me and Mama Steph having lunch in Danny's office
Papa Dan during dinner at their home
Countdown to DTS: 64 days
"is that your final answer?"
What is my final answer? Answer to what, you might be asking? Answer to anything, really! It's finals month, and my semester is winding down. In actuality, my semester is plumeting to the ground with my mental stability! I have fallen behind a bit, but have been doing my best to catch up. This week has been a great week of catch-up. What was once impossible is now do-able, but more important, it is obtainable. And I am going to go after it with relentless pursuit!
This semester I have felt as if I've absorbed more from my classes than I had in previous ones. Really, it was nothing more than applying myself to what I was taking in. On top of that, I have actually been interested in expanding my knowledge about the subjects I've been studying - World Regional Geography (basically studying maps), Religions of the Western World, English 1B (lituratue, theatre & poetry) and History 17B (the background of our country)
All that to say, things are going well with preparation for my departure! I haven't had too much time to focus on my trip since school is priority at the moment. I've given myself by Friday to purchase my plane ticket, so I have 7 days to raise about $600. Help me pray, friends, I'm almost to my goal!
KEEP IN TOUCH and feel free to write me anytime... there is no excuse to not keeping in touch because of the many ways you can contact me. I love to hear from you guys!
Countdown to DTS: 66 days
