Camera

I was given a new digital camera from my parents. In two days I took at least 350 pictures of my American students, so that I can show my African students, my American students. This really took me out of my comfort zone. I am not a big fan of taking pictures--I feel like I am interrupting peoples lives, although, after a while, I started enjoying taking pictures. The students really seemed to have fun, at least a good number of them, and the rest, well they were willing... God is showing me ways to get out of my comfort zone and try new things, even in small ways.

I have made custom made luggage tags, one set for going to Uganda, and another set of luggage tags for coming home. My Mom has made me an awesome passport holder, and a hair towel, because my TurbieTwist is about 2 in. to short now. She has also sewn for me a laptop bag, which I will use to protect my laptop, inside my carry luggage.

Good news! Bad news...

I have a job interview at Clark High School at 4:10PM. This is good news, as I did not sign the contract at my current high school, and I am leaving very shortly for Africa. Not signing a contract, knowing that you will be out of the country for the entire summer is quite gutsy, although God has given me a sense of peace.

Please pray that my interview goes well tomorrow afternoon--I have been wanting a job at Clark HS for about three years now. I am both excited and nervous!

I bought a travel alarm clock for my trip today. It is razor thin. While I was at the store, the cashier asked me if I was going on a trip. I replied, "Yes, I am going to Uganda with FPC for 5 1/2 weeks!" He was quite happy to hear about what I was doing and replied, "My brother is going (somewhere) for a couple weeks this summer with Oak Hills." I had also mentioned that I was a high school math teacher, and his response was, I have a hard time with math. So...I gave him my email address and said, "contact me in the fall when you are taking your math class and I am more than happy to help you."

Dan Williamson (from UUMC), an amazing man of God--both a servant and an encourager, was killed in an automobile accident, while moving his daughters (Kelli) things, from Perkins School of Theology to Austin, where she will be finishing a masters in divinity, by completing her internship requirement. Kelli will move up Saturday, even after the long and laborious week she has had. Please pray for Kelli (Dan's first daughter), Tammi (Dan's second daughter), and Sharon (Dan's wife).

Prayer!

On Saturday I made a trip out to Whole Earth Provisions to purchase a few items to pack. Since I was there and I saw converters I decided it would not hurt to look and see what was available. Knowing nothing about converters, I just looked, and saw a couple standing nearby me. I asked the husband, "Excuse me, do you know anything about converters." "Yes, I know a little." "Great, tell me everything you know." So we had a conversation about some of the things I would need to purchase to be able to run the laptop.

The couple and I separated in the store, but then we wound up in the same spot again, having yet another brief conversation about where we were going. Once again, we separated. For a third time I was in the presence of this couple, but this time, the wife and I had a little conversation. She asked me where I was going and what I was going to do in Uganda. As soon as I mentioned Rafiki, her face lit up, the words BSF came out of her mouth and she started to praise how wonderful Rafiki is and how excited she is for me. The next words out of this woman's mouth were "I'm praying for you!"

Isn't it cool, when you can be at the store, preparing for a trip, and someone you do not know, says, "I'm praying for you!" Wow!

Tuesdays Blessings

I have an awesome new dentist! He has worked me into his busy schedule to make sure my teeth are taken care of before leaving. Dr. Leonard has even made me a new "retainer" so that I will keep my teeth straight. God has put amazing people into my life to listen to me, encourage me, and support me, as I prepare to trek into the unknown. God is good.

Busy Weekend, Travel Size, Mondays blessings

About 5PM on Thursday it hit me that I am going to be leaving pretty soon--check out my countdown on the right hand side of this blog. Needless to say, I have been slowly, but surely preparing, until Sunday evening, when I felt a sense of urgency.

I decided to take out my luggage, (happy birthday to me a few years back!) both my "big bag", and the carry on belonging to my parents that I will be taking and using. I packed a bag with 50 lbs. of bibles already in my "small" bag, which I usually use as carry on.

Off to CVS I went to purchase items such as lotion, aloe, shampoo, conditioner, the medium sized stuff toiletries for my checked luggage. Oh and I bought my Mom her $0.99 Mothers Day gift, circus peanuts. At HEB I was able to purchase the rest of the items--detergent, iron pills, ear plugs, etc.

My laptop arrived from HP, very exciting! I am putting it to good use as I type this right now. And they refunded the money that they overcharged--it just took two weeks.

This weekend I had the opportunity to see what God is doing in many different ways. Saturday I was able to go down to the Habitat house that First Presbyterian Church is helping build. I was blessed with the chance to cut floor tiles. I can now say that I have helped with the framing on the roof, cutting tiles, and laying tiles on a habitat house.

Sunday was diaper drive Sunday, so I brought a big ol box of diapers. A parent of a young child at Costco said Huggies were his favourite; I bought Huggies. Sunday also happened to be Bridge Sunday. I brought 18 dozen eggs, pre cracked--good idea, Mom! As soon as I made it into the kitchen I started scrambling those eggs. We made quite a few tacos to give out to people.

Monday always brings its blessings. This morning one of my students brought me an article he tore out of the paper in the Billy Graham section. A person was asking were do you start studying about Christianity? There are multiple denominations, so where does one start? Billy Grahams answer, perfect, you start by studying the Bible, by studying Jesus, because all denominations are centered around Jesus. The rest is just details.

This afternoon, a student of mine ask, "When were you saved?" I was caught a little off guard to say the least and replied, "I was born into it. I made my choice to stay with it." Just moments later, I overheard the same student conversing with another student in the classroom. She had said something about wanting to pinch a cute boys butt. He looked at her and said, "I have a girlfriend, so I quit looking at other girls boobs. If I can do that, I think you should quit thinking about pinching butts." It's interesting the way they think. Clearly, God is working in the lives of these young men and women.

Zach

My father is an active volunteer with a Christian retreat called Epiphany. This is where people go into the jails to teach youth about Jesus and His love for them. In November I made a commitment to pray for a young man named Zach. I only knew a name, very little about him. Two weekends ago I had the opportunity to meet this young man, as he was helping serve at the Epiphany weekend. Meeting Zach was exciting--I told him that I had been praying for him daily, for months, and he thought that was cool. :)

Meet Dan!

Dan is now 3 ½ years old. When he came to Rafiki (where I am going to be) at 2 years of age, he could not walk. But now he is running! He now knows all the words to Immortal Invisible and is in preschool. His preschool class went on a fun field trip recently to the local village. During his first year at Rafiki he’s also learned to fly kites, healed from a broken leg, played soccer, gone to church, “read” books with his Rafiki mother, ridden a trike, enjoyed the swings and slides, and had 3 meals a day. In preschool he is learning his colors, shapes, how to “do” school, and to love God’s Word.

Jesus Shoes

God likes to be in the schools. My students have named my Chacos "Jesus shoes" and "Africa shoes."

Yesterday, I was discussing graphs and one of the problem situations involved the tide level. I then proceeded to tell my students about being in Indonesia, and revolving around high tide/low tide to sail from island to island, which led to another question, which led to another question, and to yet another. Not only was our math lesson was taught, a wee bit of Geography discussed, they conveniently asked why I was in Indonesia--I could tell them no other answer, I went to Indonesia to tell people about Jesus!

I am reminded of a story that occurred a few weeks back. A student had asked to borrow my cell phone to call home. I gave them the phone and when they opened the phone, they noticed my phone read, "I love (Hey-Zeus) Jesus!" They proceeded to ask who "(Hey-Zeus) Jesus was, informing me that I said I was single and did not have a boyfriend. I laughed and said, "Jesus! This Jesus (Hey-Zeus) you are talking about is Jesus. The students' response was great, "Oh, wouldn't it be good if everybody loved Jesus?"

Gods Authority and Probability

Matthew 28:18-20 (New American Standard Bible)

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Perspectives is about 100% experimental probability, even though theoretical probability is 1 in a kajillion. Because of Gods authority the probability of anything happening is 100%!

I am beginning to understand that a

willing witness + heartbeat obedience = divine encounter

Pray that I will be both willing and obedient, now as I prepare, and while I am in Africa, so that Jesus is glorified.

HP and the IPOD

My old laptop is officially out of commission. This past weekend, Dad and I went notebook shopping. After visiting Sams, Costco, Best Buy, and Office Max, I determined what I wanted to purchase; a 17'' widescreen with 2GB memory, and a large hard drive. After checking stores, online ads, and everywhere else, I decided to go with the HP website, and customized my own computer. This enabled me to purchase the computer I want, plus "purchase" a free printer--Levi is in luck...it is a printer/copier/scanner deal. I am going to stick with my laser printer (Merry Christmas from Daddy!). The computer will arrive in a couple of weeks, the printer in a couple of days.

The only problem I had with ordering the computer/printer deal was that HP charged me for 2 printers, and I had to change that to one, which created quite a bit of hassle. Now, I am waiting on my credit card to be credited. If that does not happen in the next couple of business days, on the phone to HP will be me. Miscommunication happens. Oh well.

A student today gave me a skin for the IPOD Nano, he had an extra one, and just brought it, I was surprised, and appreciative. One less thing to think about buying. Miguel said he had 3, but I was shocked when he just gave me one of them today when I went to go help him with his work. :) Really, my students are the best.

Mileage Plus

So...I am on the phone with United Airlines, trying to sign up for their mileage plus. That was the easy part, now connecting the miles with my flight information out to Africa is the challenge. When I signed up the computer would not allow me to use my full name, which is found on the passport, but when I called Reservations to connect the miles to my flight, they said I must have the name that appears on the passport connected to the mileage plus number.

I have called mileage plus, to be told to call reservations, then called reservations and they said to call mileage plus to have them fix my name so it is as it appears on my passport, so...they could not fix it, but came sort of close, and that was that. I once again called mileage plus, and the man was very helpful. And I thought I was going to be finished when I called reservations, but hey, I was wrong. I called reservations and they added my flight, yah! But...when I was on mileage plus trying to choose my seats the computer systems would not allow me to do this, a PNR (not sure what this is) error. I called reservations back again.

Boy I am becoming good at listening to computer voices on the phone, it's kind of funny. I like to say, "person, person, person." And then the computer says, "Thank you, I will transfer you to a United Airlines representative."

Reservations was helpful, I am now waiting on the travel agency to do their part. Oh what fun!

Prescriptions and Prayer

Tuesday night I was able to pick up my prescriptions at the HEB Pharmacy with relatively little trouble--it took an hour, but HEB was helpful and took care of the "problems." This was a blessing.

The Casa de Misercordia (House of Mercy) Orphanage in Piedras, Niegras needs your prayers. A tornado touched down in this area of Mexico, and in Eagle Pass, Texas, killing 10 people in Eagle Pass. The Casa de Miesercordia is alive and well, although the Catholic orphanage nearby was ruined, therefore, those children are now at Casa de Misercordia, which now has 25 new children due to the upheaval nearby. Pray that the needed food is brought into the orphanage, as there are 25 extra mouths to feed. Pray for the children as they embrace one another.

When God puts something on your heart, pray and go do it! --Peter Radchuk

Prayer Letter

22 April 2007

In 2002, I had the opportunity to go to Australia, Indonesia, and East Timor through Youth With A Mission to tell others about Jesus. God has given me a passion for people. For the past two years, I have been teaching high school math. My desire is to find a mate and to teach overseas, long term, after some continued training here in the United States.

After encouragement from my brother, Levi, this past January I decided to change churches and now attend and support First Presbyterian Church (FPC, www.fpconline.org), located in downtown San Antonio. This past semester, God has blessed me with the opportunity to take a course called, “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement,” at FPC. Perspectives (www.perspectives.org) is broken up into four major categories—Biblical (God’s purpose for us throughout the entire bible beginning in Genesis with Gods promise to Abraham), historical (expansion of the World Christian Movement), strategic (why unreached people groups are important to God’s eternal purpose), and cultural (The Gospel and cross-cultural communication).

I am writing to tell you about a terrific opportunity I am taking part in this summer. Located in Kampala, Uganda, East Africa, is a Rafiki Village (www.rafiki-foundation.org). Rafiki’s aim is to help orphan children in Kampala, grow into godly productive citizens of Uganda. As a mini-missionary, and teacher by profession, I will be working in the secondary school. For the first two weeks of my trip other members of FPC will accompany me. Given a long summer break, I am going to stay in the Rafiki Village through the 10 July 2007, just under six weeks. Teaching has its advantages!

Not only during my trip, but starting today, I am asking that you include me in your prayers. I would like you to pray for travel preparations, as they are well on the way. During my trip, I am asking you to pray for all team members from FPC:

• Sunday—the Faith of the people we will be ministering to, and for our personal faith

• Monday—our Health, so that we may effectively work with others

• Tuesday—Decisions we make, because our sins affect others

• Wednesday—pray that we are Useful and Helpful in our time in Uganda

• Thursday—for the Nationals that we will be working with

• Friday—Students and teachers, Education in Uganda

• Saturday—Glorification of Christ, that people may see in and through us Gods goodness

I will use my savings to cover a large portion of the $3200 cost of this trip. However, if you would like to partner with me financially that would be much appreciated. Some of the expenses for the mission trip are provided by First Presbyterian Church. Your gift is fully tax-deductible, and any contributions I receive above my individual cost, will be applied to the team expenses.

I would like you to return the enclosed response card, by the 15 May 2007, whether or not you choose to support me financially. This will allow me to take you with me (so to speak) on the trip. I know it will be of great encouragement to me to have your involvement. I am excited about being a part of this team, and I will keep you updated via my blog http://fullafaith.blogspot.com/ on my experience. Check it out today!

*****

I/We would like to be your partner in Faith’s experience in Uganda.

___ I/We will support you in prayer.
___ I/We have enclosed a check for ___$25 ___$50 ___$100 $_____

Name _______________________________________
Address _____________________________________
City, St, Zip __________________________________

Make all checks payable to First Presbyterian Church, earmarked “Uganda Mission Trip 2007” and mail to FPC c/o Lexi Smith; 404 N. Alamo, San Antonio, TX 78205. Thank you!