My Utmost...

I'm not a big fan of Oswald Chambers, but yesterday I read the following in his My Utmost for His Highest.

"We forget that the one great reason underneath all missionary enterprises is not first the elevation of the people, nor the education of the people, nor their needs; but first and foremost the command of Jesus Christ - 'Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.'"

As Promised...

So, last time I promised a picture of Angie. Here it is. (I should note that this photo was taken by my 5 year-old niece, Hannah)

She's spent the last 5 days being driven around town as she is unable to drive herself for two whole months. I think she hates it.

Also, her mother has been in town since Friday night. She leaves tomorrow. She's a great lady and I'm glad I got to meet her before I leave.

That's the big news from the weekend, I guess.

Something About Angie

Ok, so most of you who read this blog know who Angie is, but, theoretically speaking, there may be some people who are reading this who do not.

Angie is my girlfriend of about 6 months now. She's the High School Youth Group leader at the Vineyard in Grove City. Her official title includes assimilation and other churchy words, but her heart and ministry is for high schooler. Why? I'm not sure. With the exception of Kate, I avoid high schoolers like the plague. As most people do.

Anyway, the point of this story is that she had a pretty serious seizure yesterday at work and was in the emergency room for a few hours. After blood tests and a CT scan she was released and referred to a neurologist for more test, etc. Until she's cleared by the neurologist, she can't drive and she shouldn't be left alone in case she has another seizure. For the record, she has no history of seizures or any major medical problems.

She's doing well, but keep her in your prayers.

I guess that's all for now. I don't have a picture of Angie on this computer, so, instead, I've posted a picture of my mom punching a close family friend for your enjoyment. I will post a picture of Angie soon, but you can also check out her blog (for pictures and seizure stories). The link is on the right.

One week on...

So, it's been almost a week since I got the dates of my departure. I have to admit that my sleep time has suffered a little. I feel anxious and excited and nervous and happy and scared. All in all, I'm a little freaked out. I mean this is a big change! For a long time all I had was ambiguity which was frustrating, but I didn't really have to think about the reality of leaving. Now, I have actual dates!

Don't get me wrong. I'm not second-guessing the decision to go. Not in the least. I still believe that God called me to this, so I'm not afraid of what will happen to me. But, let's face it, this is 6-12 months in a foreign country where they don't speak English. Oh, and there's a war.

Like I said before, I'm not afraid for my safety - I trust God for that. I've just never lived anywhere like this before. I lived in London for two months, but they all spoke English, so this is kind of a big deal.

Anyway, keep praying and enjoy the photo of Queen Victoria in front of St. Paul's.

Also, if you're reading this, keep it up. And write comments. Lots of comments.

Twice in One Day?

I know it's unusual for me to post twice a week, let alone twice a day, but I actually have news!

I have official dates:

Nov 25th - Arrive in San Diego, CA area for training

Dec 22nd - Finish in CA and go back home for Christmas.

Jan 2nd - Reconvene in Phoenix, AZ area for training

Jan 5th - Leave AZ for Houston, TX area for additional training

Jan 13th - Leave TX for IQ!!!!!

Jan 16th (or so) - Arrive in IQ

Keep praying!

Judas

So. I read a book this week which gave a brief bio of each of the disciples. As I read, I tried to decide which one I was most like. Could it be John? No. Could it be Peter? No. Maybe Thomas. That seemed pretty close, but I know I wouldn't be the one asking questions. I don't really do that.

Then I read the chapter on Judas. The author (and I'm sure many other scholars) theorizes that Judas may have betrayed Jesus because he was impatient. Judas not Jesus. Hmmm...I can relate to impatience. Also, the author reminds the reader that Judas was present for he miracles just like the other 11 and he was called by Jesus specifically. Just like the others. Additionally, the others seemed to trust him. He was the groups "treasurer" even. Also, I notice that, at the last supper, Jesus even tells Peter that Judas will betray him, but it seems that not even Peter believes that Judas would be the one. Certainly Peter would have tried to stop him, right? But he didn't.

The author goes on to say that Judas didn't know that the authorities would kill Jesus. He thought that by turning Jesus over, he could help move things along. He could give Jesus a little push into establishing God's kingdom on earth.

So, let's recap. He's impatient for God to act and wants to push things along with his own power without a clear understanding of the consequences. Also, and even more important, he's a good disciple.

I don't think I would have read the book had I known that my personality would be most like Judas'...

I guess the question then is what would Judas do if he were supposed to go to Iraq, but then had to wait six months? I need to figure that out and then do the opposite, I think.

Update?

I'm not sure it's an update if I have no new news to share, but I thought I'd go ahead regardless. You'll notice that I added a picture. I did this so that this update would seem more exciting. It's a picture of Lake Michigan taken from Racine, Wisconsin.

On Thursday I'll have orientation to sub at Columbus Public. I am really looking forward to it. It will be nice to be employed again like a regular person.

I am still waiting for official word on when I'll go to training. I should hear something one way or the other by the end of October (at the latest). Craig assures me that I'll hear by Friday. I hope so!

Interesting Developments

Ok, Ok , Ok. So I got the following e-mail yesterday from Ca...umm... "Phyllis" with "The Agency."

I have, of course, changed the names to protect the innocent...

"The usual question of 'any word on training or new applicants for our team?' has been coming around again-so I wanted to specifically address that. Good news- 'Leroy', the...director, is beginning to budge and is now willing to send you guys out without the full number of 12! Not to paint 'Leroy' in a bad light at all or to try to 'blame' him for this waiting period....but as director of this department, he bears the weight of discerning what is the wisest move for us to make for each team-and he has felt so far that the wisest thing for everyone was to wait until we had at least 12 to send to training. But one day last week we all were talking and he shared that he really felt that we needed to send you guys out before the years' end-to serve you well and to be most strategic with what's happening on the field. So I still can't give you specifics-but we are looking at some kind or arrangement to train you in November and December-ish. Like every other time I've told you an estimate-don't pin every hope on this bit of info. It is our 'GOAL' to have you guys sent out before the end of the year. Pray with us that the Lord will pave a smooth road to make this possible. All things depend fully on HIM!"

Wow!

People Really Read This Stuff?

I found out today that Vanessa fasted along with me last Thursday! That means she actually reads my newsletter! I didn't think anybody really did.

She said she only made it till noon. Like most of us, she gets hungry when she doesn't eat. Imagine that! More importantly, though, she made time to pray for me and the rest of the Team. That's pretty awesome.

I told her about my fasting plan last Thursday. I was starving (literally) by about 4 pm, so I decided that I'd stay up until midnight and eat a sandwich. That was my whole goal: make it to midnight, eat PB&J. I made it to midnight, but then it occurred to me that normal people would just go to bed and eat in the morning. Now, typically, I don't pay too much attention to what normal people would do, but, in this case, I did just that. I even thought about adding another day of fasting on Friday, but I'm pretty sure God wanted me to eat Chipotle instead...

Anyway, today I got an e-mail from one of the Team. She thinks it would be a good idea to set aside every Thursday for prayer and fasting. I wholeheartedly agree with that. I think we need to be more purposeful in our fight for IQ.

Doing the Unthinkable

So this morning I applied for a job with the University of Phoenix. Anyone reading this from Franklin will be scandalized, I'm sure. But they would pay up to 24% more than I was earning at Franklin, so ...