New York, New York

Hey, hey!

I made it home and have been busy ever since. I started work the day after I got back to Oregon. I might be crazy, but it's ok. Things are going good so far. Please continue to pray for my transition to the states. It's been pretty crazy to get used to American culture, and all the changes that have taken place in my town, my house, and my family. Just pray that I would allow God to be the center of my life and my heart.

Here are a few pictures from my New York adventure. My favorite was the the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Shopping was also a plus. H & M is my new favorite store. And I liked seeing Kristy. She's the best.

Boat to Statue of Liberty-

Lady Liberty herself...
At the Creperie (MMM)
About to see Rent!

Zim Elections, take two

Please remember to pray for Zimbabwe. They are having their run off election on the 26th or 27th- three months after the original elections. The situation has gone from horrible to horrific in the time since the first election. The governement has now cut of all help from outside meaning the little food that was coming in is no longer allowed. The children who were getting one meal every three days are now getting no meals. The situtation is heartbreaking, and seemingly hopeless. We just have to keep praying and trusting that God has his hand in this situation somehow.

My friends, the Saywoods, are traveling by car through Zim in just a few days. They are from Zim but have lived in Malawi for the last 5 years. They have been planning for weeks what to say at the borders and police stops. They are planning on bringing as many groceries as possible to their relatives, but they have a 70% chance of getting them taken away at a police stop. Please keep them in your prayers in the next few weeks.

Other things to pray for:
1. traveling mercies for myself and others who are traveling (I'm leaving Malawi tomorrow and will be in New York City for 4 days)

2. peace of mind, heart, and body as I travel (believe it or not, I really don't like it!)

3. academy preparations for next year (new staff, supplies and materials coming, etc.)

Psalm 103

For the last few days I've had the words to Psalm 103 going around in my head.
"Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being praise his holy name."

You know those times when you just feel so full of life, joy, peace, love? I think my student, Florence, said it best at Thanksgiving time when she told me she was "enoughed." That is the best word to describe how I've felt wrapping up my first year here in Malawi. Enoughed. God has provided for me in just the right ways at just the right times.

Today I woke up with all kinds of butterflies about traveling and seeing Annie off. I know I'll see her again in a couple of months, but it just means the end of yet another season. After going to the airport I went to the Mackay's for lunch. I had their daughter in my class (did you notice the past tense in that sentence?). It was so wonderful. I left amazed at how God designed us so that we could see him in each other. We are his workmanship, and the work of his hands is so evident in others. The funny thing is, most of the people there are not Christians- and I can still see reflections of who God is by the way he made them.

"Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion, Praise the Lord, O my soul."

Congratulations, First Grade 2!

Wednesday was our award assembly. I was so nervous. I found out about 1 hour before it that I was supposed to have a little speech for each one of my kids, explaining why I chose the award. Plus, the parents of 6 classes of children were there. But, all went well. And I was so relieved once it was over. Once it was finished it really felt like the end. Today we worked on memory books and had a party and watched a movie. Tomorrow is final classroom clean up, field games, and home by 10:00 a.m. I can't believe it's almost over!

I'm leaving Malawi a week from today. Sometime in the next week I have to find time to pack my house, my classroom, and get as organized as possible for the first week of school. Not to mention say goodbye to people who have become very dear to me. School is ending, but the work is most definately not!

I just wanted to share a class picture with you. I'm willing to bet that you've never seen a more precious group of 7 year olds.

I can't wait to see you all in about a week and a half! Love and blessings to you!