ATL

What a crazy past few days. Monday afternoon I flew out from Asheville to Tampa, then was supposed to connect to Atlanta. But the Lord had a diferent plan in mind. He decided to make it thunderstorm for hours in Atlanta. And I was delayed for an hour. No biggie, just one hour. But soon enough we were delayed another hour, and another, it kept raining. In the meantime of the delays I made friends with a Puerto Rican woman who was also flying out, but at seperate times. Would would watch each others bags when we needed to use the bathroom, or get food. She bought a sandwich and gave me half. this woman was so sweet and comforting to me when I was freaking out. I knew I needed to get there that night, and hoped I would get to the shuttle in time. Not till 8:00 was Atlanta allowing planes to start and fly in. Thankfully a friend was able to pick me up from the airport. Once getting to the hotel I found my 3 roommates (not knowing who they are) still awake. They spent their summer in Greece! How cool is that??! maybe next year I'll do another trip, hopefully somewhere overseas...Don't panic Mom! haha

The next day (first day of debreifing) waking up and getting breakfast down in the lobby. We had to walk to the MTW offices from the hotel. The day was filled with many meetings, and the steps to dealing with culture shock. I didn't feel as if I have much of a culture shock compared to others, but in a way I did. My debrief was with 2 woman in the office and went well. It was nice to just talk about it and being asked questions about my experience. I hope that by the time I get home I will be able to share the highlights of my trip. And to figure out what those experiences were.

Tomorrow is the last day for debriefing, and MTW is giving us a brunch in the afternoon where our parents or whom ever are getting us (those not flying out)for brunch. My mom and Kaylee hope to be here about mid afternoon and get back on the road. I'm excited for the drive to Orlando and our time there to relax and sleep! Getting ready for another meeting/ talk at debriefing. Bye!

Greetings Earthlinks

Oh my how my time here has gone by! I have been too busy to sit down at the computer and blog about my days. I do keep a written journal though and may post blogs from previous days to catch you up. Things here are well. Packing is a tedioius thing to do when tired and drained. Emily said goodbye today. Her Dad came in town to drive home with her. It wasn't sad since we live only a few hours away from another. I hope to see her again. I changed cabins and am all settled in for now. Since I leave on Monday I'll be living out of the suitcase for the next day. There's no use of unpacking then repacking. Friday was the last day of the program and we traveled to the mall. It was interesting...they were frantically speed walking to "Justice" (which is similar to Limited Too) and purchased their Justin Bieber t-shirts. Then hurried down to Journeys to buy eye blasting colored, swagger shoes. The term swagger shoes is my own way of describing them to you, there is not relivence to them being or having "swagger," just to clarify...They had the Taminator and I running all over the place. Thankfully it was a refreshing workout after our lunch at the Olive Garden. :) Soup and salad with endless everything! Light but always filling!

This summer I felt like I was going through the motions and not fully grasping what I was doing here. About halfway I needed to do a heart check and really figure out the reasons for my being in Cherokee. I tried to control the program on my own, without God's guidance or comfort. It became so difficult and more of a job then an actual ministry. I didn't feel surrounded and encouraged by God's people, my sisters and brothers. I lost it.

I needed Him back and could desprately see that. It's still a process of seeing how I can't do things without Him. Having a peace of things that aren't of my own and knowing that it is out of my hands. For I can change nothing, only the Lord can. He holds us in His right hand, and calls us His child! I get warm fuzzys when I hear of His deep enduring love! Excited to get home soon. Debriefing in ATL for a few days then off to Orlando with Mummzy and Kaylee bird for HP World :) One thing I'm looking forward to about home: my oven!!

Day of Prayer

Yay! Its Saturday, my day off! Waking up week after week to a silent campsite is peaceful. No screaming children, or teams shouting in Korean :), just the beauty of the Smokies. I have the day to myself, while my roommate gives her parents a tour of the town. I was able to Skype with my life group girls and my dear cousin Kristen. And at the moment I'm finishing up some laundry.

I only have two weeks left here on the edge of the mountains. My days have been filled with entertaining middle schoolers and preparing for lessons to come. Lately I've been thinking of whats to come. Where I'll be in a few years. I could honestly see myself living on a mountain out West somewhere, hiking and biking and just enjoying the creation God made. I'm enjoying my independence for the mot part. Surprisingly I haven't been to homesick. Although I do miss home and my family it feels okay. I know that things will work out weather I like them or not. But for now I will just sit back and enjoy this day of prayer.

Bear Claw

Since my last blog I saw a film that completed my childhood, jumped in another river, and some more laundry. My days have been filled to the brim with planning and going places, and many meetings and introductions. I've been lacking sleep again and do not plan on getting sick anytime soon.This week the younger girls are doing morning VBS with a Korean team here, then afternoon with me. The lesson planning is more than I expected but its rewarding. I just have to keep leaning on Him for strength and endurance. Monday we went swimming after the lesson and today I did some tutoring. Surprisingly I enjoyed it. My Fourth of July wasn't anything exciting. We went to church, had lunch, then had an introduction meeting with the new teams. In the afternoon Emily and I went to the Pow Wow :) Got a ton of pictures for art this year. We were to tired to watch the fireworks, so we did laundry instead. The Taminator leaves tomorrow morning for the West. when she gets back I'll have one more week. I can't believe how fast this summer has gone by.

I'm looking forward to a fun time with Mum and Kaylee Bird drving home from ATL. This year will be crazy busy, and stressful. But hopefully with some added fun...Pray for strenght, when I grow weary. That I can find comfort in Him and not be discouraged by the people and things of this world.