Summer 2007

As summer 2007 has ended (unofficially), and I begin college tomorrow, I decided to write down some thoughts on this past summer.

First, my dream of taking a missions trip came true. From June 3-10 I was able to go on a school missions trip to Boston to serve our sister church, King of Grace, in Methuen, Massachusetts. A few days later, from June 15-25, God blessed me with the amazing opportunity to fly to Russia and serve there. Both of these trips were awesome in their own way. Boston was doing a lot of practical outreach stuff and getting to know people that I already knew a little bit better. Russia allowed me to do more bonding with the people we served, and I got to meet a lot more people and make new friends.

July was pretty uneventful, just a lot of working and growing in my walk with God. I also spent most, maybe even all, of July with a burning desire to go back to Russia.

August was incredible as well. God answered so many prayers and gave me so many opportunities to do things I desired to do. August was also a time of change for me concerning Russia. I was convicted that my desire to return to Russia, though not a "bad" desire, was no longer healthy for me. God, in His goodness, told me my mission field right now is America, in my workplace, at school, in my community. Also, I felt like I was holding out too much for him to call me back to Russia because that's where I wanted to be, and I felt like I was being close minded to being called elsewhere. Now, I feel like I may even be called to a third world country, but I just need to wait for God to tell me where. And, for all I know, it still could be Russia. I am thankful that I still have the desire to go back to Russia, but am even more thankful the desire is not so strong that it's distracting me from life and the opportunities I have every day to be an example. In August I also had the privilege to go on a family vacation to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. That was such an enjoyable time as I got to know Allan and Dan better, and spend a good amount of time with Maggie and Jonathan (getting to know them better, too!)

But alas, all good things must come to an end. Summer 2007 may be the best summer of my life, and while I'm disappointed to say good bye to it, I am honored to have been the recipient of God's many blessings this past summer. While my life will probably get significantly busier as college life begins, I am excited to see how God uses it to strengthen my relationship with Him. On that note, if you think of it, please pray for me. I wasn't anxious about school for the longest time, but now that it's here, I am finding myself doubting I'll be able to handle it all. I know that these doubts are not God honoring, because that's basically saying He can't help me handle it and His grace won't be enough for me. Prayer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

I would love to read how your summer was, so if you post something, please leave a comment saying you did!