Piercings and needles

Living with no TV on a campus with about 300 other people can be interesting at times. My life is filled with classes (sessions as we actually call them), eating (the cafeteria food is pretty good - most of the time!), reading, studying, quilting (there are ladies here who teach you how to do it - I just finished my second one!), and finding things to do when you are not consumed with the previously mentioned activities. Well, this weekend, a couple of us girls were out shopping for clothing on sale to take to West Africa with us. While we were in Wal-Mart, I thought to myself, "I have been wanting to pierce my ears again for quite some time." So I did. (At least I didn't get my nose pierced like many of the other girls! It looks cute on them, but I don't think I could pull it off!) I walked up to the jewelry counter and got a second hole in each ear. The earrings are actually quite cute too - little crystal flowers.

I also survived my first round of shots - hep. A and polio. The hep A. booster was the only one that hurt - but I am having an allergic reaction of sorts to the polio. I get a second round of shots Friday, so pray for me!

I also got my airplane tickets (or at least the official reservation) this past week. I fly out Jan. 5 and arrive in Senegal Jan. 6 at about 5:00 am Senegal time! At least my body will be telling me it is 11:00 pm America time!

Every Sunday night we have worship from a different part of the world. The first Sunday night was East Asia. I was sick, so I missed that one. The next Sunday night was Africa. We danced, sang, and had a blast! Everyone loved it! Tonight is South American worship and we have to wear our Sunday best. I have a dress all picked out and ready to go. It should be interesting because they conduct the worship in whatever languages are spoken in that region. Considering that I don't know a lick of Spanish . . .

Depending on the Lord

This weekend, as a regional assignment, we used no electricity (except for the stove) and cooked West African food from scratch. I was fun, but quite eye opening as well. For one thing, I had forgotten how long it truly takes to cook from scratch. There are no Lean Cuisines in Senegal! Also, I couldn't go to the movies with my friends, couldn't eat with them, and couldn't even work on my quilt! I realized that I am preparing to go to Senegal without my friends and family. It upset me at first. Being single and moving that far away is somewhat terrifying. But then I remember who I get my strength from. With God, I have no reason to be lonely. He is always with me. He is my Father and my best friend. Besides, I'm going to have some great new friends in Senegal!

On another note, I am feeling 100% better after my sinus and ear infection. Thanks to many prayers and great antibiotics. It is still somewhat hard for me to hear out of my right ear, but it is improving. I feel like an old lady having to tell everyone to speak up because I can't hear them!

Begin praying for everyone this week - shots and immunizations begin next week! Aaaggghhh! I am preparing myself for sore arms and temperatures (shots always make me run a fever).

Sinus Infections - Yuck!

Today here in Virginia the weather was beautiful and sunny with a high of about 72. It doesn't get more perfect than that! There is only one problem - I'm sick. Quite sick. I'm not really running a fever, but I absolutely cannot breathe through my nose. I am so congested my ears hurt. I have to blow my nose every three minutes, so I look like Rudolph. (At least Christmas is coming soon!) I'm taking Day-quil, but I think I might need a more powerful decongestant. Please pray for me because Monday is going to be another long day here at training and orientation.

Things have been really good so far. They sure are keeping us busy though! I had my prayer card pictures taken today, so I will have those ready for when I come back south Dec. 18. If you want one, but you won't be seeing me in person, I will gladly mail you one. I'll send out an email to everyone on my list reminding you if you want one to send me your address.

Last night was Halloween and the day before that was my 26th birthday. I remember for my birthday as little kid having costume parties and dressing up like a ballerina. It's hard to believe I'm already in my late 20s. Time moves a little too fast sometimes. That's why it is so important that if God is calling us to do something, we not wait. I waited three years before I answered my call, and God has truly blessed me since I have obeyed Him. Is there something He is calling you to do? Do not wait to do it! He is calling you to serve Him! What a blessing it is to serve such a mighty God!