Hello friends! it's been a while, but I've finally found time to sit down and send out an update on all that's been going on with me. I was supposed to send this email last month, but there really wasn't much to say. SO...instead of sending out a paper newsletter this month, I've decided to email and send a paper one after January. Sound good?! Great! Ok, here's the scoop: In This UPDATE: -Holiday Time=Craziness -New Beginnings -Support Update -Prayer Requests Holiday Time = CRAZINESS! OK! Well, it's been Thanksgiving, Christmas, and tomorrow New Year's. The past couple of months have been crazy with cooking, travel, gifts, work, and support meetings. I've been to Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and back to Arkansas! The time was bittersweet. The Holidays are a time for remembering what we are thankful for, celebrating the gift God gave us through Christ's birth, and fellowshiping with friends and family. This time, though, things were a little different for me. I found myself being more sad and discontent during these "holiday" times. Why? Well, I think it's because always in the back of my mind was the thought that I probably won't be here next year for such times. Sometimes this thought brought sadness, because this is always a special time for our family to come together and see one another that we may have not seen since last Thanksgiving or Christmas. Sometimes this thought brought a bit of relief, because this time of year is so stressful and "hussle and bussle" that the meaning tends to be distorted and sometimes forgotten. I will miss my family and the being together, but I am also looking forward to just peace during the holidays. I asked a friend of mine how her Christmas was while she was in India, was it hard. She told me that her Christmas time in India was different but oh so good; it was without the materialism and commercialism that is so present in the States; it was broken down and merely a time to reflect and truly understand the true meaning of why we even have Christmas in the first place. I look forward to that. New BEGINNINGS: Well, the new year here! I spent New Year's Eve with my sister and her husband at their new house! Yes, for those of you who know them, Brooke and Garrett just moved into a house that they are renting! This is a very exciting next step for them...more responsibility....but very exciting. At first I felt as though this time I have had over the break has wasted away, like I could've been so much more productive, but then I realized that this time was a gift. A time that God gave me to relax, be with my family, and get ready for the craziness of Winter and Spring 2007. So, rather than worrying about things that I think I should have done, I enjoying the break because with this new year the madness starts.... COLORADO HERE I COME..well, AM: I am currently in Palmer Lake, Colorado (right outside CO Springs) where I am attending Missionary Training International (MTI) from January 2 to February 2. I am SUPER excited about this next step on my path to Ukraine. There are two parts to training: PILAT and SPLICE. PILAT is language acquisition training, basically helping me with learning a different language. SPLICE is a pre-departure training program to help me take my culture and acclumate myself to the new culture, ministry, and attitudes I will encounter on my stint. It's a packed schedule, but I know I will learn TONS! There are people here from all different mission agencies going all over the world! I've already met some amazing people with great stories. We are all so different people, though we all sharing the same heart and passion for God's world. I will keep you updated on my time here with emails and with my paper newsletter (if you aren't on my mailing list and would like to be, send me your info and I'll send you ME!) that I'll send out beginning of Feb. Support UPDATE: Here's a quick update on my support status: I have been heavy on the support traill, visiting a lot of people. I have been meeting with community groups at my church (Fellowship Bible Church in Conway), which has been great. I have met a lot of new people through it, and built some relationships. God has definitely blessed me through that. As of right now, I don't have an exact percentage as to how far along I am. However, I can guesstimate that I'm about at 20%. The support is coming along slowly but surely, and I can do nothing but thank God for His constant provision. He's continuously surprising me by providing the right amounts at the right times. I also want to give a HUGE THANK YOU to those of you who have been praying for me, those who have already begun giving, those who have pledged to give, and those have taken the time to sit and listen to me talk (often babble) about my heart and passion. I am blessed beyond comprehension to have you in my life, on my team, and a part of what God is doing in Ukraine. When I return from Colorado I will once again hit the support trail hard in hopes of reaching my late April departure goal. Note: If any of you who receive this email, and whom I haven't already met with, would like to meet with me or would like more support information, PLEASE feel free let me know. You can email, call, or stalk me. I would LOVE to talk to you more. Prayer REQUESTS: Prayer is so powerful. I am reminded of this constantly as I am amazed by God's provision and power in my life and the lives around me. Thank you for your prayers. -Please pray for good health as I travel and live in Colorado for a month, in the dead of winter. I have never been to Colorado (or anywhere else that actually has an intense snow fall) over the winter season, thus I am a little nervous. Seeing as it hasn't even snowed in Conway this year, I'm pretty sure my body is going to go into shock the moment I step out of my warm, toastey car. Also for healthy eating habits as I try to get past the abundance of not-so-healthy holiday eats. -Pray for safe travel to and from Colorado. -Pray for my heart and mind to be totally open as I enter into this intense training period. Pray that I absorb all I possibly can! -Pray for continued additions to my financial and prayer support team! God will get me there when He wants me there! (one of my constant montras) -Pray for discipline, patience, trust, and perseverance as I prepare myself for ministry with Josiah Venture in Ukraine. Well, that concludes my super long--but not as long as it could be--update.  I wish you all a very happy New Year! Be safe and have fun! Keep in touch...let me know what's going on in your lives and how I can be praying for you. GOD BLESS You can go to my blog to check out pictures and more recent updates! | 
I am raising monthly amounts. This is my main goal because this will allow me to live and allow ministry to thrive while I am in Ukraine. However, people can also give one-time amounts. It is required that I have 100% of my support raised before I can go. All support given is tax-deductible. If you have questions or are interested in giving you can contact me at: 
