So here I am on a 5 day countdown until I leave for the summer. The past semester has absolutely flown by and I cannot believe my Nicaragua arrival date is almost here! I have been waiting for this day for a long long time and I cannot express my excitement --however, I do feel like I will probably forget something or many things that I'll need down there (I always seem to forget things I need to pack for trips). Anywho, I hope HoPe HOPE that I have all that I need..even though I haven't packed yet. Finals come first...boo school, I'm glad this semester's classes are almost dooonnnneee!

Everyone keeps asking me where I will be and the things I will do, but all I can say to them is, "Well, I'm not really sure...I just know I will be telling people about Jesus." I am scared about the next three months, mainly because I don't exactly know what I will be doing as a summer missionary, but I know I will be serving the Lord, so that is enough to give me solace for now.

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news, proclaiming peace, who bring good tiding, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
Isaiah 52:7

I know I used this verse last time, but I absolutely love it! I always seem to find that when I cannot put my emotions or feelings into words, the Bible has a scripture that directly pertains to what I want to say :)

I do wish that I had more time before I leave -- more time to spend with my family, Nathan, and my friends. It seems like time just slips away from us within the chaos of life. I was thinking about this the other day and realized that it has almost been a year since my Aunt Becky died...such a tragic day in our lives. It rocked our worlds and reminded us just how fragile life is. I saw the strength in my mom that day, week, month, and all of last summer when she made the task of planning a funeral, cleaning out a house, dealing with grief, and everything else that goes along with the loss of a family member seem like she could handle it with minimal effort. Mom has lost so many people in her life -- her grandparents, parents, and now sister, I have so much admiration for her for being so strong. Anyway, I'm scared mostly to leave her this summer because I know she will be lonely. It's a good thing Jeff, my brother, will be in Austin, so she can visit and get away from home. I'm super stoked (yes, stoked) that I will be able to see her and my dad when they come and visit me with our church group on their mission trip to Nicaragua this summer. That will be a joyous day, and because I am a loser and get homesick easily, I'm sure I'll cry and not want my Mommy and Daddy to leave me. Nathan will be busy with work and P90X this summer, so at least he will be preoccupied throughout the day, and me leaving wont be as super lonely for him (since we spend like every waking moment together :)) The days will be busy for me as well...super super busy I'm sure...but I know I will miss him so very much. I just have to keep my head held high and my eyes focused on the prize that is in Heaven, so I will serve the Lord despite the fact that I know I will be sad or down in the dumps or homesick. These are not reasons to not go out and serve the Lord. All I will need is my Bible and this verse:

A cheerful heart is good medicine.
Proverbs 17:22

This verse was the one I found in Aunt Becky's journal after she died...it really is true, so if I can give anyone advice, I will tell you this -- it helps. I know it will help me this summer.


I want to thank all of those who have helped me out financially, prayed for me, prayed for the people of Nicaragua, contributed in any way shape or form to missions, and continually keep me in their hearts and minds. I am truly grateful for everyone who gave hope to this mission that I am going on...without y'all, none of this would have been possible. I'll write again soon...hopefully the next time I will be in Nicaragua, giving updates on my experience! Keep the faith and never forget to pray, giving God thanks for everything!


Time to start packinggggg!!!!!