Snow Day - Texas Style

Yesterday afternoon we started getting freezing rain, so we closed the office early.  The policy for bad weather is to follow the local school district, if they cancel school than the office is officially closed.  Some people still go in if they are able, but the office is still closed.  So, even though I am not teaching this year, I was still waiting on a school closure in order to have a snow day.

Last night before bed we did figure out that the schools were closed and we would not be going in to work.  So, as part of my relaxing morning I went outside to take pictures.  Cassandra and I walked around the apartment complex and admired the beauty of the ice on different things, and also the danger of it through collapsed carports.  I felt sorry for the kids who were trying to make snowmen to enjoy their snow day, but were unable to do so because it was more ice than snow.

I am thankful that I do not have to drive anywhere right now.  Although I did remember to take my recently purchased scraper out of my car last night, I would rather not chip away at the ice if I don't have to.

Susy commented yesterday about the 'snow,' comparing to the snow she saw during Thanksgiving.  My comment was that it was more of a mess than actual snow.  It started as freezing rain yesterday and then turned into sleet later on.  We even had short periods of hail.  Although it is not good snow, I did take time to go outside and enjoy it because it may be the only 'snow' I see this winter other than the remnants of the small skiff of snow I saw while in Iowa.

Time Confusion

My body does not know what time it is right now.  I do not even have the excuse of changing time zones during my travels.

Saturday night I went to be at 8:30pm.
Sunday morning I got up at 3:30am (I am not crazy, but I had an early flight to catch).
Sunday morning I napped on my flight.
Sunday afternoon I napped again.
Sunday night I went to bed by 10pm.
Monday morning I got up at 5:45am.
Monday afternoon I napped for 2 hours (After being sent home from work because I have a cold).
Monday evening I went back to work at 5:30 for dinner and my evening class.

Now my body is tired and I know it is evening, but my internal clock is definitely confused.  Hopefully with a good night's sleep it will be a little better adjusted tomorrow. :)

Quotable Moment

Sometimes when one is really tired, one makes really stupid comments that end up being extremely funny.

For example, a comment on the benefit of being a plumber after discussing a broken garbage disposal and then a previous instance of where the gray water backing up into the kitchen sink and dishwasher may come from.  After said discussion Judy commented, "I would never want to be a plumber!"  To which I responded, "Why not, then you could ..."

The discussion was ended by lots of laughter, even to the point of tears in our eyes.  I then stated that my comment was evidence that I really needed to go to bed.

Good Night!

Conference Weekend

This past weekend, Gospel for Asia hosted a conference entitled Renewing Your Passion.  It was a wonderful and busy weekend.  Through times of worship, teaching, fellowship, learning, and prayer attendees were able to catch a glimpse of what God is doing throughout South Asia and to give Him glory.

Although I wish I could share with you in greater detail, it would take more time than I have right now. Instead I will let this link provide the insight far better than I could:
www.gfa.org/place

During the weekend I was also able to spend some time with my good friends, Susan and Abby, who attended the conference.  It was a blessing to see them and to have them gain a greater understanding of what I am a part of here at Gospel for Asia.

Praise the Lord!

As of Wednesday, September 18th, I have complete funding for my year at Gospel for Asia's School of Discipleship.  The process of raising support has been a journey of seeing God provide time and again in amazing ways.  His faithfulness in raising my support and providing my prayer team has continually affirmed His call on my life to be here for a year.

Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Time with Friends

When surrounded by people that I have only known for a month, and still don't truly know well, there is amazing comfort in spending an evening with friends I have known for four years.  Thanks Kevin and Marisol for the fun evening of fellowship.

As much as I am enjoying my new community and making new friends, it is impossible in a short time to develop the depth of friendship that comes from experiencing life together.  Having deep friendships is something that I have missed since moving to Texas.  Another thing I miss is spending time with families and people outside of my age range.  This will change over time as I continue to grow in my relationships with the people I have met, but right now I realize how much I took my friendships for granted.

Throughout my life God has blessed me with wonderful friends.  Each time I have moved it has been challenging, but God has always provided new friends.  God never changes, and He is the friend who is with me no matter where I go.

Why we do what we do

Here is a video that gives some insight into why we do what we do.  This is not the whole story, and this video is actually put out by a different organization, but the heart of the message is still the same.  Enjoy!