It's Summer

Hi everybody,

    I would like to start off with some good news. I passed all my classes this semester, school is out, and I have raised extra funds for my trip. I am so thankful to all of you that have helped get me through this semester with your finances and prayers. There have certainly been points in this semester that it really helped out.

    Well what to do with the summer now that it has come. I am going to be spending most of my days dieting and exercising as well as reading class books to prepare for this trip. I will also be starting a summer project that I really can’t tell you much about until I have made some progress on it.  Please keep this project in your prayers as it will involve me speaking and expressing some ideas to others.

    The mental and physical preparation for this trip is why I am staying in Bolivar for the summer. However there are still some other preparations that need to take place. Such as doctors’ appointments, packing, and saying goodbye to the family. I will keep you updated when something major comes up. I am leaving on July 3rd and I plan to soak in every moment that I can between now and then.

    Once again thank you guys for your prayer and support it is much appreciated.

Big News

Hey everybody,

            Lots of big and good news I get to share with you all today about my semester abroad so I’m writing another blog. The first big announcement is that for the most part my funds have been raised. There is still a few more donations that were said to come in and once they do my goal will be met. Every donation I have received has a story behind it and I wish I could tell you all of them. After receiving my financial statement yesterday I nearly cried when I saw the donations. To those who supported me financially, I cannot tell you how grateful I am, or how much of an impact you’ve made in my life.

            The second big announcement is that the dates have been set I will be leaving July 3^rd 2012 and will return January 3^rd 2013. I’m a bit sad that I will not be here for Christmas and I am especially sad I will not be able to see my niece or nephew’s first days into this world. However, I am excited to spend the holidays with the people group I love so much; and if the Mayans were right and the world ends at least I will die doing what I love most.

            The next bit of news is not as much an announcement as it is something I would like you all to rejoice with me about. Months ago before we even received confirmation about where Brady and I would be heading I had anxiety about the trip. I went home and asked the members of my church to pray for me and something magical happened. Ever since that day my fears and anxieties has turned literally into joy. This is an accomplishment that is hard to express the magnitude unless you’ve experienced the same emotions.

            The last bit of news could be good or bad depending on where you live. I have prayed and decided that I will be staying in Bolivar the month and a half before I leave. During this time I will be dieting, exercising, reading scripture, and studying the language. It’s been interesting to see how dates and events have already been set to allow me to live in Bolivar this summer. It’s also been quite amazing to see things come together for this trip, now in my life more than ever I have seen the Lord provide in miraculous ways. It’s funny to me that my semester abroad is still months away and already I have a multitude of stories to tell about it. Thank you for your support and please pray for Brady and me as we still make all of the preparations necessary.

My First Blog

So people have been asking me, “what are you planning to do for your six months abroad?” Well the answer is quite long and can’t be put in a simple Facebook post. That is why I have started this blog to inform everyone here in the states what is going on before and during this semester abroad. But before I talk to you about my semester abroad I would like to introduce Brady Quarles to you.

            Brady Quarles (pictured above with me to the left) is going to be partnering with me during my semester abroad. He has been across the world and seen various places. Brady has traveled from one housing situation to another but the closest place he could call home would be Del Rio, Texas. Brady is a very hip and artistic man. Brady is one of the most compassionate people that I have ever met. If you have never met him before he probably would still great you with a hug. His Facebook is http://www.facebook.com/brady.quarles if you’re interested to find out more about him.

            I can officially say that Brady and I will be going abroad together what I can’t officially say is where we will be going. As of now there will be four men from the Intercultural Studies program heading out fall of 2012. Brady and I are two of those men Jon and Wade are the other two. Jon and Wade have officially confirmed there location to be in Eastern Asia. As we speak the company we are going through is deciding whether we will go with Jon and Wade or we will be moved to another location in Eastern Asia.

            The company we are going through has asked each of us to raise about 4,000 dollars. What we ask more of you is your prayers and encouraging words during this time. The past few months have been a hair puller going through this process and who knows what’s in store for the next few months. Your prayers will really help us get through this time as they already have been helping us. I know I am not as entertaining of a writer as I would like to be but I hope I can continue to keep you informed through this blog. I hope you all have a happy new years and stay safe inside with your families.