Birthday fun!

I turned 25 yesterday and it was very fun! Two of the most important people in my life made me feel very very special. Also, the midnight crew helped to make it a birthday to remember. Today Nate and I went to see my parents in Okeechobee and pick up some of my furniture and things that were stored at their house. I was able to see some old friends and spend some quality time with my folks. They are so great.

Last week I traveled with 10 other people to Thirsty, a conference in Atlanta for leaders in young adult ministry. It was such an encouraging time to soak in wisdom from many great leaders in ministry. I enjoyed sessions by Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, Francis Chan and others. They were eye opening to say it dramatically, and one of the things I gained from attending the conference was to start to focus my ministry thinking towards our local church. It was hard for me at first, having just spent two years working on a field team, to filter the information towards a home-church ministry focus. After the first day, though, I was able to listen to my peers, get an idea for where exactly we are in the crossseekers group and share my thoughts for how what I learned could help us. 

It was so worthwhile! The worship was very different from what I have been used to, but being in a building where over 1000 people are worshipping together just gives you an amazing experience. I was able to worship in very personal ways and also be part of corporate worship, something I missed in Niger.

Tara and Seng called me for my birthday and it made me feel sad. I was going out to dinner in Naples while they were dealing with the ups and downs of hot season in Niger. We're talking seriously hot!! It is so hot right now that they can not even take their moto out in the middle of the day because the street is too hot that it would heat the tire up and make the plugs fall out. Can you believe that? 

They gave me the latest news: My friend Sare (Sar-ray) who had been imprisoned without a trial for 16 months was released last week. He is at home today with his wife, children and 10 month old son! That is a big answer to many months of prayer. Please thank God with us! Also, my friend Sutura in RZ had her baby girl this week. The baby naming ceremony will be held on Tuesday.

Please lift up 2 of our believers today in Village D. Seng went to visit and encourage them and I am praying fervently because it is a joy to continue to be part of their lives in that way.

It is strange to go from the field with my hands in everything, to now on this side of the ocean hearing news second hand. It is different but so much fun not to just stop being part of their lives. I can, like you have for years now, be part of the team through prayer. I am proud to be beside all of you. 

I have better internet connections now so I hope to post more, but now that I am in the states I am sure there is less for me to blog about. I don't want to bore you :) I will post as I get news from the field and about some of the fun events going on in my life here in Florida.