UP to the DATE

There is much to say! Here goes:

I started my Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) classes on August twentieth -- one month in now, and I am learning so much. It was pretty overwhelming at first, realizing how intense this program is, even though it's only one semester long. But God has already used the experience to remind me of my constant need to abide in Christ Jesus. I'm buckling up for an exciting rest of the semester, academically speaking.

Several of you have asked me how the youth ministry at my church has been going. I got together a couple times with the kids during the summer, but we haven't officially started youth group yet. I covet your prayers!! Rhett and I are preparing for the 'kick off' -- Saturday September 26th. Pray for us. Our desire is to build relationships with the ten-ish kids that come to church on and off. We want to teach them the Word. We will be adapting weekly lessons from The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus, a book about the big picture of God's Word from Creation to Christ. I'm stoked to get things going, but I really would appreciate your prayers for us, as I have no idea what to expect. More updates to follow in the coming months.

In other news, my sister Bethany got married on August 29th to an awesome guy named Brandon Foote. Annnd, Mr. Jebediah Lee James came to visit me here in Michigan! :) Jeb flew in just a few days before the wedding and stayed for two whole weeks. It was a cram-packed fourteen days of visits to friends and family, as well as classes four mornings a week for me. We continue to learn how to communicate and prefer each other above ourselves. I grow more thankful for him everyday. It was pretty tough on both of us when he flew home. But praise the Lord for this awesome time of growing in our dependence upon Him...with 2,300+ miles between us. ;) God knows what He's doing, and I'm learning still further what it looks like to trust Him outside of the Bible school bubble.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart..."
-Proverbs 3:5