It's As Simple As Trusting Him!

The excitement builds with each passing day, as the day of our departure draws ever nearer!
     This week has had its ups and downs; schedules always seem to fill up so the never-ending schoolwork suffers neglect and continues to stack up.  Which of course causes a dilemma as we become even farther behind in our studies.  It honestly has been a struggle for me to keep focused.  School takes precedence over virtually everything and trying to find time to complete that and the other things that demand my attention, is rather daunting.  And I have things for Puerto Rico to plan for/tend to, remember?  But that too, seemed to be getting pushed to the back and left for later.  There are still VBS lessons to plan, things I must get together, support letters to write and send!  When and how is this all to get done? 
     You might think that thirteen weeks and 5 days is plenty of time to get prepared, but I was nearing the edge of freaking-out.  Finally, I lay in bed after yet another busy day and late night, thinking of my dear family in Puerto Rico and feeling guilty for not getting things done.  It was about time the Lord and I had a heart-to-heart talk.  "Okay, Lord.  I know You know what I'm struggling with and all I have to do in what seems like a relatively short amount of time.  I have yet to send out my support letters...they should have been sent weeks ago!  And, since they weren't sent out when they should've been, how will I raise enough money?  Will I have time to do other fundraisers?  Oh, I have so much to do and am feeling overwhelmed.  Help!"  'Relax!  Will you trust Me?  This is My mission trip after all, you're just being My servant.  Things will happen when I want them to happen; regardless of how much freaking-out you do, it won't help things get done faster.  We're a team--would you just trust Me?'
     Hmm, trust God to get things done--wow, what a brilliant idea!
     So I did just that--I decided to trust Him.  I took a deep breath before handing over the reins and saying, "There, it's all Yours!"
     And you know what?  It honestly seems as though there are more hours in the day!  I have been able to get some schoolwork caught up on and I even had time to complete and send out my support letters!  Gosh, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have them sent out.  (I can almost see my stress-meter going down!)
     But as neat as that is--it's just the beginning!  I began coming up with creative ideas for things to do with the students at ESD and instead of feeling stressed when I sat down to think of an activity, I was filled with enthusiasm!  I can't wait for the VBS kit to arrive in the mail so I can plan further.
     And!--you know how paranoid I was about not being able to raise enough support?  Well, within mere days of my support letters being sent, I got report after report of support that was flooding in.  Several checks as large as $300, not to mention at least a dozen other generous contributions!
     I read the list of names again and again, blinking back tears.  I was thoroughly overwhelmed by the goodness of God and the generosity of those who have given so willingly!
    'Blessed are those who put their trust in Me!'
    Are you putting your trust in Him?

Making Plans For My Return

Hi Everyone!
     Gosh, this year has been a busy one, as I am now a junior and am continuing to homeschool!  My favorite subject is still English and I continue to write books as well as writing a bi-weekly article for a local newspaper.  Track season is well under way and this is my third year participating in Track and Field through the local public school throwing discus and javelin.  This year is also the third year that I have been taking American Sign Language (ASL) as my foreign language.  Unsurprisingly, my educational workload has increased dramatically! 
     Despite the work that’s expected of me, I’ve still found time to ride/train my horses, help my parents with projects around the house, and do some volunteer work within the community.  I am also excited to have gotten my driver’s permit and am looking forward to fulfilling my hours over the summer!

Also, I have some thrilling news to share!  I am planning another exciting mission trip this summer!  I will be traveling again to the balmy island of Puerto Rico to support the work of the Evangelical School for the Deaf (ESD) located in Luquillo.  My mother will be flying down with me when we leave on July twenty-third (23^rd) and I will be returning August thirty-first (31^st).  The deaf community is one of the most unreached people groups in the world, due to the communication barrier.  Many individuals who are deaf and live on the island of Puerto Rico face even more difficult circumstances due to both the economic poverty as well as the extremely limited opportunities for education.  ESD has been providing both educational and spiritual support to students who are deaf for more than fifty years.
     During our time in Puerto Rico, we will meet with the school’s principle to help get the school ready for the returning students.  After four days, my mom will head home while I stay to help host another VBS for the students!  I’ll be staying for about six weeks, this time to work at the school as a staff member.  I will be helping to keep classrooms organized, prepare meals in the kitchen, maintain the yard and facilities, join the students in their classes, and assist the students and teachers in whatever way possible!
     While I served at ESD last June, I grew very close to the teachers and students (I still keep in touch with most of them.)  God blessed me so much and showed me many amazing things.  I greatly enjoyed spending time with them, getting to know them and “conversing” with them in their own language (ASL).  When I return to Puerto Rico, I will be taking tons of photographs and plan to update this blog with stories and photos—hopefully daily.
     I would like to ask if you would prayerfully consider being a part of this trip.  Above all, would you be willing to pray for us?  We could certainly use your prayers, even now as we prepare for our trip.  We are currently working on raising our funds...our goal being about $1,800 to cover the cost of airfare, lodging, ministry supplies and food costs while we’re in the country.
    I will continue to post prayer and planning updates!  Thanks and God bless!