After getting poked, prodded and photographed, I finally have all my paperwork completed for my visa application. For some reason this visa application process has taken a long time and was a lot of work!

Thankfully, there have been some wonderful people who have helped me in the process. They've supplied me with all the forms I've needed, detailed instructions on how to properly fill out the forms, and great tips on how to best submit a complete application packet. I can't imagine what this process would have been like without their assistance!

The application I had to complete for a visa to the Philippines isn't just filling out a simple piece of paper. I had to get a criminal history certificate, a new passport, photographs, medical check up, blood work, chest x-rays, urine and stool samples, letters of sponsorship, copies of my college diploma, copies of my birth certificate... a lot of stuff to gather!

I started the process of gathering all these materials before I left Orlando (July 2007), but since I had a delay in my departure to the Philippines... I basically had to start the whole process over again.

But, finally... it's done and on its way.
Eek! I guess I'm really doing this, huh? Reality strikes again!

I'm hoping to leave for Manila the last week in January. It usually takes a couple of weeks for the visa application to be processed. Because of the holidays, it will likely take longer.

Please pray that my visa comes back quickly!

Thank you all for your prayers!
And, thank the Lord for the comfort, strength, hope, peace and HEALING that He brings.

We received GREAT news at the doctor's office today!

The doctor and nurse who checked on my mom today said that the bone marrow is CLEAN. There is NO EVIDENCE of leukemia. In fact they said that it looks like the bone marrow is in good working condition, it's producing the cells that it should be, and in looking at the bone marrow... you can't tell what my mom has gone through in the past several months and that she had leukemia!! Amazing! God works in incredible ways.

As you can imagine... we are sooo thankful!

The low numbers that my mom has had in the last few blood tests may indicate that her "normal" blood levels have plateaud at levels a bit lower than those of average women. BUT, where they have been landing are still okay. She still has all the blood cells to function normally (she can fight infections, etc.).

The doctor said that the body is smart and that it already produces far above the numbers that we actually need. So it is basically able to compensate for itself. When I think about all the medical "mysteries" that make things work... it amazes me. We ARE His workmanship... His Creation.

It also is a challenge to me. TRUST HIM. We are His. And, He is GOOD.

So... thank you for your continued prayers.
And, praise God with us for His continued presence with us in this journey, His healing strength, His peace, His comfort and His faithfulness.

I've been focusing on Psalm 71 over the last week. This portion has been standing out to me as I've been reading it. Today especially.

You who have shown me many troubles and distresses
Will revive me again,
And will bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
May You increase my greatness
And turn to comfort me.
I will also praise You with a harp,
Even Your truth, O my God;
To You I will sing praises with the lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.

Psalm 71: 20-22

I thank God that He fulfills His promises in His Word.

But as for me, I will hope continually,
And will praise You yet more and more.

Psalm 71:14

Tomorrow morning my mom is scheduled for her regular appointment with Dr. Loren (her oncologist). We'll be taking an early morning trip to Penn Tower.

Last week she had a bone marrow biopsy. Because her regular blood tests for the last few weeks showed that her numbers weren't really going up (and her platelets actually were decreasing) they wanted to do a bone marrow biopsy to check early if there's anything going on -- is there a re-appearance of leukemia cells.

Tomorrow morning we're expecting to hear the results of the test.

This past week her blood test showed an increase in her platelets. Praise God! We're hoping that's a good indicator that maybe her bone marrow is still just tired and taking a while to fully recover and produce all the good blood cells.

Please pray with us that the blood test she gets tomorrow AND the results of the bone marrow test taken last week confirm that she is still on the path of recovery and continues to be clean of leukemia.

Pray also pray that we continue to have the peace that comes from Him alone. That He would continue to be our Source and Strength.

I've been feeling pretty anxious -- wondering, worrying about if IT (...leukemia) might come back. I've been trying to remember and obey scripture... "Be anxious for nothing..." "Who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?"

It's hard to "make" myself not worry. Some thought or question comes into my mind and I think, "Don't worry about it." It usually just makes me think about it more and worry about it more.

But, I'm realizing something and trying to put it into practice. These passages along with the words "don't worry" also gives other directives. These passages remind me... "pray," "ask," "give thanks," "remember," "observe," "seek Him," and so on.

I know. You're probably thinking, "Duh."

But I've needed this reminder. I'm always quick to worry. I'm always quick to be anxious. I'm not always quick to do these things.

I'm learning.
I'm practicing.

Maybe one day these will be more evident marks of my life rather than worry and anxiety.

staying up until 3 am!

I couldn't fall asleep. After finally falling asleep I didn't wake up until 1 pm this afternoon. And, that was with my mom checking in on me. :)

Had quite a conversation with God as I was trying hard to finally fall asleep.

The gist of my side of the conversation was...
God, I need to know that you are in control.
God, I need to know that you and your works are good.
God, I need faith.
God, I need to believe.
God, I need YOU.

Going to try hard to get to sleep at a normal time and readjust to EST.
Haven't been feeling too well since returning
(I was sitting next to two coughing and sniffling passengers all the way from Nagoya to Detroit. Hmmm.).
Today I've been sneezing non-stop.
Hopefully the nighttime cold/flu tablets I took will help with that and my sleep. :)

Still awake.
It's 3:00 AM.
I guess that means I've not yet adjusted to the time difference.

Just wanted to let you know... I'll be putting up some "Back Posts" throughout the week. I've started with some quick entries. More about the actual meetings and Manila still to come. :)

With my dance partner in hand, I danced until dark.
Together we swept up the dance floor to the tunes of Michael Buble, Nickel Creek and the Enchanted Soundtrack.

Okay... my dance partner was a rake that ripped the skin off my pinky, and the dance floor was our backyard that has waayyy too many trees.

I was determined to NOT take a 3 hour nap like I did yesterday. I tried to do some thinking/on-the-computer work, but it just wasn't helping. So, I thought some yard work would help. It did.

I think I've now re-adjusted to the time difference. I THINK. But, if that's true, why am I still awake?

NOTE: the fact that our neighbor did his lawn in less than an hour on his riding mower doesn't bother me at all. No, not at all. :)

Ah.

I arrived in Philly around 3:30 PM EST yesterday afternoon.
Thankfully, I was able to sleep easily through the night.
I hope that means I'll adjust to the 13 hour time difference with no problem. :)

I would have slept more, but it's almost time to leave for Philly.
I'm going with my mom and dad to Penn Tower at HUP (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania) today. My mom is scheduled for blood work and a bone marrow biopsy this morning.

Please pray with us that the blood work indicates her bone marrow is recovered and working well and for a bone marrow biopsy clean of leukemia. THANKS!!

I'll post more on the trip later. :)

are just better than others.

My trip to and from Manila had me in 6 different airports. And really, some airports are WAY better than other airports.

I got to travel through...

• PHL - Philadelphia Int'l
  
• MSP - Minneapolis/St. Paul Int'l
  
• NRT - Tokyo-Narita, Japan
• NGO - Nagoya, Japan
• DTW - Detroit-Wayne County Int'l
  
• MNL - Manila Int'l, Philippines

Just a few things I've noticed that make for a really good airport experience for me...

• bathrooms with doors that swing OUT from the stall
• friendly, helpful airport staff
  
• those lovely ground staff folks pointing me to my next flight (airports in Japan are always GREAT at this!!!)
  
• food options. Always nice when there's something I can grab to eat near my gate.
  
• walking sidewalks
• free wireless

You'll notice that all the airports I traveled through are big ones. I don't think I'll find walking sidewalks in small airports in the middle of nowhere. I'm going to have to learn to adjust expectations, won't I? :)

The airports in Japan always seem so clean and organized. Probably my least favorite airport (although they are making improvements) is the one closest to my home. But, I'm always glad when I get there. Home sweet home. Sigh. :)

I was so stiff from sitting for most of the flight to Detroit that I opted to walk to my gate. But check out DTW with its cool Express Tram.

Any favorite airports out there? Any airport tips to share?

I enjoyed my fair share of food over the last week.
Okay, honestly... I overdid it.

It all started on the trip out to Manila.

In 1999 I traveled with my grandmother and aunt to Manila for the very first time. It was very important that my grandmother, a dialysis and diabetes patient, ate regularly. During our flight it seemed that our eating schedule got all out of whack. It felt like forrrrevvverrr before any food was offered to us. With my best "please help me face," I asked the flight attendant if I could please have a few extra crackers for my grandmother. She very kindly gave me two whole handfuls of crackers and snacks for her. It was a very "Tiny Tim" moment.

Well, ever since that time whenever I'm on an international flight, I feel this need to eat... whenever food is offered to me. In my mind, there is this unknown... When will there be food again? (as if it would be for days, weeks, years?) It's so bad that if you don't see me eat the food right then... check my bag, I've likely stashed it away "just in case."

Unfortunately, during this trip that mentality didn't stop when I stepped off the plane. Throughout the week of meetings we've been offered breakfast, snack, lunch, snack ... and as if I was storing away for winter, I've accepted each offering happily. The food at our meeting location has been DELICIOUS. And, for some of our "on our own" dinners I've been able to order some tasty Filipino dishes.

This was our morning SNACK one day.













Yes, I said SNACK.
And yes, I finished it.

Sigh. I think I should go out for a walk ... a looonnnnggg walk with loooootttsss of hills.

This morning I was able to chat online with my mom via Skype.
She shared with me that she'll need to get a bone marrow test on Monday.
For the last couple of weeks her numbers haven't been increasing as the doctors have wanted. So, this wasn't really a big surprise. But still.

After chatting with my mom I sat outside to enjoy the morning and the view before our meetings began for the day. As I was sitting there I suddenly got overwhelmed. So many thoughts and questions started bouncing around my head.

Here I am in the Philippines and my parents are on the other side of the world. Here I am...in the country where I am supposed to relocate in a few months. What if the test shows there's leukemia again?? Then what? How's my mom? Will she be okay? Why are her levels down? Lord, it's been going so well, why hasn't she fully recovered yet?

As this endless list of questions and thoughts continued to fill my mind the lyrics of a song came to my mind.
"How quickly I forget, I'm yours. I'm not my own. I've been carried by You, all my life."
I had my iPod with me and I was glad the song, Hope Now, was on one of my playlists.

The words reminded me again... HOPE.

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." - Psalm 62:5

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." - Hebrews 11:1-3

Hope Now - Addison Road

If everything comes down to love
Then just what am I afraid of
When I call out Your name
Something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I’m Yours

I’m not my own
I’ve been carried by You
All my life

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I’ll be okay and
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm

I’m not my own
I’ve been carried by You
All my life

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
You’ve become my hearts desire
I will sing Your praises higher
Cause Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free

I'm in the Philippines this week so I've been getting my updates on my family via email and Skype. :)

I got a message from my mom that her counts didn't go up this week -- they stayed pretty much the same. So, she will have a bone marrow biopsy on Monday. The doctor wants to just make sure that the bone marrow is just tired producing white cells.

Pray for my mom -- strength, courage and a good outcome on the test results. Pray that there is still NO SIGN of leukemia... that she continues to be in remission and that her bone marrow will be able to regain the strength and ability to produce the cells the body needs to be healthy and well.

Praise God that my mom feels great and that she is ever aware of the Lord being with her at all times.

Travels to Manila were about as uneventful as you can get. THANK YOU LORD!
I have been thankful for the uneventful a lot lately :)

I left Philadelphia around 11:30 AM Saturday, November 1st. I arrived in Manila around 11:05 PM Sunday, November 2nd. Each flight departed and arrived pretty much as scheduled. I was able to sit in each of my assigned aisle seats (as I like it) and I slept through pretty much the duration of each of my three flights -- with the exception of eating the meals and watcbing one movie, "Swing Vote." An uneventul 24 hour trip -- nice.

Arriving in Manila was uneventful as well. Going through immigration was no problem. A hand-over of my passport along with a smile. Stamp. Sign. See you later. Getting my 2 balikbayan boxes went smoothly. After a bit of a wait I saw my green and black covered boxes making their way toward me on the carousel. I was able to "swing" each of my 2 boxes (each packed to the 50 pound max) swiftly onto the wheely cart -- thanks to the "Balikbayan Gear Box Cover's" handles. With my two boxes, 1 carry on and 1 personal item, I made my way through customs without any complications. "Nothing to declare" form was filled out and passed over to the officer. Sign. Date. That was all!

I walked out of the airport, down to the passenger pick up area where my Tita Lita met me to take me home. Thank the Lord for such an EASY trip. For all my trips to go so "problem-free!" :)

I stayed with my aunt and uncle (Tito Rene and Tita Lita) for the night. I enjoyed their company today. We took a trip to the mall and ShoeMart (don't let the name fool you... it's SOOO much more than just shoes), had lunch at my cousin's new franchise cafe, "Fusion."

















After our trip to the mall we went to meet the newest member of the Rivera clan -- Reese Lauren Rivera.












After spending some time with them we took a trip to another fun shopping center (Tiendacitas) and had dinner at a cute little "country-style" restaurant "Mom and Tina's." It was a fun day of being out and about the city and having time with family.

It was great that I slept most of the plane ride and through the night last night. I think it's helped me to quickly adjust to the time change. But... after such a packed day today, I'm ready for some sleep.

Today I woke up to the sounds of Manila in the morning -- rooster crows, roaring engines, honking horns, street vendors selling their goods, dogs barking -- it was somewhat surreal. The thought was very much on the forefront of my mind... the next time I come here, it will be for more than a week. Praying that God would continue to confirm my decisions, renew vision and excitement... and that I would continually live out faith and obedience.

Tomorrow begins the work part of this week-long trip. After a 6 hour bus ride, our group will arrive in Baguio where we will take part in meetings related to prayer and communications. I'm looking forward to meeting the other participants and just seeing what there is to learn and think about.

(As I type this my mom is probably sitting in the "A Room" at Dr. Alley's office waiting for Maureen to get the blood test results from the lab. Pray with me that results show bone marrow is working and she is still in remission.)

-- this post has such scattered thoughts. I guess I'm not as adjusted to the time as I thought!

Two boxes are packed and waiting by the door for my flight out tomorrow.
It took me most of this week to sort through clothes, books and other miscellaneous belongings to pack up two fifty-pound boxes to take with me on this trip. SIGH. Why do I have so much stuff? :)

Physically I think I'm ready. I have made multiple to-do-lists this week and I think I've accomplished most of them (...except for some phone calls I wanted to make). There a couple of things I hope to finish up tonight, but I think I'll manage to still get in a good night's sleep.

Mentally / emotionally ready?? I'm not so sure. This trip to the Philippines is for ONE WEEK. There is a specific purpose -- I'm attending meetings. All of that I can handle. No big deal. I'm actually quite looking forward to the meetings, seeing the people that will be attending the meetings and what we'll be doing for the WEEK.

What makes this trip MORE than just ONE WEEK is... I'm leaving BOXES of stuff there! I have two boxes packed up with most all of my clothes, books, movies and other personal belongings. I packed them up and plan to leave them there ... because I intend to return in a few months "for good." WHOA! Believe me, I know that that's been the plan... but sometimes the reality hits you and ... well, it hits you.

While I'm gone this week my mom will be going in for her routine weekly blood test. The last couple of test results showed her blood levels... while NORMAL, were slightly decreasing. If Monday's blood test shows a continued decrease, they may need to do a bone marrow biopsy to check if she is still in remission or if the leukemia has returned. It's difficult to not worry and be anxious ... "is it back?" Even as I packed my boxes I wondered..."God... what if it comes back?"

Pray for my mom's complete healing. Pray for the leukemia to continue to be in complete remission. Pray that I would constantly and continually TRUST GOD. Pray that I would recognize my inability to control life and to acknowledge not only God's control but also God's loving goodness. God has already shown HIs goodness in so many ways. He has so often displayed His power, His grace and His good works... pray that I would REST in Him.

Pray that I would be anxious for nothing, that I would be thankful, that I would be prayerful and that I would allow God's peace to guard my heart and mind in Christ.

All that makes it hard to feel SOOO READY and SOOO EXCITED about going away. Because there's always the wonder about the days ahead. Pray that I would trust Him with all my tomorrows and receive the gifts that He has for me in the present.

Pray that it would be a good trip to professionally, mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually prepare me for my move.

And, pray for my mom's blood work on Monday. Pray for strong, clean, functioning bone marrow and an excellent blood work!! Mommy will celebrate her birthday on November 7th. What a gift it would be to have another great report!!

April 2009 will mark 10 years since I took my first trip out of the country.
It was 1999.

My grandmother had been dealing with kidney problems for a number of years already and she felt like she was nearing the end of her life here on earth. She wanted to go home to spend time with family. She had expected that she woudn't make it back.

It just so happened that I still hadn't found a job after college graduation and I had "nothing" to do. So, in a whirlwind of activity, I applied for my first passport and fulfilled a dream of visiting the Philippines.

Well, I had to apply to renew my passport before my November trip and before applying for my visa to stay in Manila for over a year.

A brand new passport.

A book full of blank pages.

It's kind of exciting to flip through the book, feel the blank pages... and wonder what stamps and stickers might fill it over the next couple of years.

Hopefully in 10 years my passport book will be full when I renew it... and I'll have a better passport picture for the next one!

and I am so excited!!!!

Early in November I'll be headed to the Philippines to meet with folks who help to coordinate prayer and communications efforts for Bible translation organizations around the world.

I am really looking forward to hearing about the things God's doing around the world through these organizations, learning how to more effectively communicate about these exciting things to the Church and seeing where God leads us as a group.

I'm also excited because I'll get to see Manila again.

To be honest, there have been times over the last several months when I have felt less than excited at the thought of moving overseas. It's a hard thing to think about when a loved one at home is dealing with cancer.

But at the same time, God has been dealing with me.
He has been challenging my faith and trust in Him.
And, He is renewing my vision and excitement about being engaged in this work from Manila.

So, I'm looking forward to being there for that week. I'm praying that God would use this time to continue to build excitement and confirm again this direction I'm heading in.

And what are my long-term plans for moving to Manila??
As long as my mom's recovery continues to go well (which we are hopeful and prayerful for), I hope to move to Manila at the beginning of 2009. After my November trip I'll head home, pack up what's left to bring to Manila (hope to bring a lot with me on the first trip!), spend the holidays with my family and finish final preparations and make the move!!

I've been realizing that as much as I thought that the last couple of years and this whole process has been about getting me to Manila... it's not really. I'm realizing that in each stage in life it's not so much about getting closer to a specific place, as much as it is about getting closer to Him.

So, as I look forward to being in Manila... yes, I am excited about the place itself. But, I am even more excited about how my living there, the work that I'll be doing there, the challenges I'll face during that time, the lessons I'll learn... will be used by Him to show me more of Himself, show me more of myself and experience greater intimacy with my Lord.

I was reminded today that there are now 20 days left until Election Day.

As my sister and I were watching videos on YouTube this weekend I realized something...
I can't always tell Sarah Palin apart from Tina Fey's Sarah Palin.
Tina Fey REALLY looks and sounds like her!

However it turns out... it will likely be a big, exciting election day.
AND, I won't even be in the country!

I booked plane tickets last week.
I'll be in the Philippines for a short trip over election day.
AND, the day the next President is inaugurated, I will hopefully be starting to settle in to life in Manila.

It's a weird thing, thinking about days to come and realizing that I will be experiencing some big events "from a distance."

From the time I made my final decision to take an assignment overseas, I've known that I can't take every personal possession with me. I purposefully sorted and sifted. I packed things away and shipped them home to store (intending to pass them on to my sister for when she gets a place of her own). I tossed things and gave things away.

I'm still left with a lot. I have to decide what makes the cut. For the most part, most anything I need for daily living I'll be able to get there. So, unlike friends who are moving to more remote locations, I don't need to worry about packing pots, pans and such. And, it's quite possible that for some things it will be more cost-effective to buy it there than pay to ship it or pay the baggage fees.

As I look through things I find myself asking... "Do I need this? Can I get this there? Is it better to get it there or bring it with me?"

Thankfully with the invention of the iPod / iTunes I don't have to worry about lugging my CD collection. I love that I have almost all my music loaded onto iTunes!!! I've done a preliminary narrow down of movies, and I figure I can get most any other DVD in Manila. And, thanks to the age of digital photography and my cousin's gift of a digital photo frame ... I won't have to pack boxes of old-school photo albums.

Probably the most challenging part of packing will be sorting through my books. I don't even know where to start. A friend told me this weekend that there's a great bookstore in Manila where I could find pretty much any book. Good to know!! That little tidbit does help.

But, there's something about my book collection. The book that so-and-so gave me for Christmas. The books that I bought when I was going through such-and-such. The book that made me laugh when I needed it. And then there are the books that have marginalia in them. The little notes I wrote to myself remind me of certain things. The underlinings and exclamation marks that scream out to me with each reading. While I could, borrowing or buying another copy when I get there just probably won't be the same.

But, I have to face the fact that I can't lug a ton of books to the other side of the world. So, the elimination process must begin. Which books will make the cut?

What books would make your packing list????

I was reading through some of my old journals and saw that this week in September has had some significant happenings through the years.

Taking a look back and remembering God's faithfulness ... awed by His goodness.

One year ago...September 16-21, 2007
Learning that Lasts Training - Dallas, Texas

After about a month of training in North Carolina, I travelled to Dallas, Texas. I began my two months in Dallas with one week of "Learning that Lasts" training (Training for Trainers). The course has changed the way that I approach developing training sessions and how I hope to develop myself when I am in a "trainer" role. My entire time in Dallas was a huge blessing. I got to spend really good quality time with my cousin and her husband as I stayed with them during my time there. And, I got to spend special times with other family members in the area as well.

Two years ago...September 17, 2006
Wycliffe USA Training Camp - Orlando, Florida

Along with 32 other new Wycliffe workers, I began two weeks of training and orientation. By the time I attended Training Camp it had been over four months since I had received the phone call letting me know that I had been accepted to serve with Wycliffe.

Training Camp was a great time for me to step away from my regular daily life in Orlando and focus on this HUGE thing that was happening in my life. It was a great time for me to be with others who were along a similar journey and to begin taking very concrete steps forward. It was a wonderful time for me to just be renewed and recharged -- re-energized about what was ahead.

It's amazing to think back on that group... some have been overseas in their assignments for almost two years now. Some have recently completed their preparations and are settling in and adjusting to their new homes. Some are still preparing and developing their ministry teams with great hopes and expectations to move into the roles that are waiting for them. And I know that some have gone in new directions outside of the organization.

What a journey. Two years ago I'm sure none of us were sure of where we'd be today, but one thing we focused on during the two weeks we had together was GOD... HIS GLORY... AND WORSHIP OF HIM. Praying right now that each of our hearts continue to be refreshed by knowledge of Him and our hearts and minds turned to Him in worship.

I loved those two weeks and the people that God gathered together for that time. TC 29!!

Fun, random memory: A few of us went to Downtown Disney. While visiting Virgin Megastore we dedicated a song to fellow training camper, Tracy. Here's Tracy in the purple shirt realizing the song was for her. Tracy is now in the Chicago area coordinating one of Wycliffe's programs for youth, Jungle Jump Off.

Three years ago...September 16, 2005
Process began with Wycliffe

It took a looonnnngggg time for me to finally begin the process of applying to serve with Wycliffe. It was something that I began seriously considering in 2003. It seemed that applying to join Wycliffe was something that I was endlessly thinking, journaling, and wondering about. I had lists of questions. I had journals of all my ponderings. I just wasn't making a decision.

Eating lunch with a friend of mine one afternoon she asked the waitress for a piece of her ordering slip. Pulling out a pen my friend wrote out what things I needed to do to finally move ahead. There in the restaurant on a dining order slip was my deadline... by my birthday (August 20th) ... I would decide if I was going to apply.

(This is me and Maralee -- my friend who had lunch with me that day. This was actually taken a couple if years later when she was getting ready to move to D.C.)

Before my birthday even rolled around it was clear. (The photo is of me and my home group celebrating my birthday that year.) Actually, everything had been leading and pointing me in this direction all along... but I was finally ready to put faith and trust into action and say, "Yes." Okay, so maybe I wasn't that BOLD in my decision making. My actual words in my journal were:

"Whoa. This is scary Lord -- and yet at the same time, so peace-giving. I think this is it, Lord. I am yielding to you and trusting you Lord as I take this next step. Father, there hasn't been one question I've asked that you haven't totally answered directing me to make a move....God this is scary because I'm not exactly sure where this step is going to take me. But, I have to remember - I may not know where I am going, but I do know who I am following. And Lord, you are so trustworthy..."

13 years ago...September 18, 1995
"Come to Jesus"

It was my second year at the University of Florida. It was right before my Writing for Mass Communications class. I sat outside on the Reitz Union Colonade with sweet Beth from Alabama. Everything about her oozes Jesus' sweet love. That afternoon she told me about His love in a way I hadn't ever understood it before. We talked for a while and before I knew it I was late to class. So I ran across the lawn and into Weimer Hall late... but filled with joy and a new relationship with God.

December 1995 - Celebrating Christmas with new meaning with Beth and the other precious chickadees of her Bible study.

"So, you're stranded on a desert island, what 5 movies do you want to have with you?"

Okay... so moving to Manila is not at ALL like getting stranded on a desert island. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure I'll probably be able to find most any movie / DVD I would want to have, but I do have a few that I will make sure to take with me. I probably would be able to find them there... but these are the ones I want to make SURE I'll have.

I love watching movies so this list took some time to develop. From the time I decided to go to Manila I knew that I wouldn't be able to take all my stuff with me... especially not my whole movie collection. When I began moving around from place to place I started to cut down my collection and I kept a mental list of the movies I wished I had with me to watch or the movies I actually did watch over and over again.

These are the movies I never tire of watching.

These are my Top 5...

Anne of Green Gables (the collection):

The first time I watched this I was in high school. My dad and I were home alone over a long weekend (Thanksgiving?). We flipped on the TV and somehow landed on PBS while they were airing the Anne series. Little did we know we would be glued to the TV the rest of the weekend long to follow the adventures of Anne of Green Gables. Oh, I love watching this one!!!

Pride and Prejudice (A&E version):

I'm trying to remember the first time I watched this, but I can't. I'm thinking it must have been sometime during college?? But, ever since I first saw it... I loved it.

I tried to be educated and cultured and actually read the book but, I haven't been able to get through it. I think I've watched the movie too many times.

Lord of the Rings Trilogy:

I had some fun times working with the folks in the Communications Department in Orlando. When the 2nd movie came out a bunch of us went to the midnight showing at the movie theater in Downtown Disney. Fun experience. There were people dressed up, there was picture taking in the theater and there was even an announcement requesting that all staves be placed under the seats.

I was enjoying the movie, but it's a long movie... and it started at MIDNIGHT. So, I started to doze off. Okay, I fell asleep. When I woke up it was the end and the credits were rolling. I thought ... awww...that was a nice ending. At work the next day we were talking about the movie. It was only then that I realized that I missed A LOT of the ending. For me the movie ended with beautiful green scenery and happiness. Not at all how the movie ended. Not at ALL. HA!!

A Knight's Tale:

Great music, great story... Heath Ledger. What else is there to say??

Braveheart:

Action, romance... a man passionate who takes action.

Okay... some may consider picking trilogies cheating, but obviously I don't. hehehehe!!

Musicals???

Where are all my musicals? Meet Me in St. Louis? Music Man?

Old movies?

Where are all the great old movies?? Audrey Hepburn? Doris Day? Jimmy Stewart? Cary Grant? Katharine Hepburn?

I know that there are many more movies that I'd put on my packing list... so hopefully the ones that don't make the list will be found in Manila.

Hmmm... this list may still change before my boxes are packed.

So I guess this is My Top 5... for now.

What DVDs make up your TOP 5???

This upcoming Saturday I have the opportunity to join colleagues of mine from Wycliffe at an Explore Wycliffe event taking place in Philadelphia.

This one-day event gives participants the opportunity to learn about Wycliffe, Bible translation and explore ways they can get involved.

I'm looking forward to meeting fellow Wycliffe folks AND especially excited to meet the people who are choosing to spend a Saturday to "Explore Wycliffe." I think that's so cool!

When I really think about it... while I was casually exposed to Wycliffe at a music festival in PA and through the Web, my first real in-depth introduction to Wycliffe was when I went to Orlando, Florida to interview for a job at Wycliffe USA's headquarters. It was only after meeting real live Wycliffe workers, heard their stories, learned about what they did and why, that I actually "got it."

I remember sitting in the rental car at the end of a very long interview day thinking that I had no clue whether I would get the job or not. But, this I did know... I needed to make a change in direction in my life AND... whether or not I got the job, I would have to get involved in the work of Wycliffe somehow.

I remember having that "unbelieveable" feeling. Unbelieveable that so many didn't have the Bible in their own language. Unbelieveable that I never knew until then.

Because of my own experience I'm usually not at all surprised when people tell me that they've not heard about Wycliffe or about Bible translation before.

BUT, because of my own experience as I've gotten involved in this work... it's something I want to change.

I want to be surprised when people get that puzzled look on their face. I want to be shocked when people ask why the Bible is still being translated. I want to be startled when someone says, "Wycliffe, what's that?" These reactions don't surprise or shock me now. It's what i've come to expect. But, I want things to change.

I want for Bible translation to be as understood and known a need among churches as other areas of mission work. I want for Bible translation to be received as key and foundational to missionary work of the Church. I want for people to be as familiar and invested in Wycliffe as they are with other organizations that meet the deepest needs of people around the world. I want for kids and young people to be so exposed and involved in various aspects of Bible translation as they grow up that they just continue to seek God for their next next step of involvement.

In April 2002 I moved down to Orlando, Florida and began working with Wycliffe USA's Communications Department. The years that followed became my in-depth exploration of Wycliffe and the world of Bible translation. It's a learning experience that never ends.

I'm thankful for opportunities like "Explore Wycliffe," "Check IT Out," and other events that people can participate in to learn about this organization, Bible translation and ways to get personally involved.


Pray for the events taking place this week around the U.S., people who are sharing about Bible translation, and those who are participants in these opportunities.

One day during my mom's first round of consolidation therapy we were in her hospital room watching one of the few TV channels on the hospital TV -- CNN. One of the news items that day in May was about a 5-year-old girl who was accidentally hit by a car and died. The little girl ... a daughter of one of Contemporary Christian Music's popular, Steven Curtis Chapman.

The accident was tragic... their youngest daughter was accidentally hit by the car driven by her older brother.

At the time of Maria's death, I was still very much dealing with the questions and hurt in understanding why my Mom/we were having to go through cancer. I remember that as I watched the news story I subconsciously thought... "I wonder how they will go through this?" I remember feeling like... "keep your eyes and ears open and learn from them."

I've been reading the blog of Jim Houser who works with Steven Curtis Chapman. Over the last couple of months I've read about this family's moments of sadness, moments of joy, moments of hope, moments of moving forward. I've read about their faith being lived out.

Last month Steven Curtis Chapman, his wife and their older children were on Good Morning America and Larry King Live. Now I know that what this family has been going through is completely different from my own family's experience, but as I watched clips of the Larry King interview online, the words I heard expressed by the members of this family often echoed my own over the past few months. It was an encouragement hearing their testimony of faith.

God glorified in the hard times is often recognizing just that HE IS GOD and turning to Him with our questions, turning to Him seeking hope, and leaning hard on the one who gives strength and comfort.

I also think God glorified in the hard times is others seeing faith walked out during that time...maybe even when you're just hunched over and barely limping. My heart and mind have turned to God as I've listened to and watched this family. God glorified.

Over the last few months I've been encouraged in watching, reading, hearing about the faith journey of others. Not just this family, but my own friends and family as well. As others have permitted me to watch and listen along their journeys, I have seen God. What a gift of grace.

Steven Curtis Chapman had written a song, "Yours," and following the death of his daughter wrote an additional verse. These words provide such a powerful testimony of faith.

"And its all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
From the stars in the sky
To the depths of the ocean floor
And its all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
You're the Maker and Keeper, Father and Ruler of everything
It's all Yours"

"I've walked the valley of death's shadow
So deep and dark that I could barely breathe
I've had to let go of more than I could bear
And questioned everything that I believe
But still even herein this great darkness
A comfort and hope come breaking through
As I can say in life or death
God we belong to you."

GOD, we belong to you.

Whatever You're Doing (Something Heavenly)
Sanctus Real

It's time for healing time to move on
It's time to fix what's been broken too long
Time to make right what has been wrong
It's time to find my way to where I belong
There's a wave that's crashing over me
All I can do is surrender

Chorus
Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something heavenly

Time for a milestone
Time to begin again
Revaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow your will
or just climbing aimlessly over these hills
So show me what it is you want from me
I give everything I surrender...
To...

Chorus

Time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out
That I've wanted to say for so many years
Time to to release all my held back tears

Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believe
You're up to something bigger than me
Larger than life something heavenly

Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but now I can see
This something bigger than me
Larger than life something heavenly
Something heavenly

It's time to face up
Clean this old house
Time breathe in and let everything out

It's time. All I can do is surrender.

"Whatever you're doing inside of me It feels like chaos but I believe You're up to something bigger than me Larger than life something heavenly "

Three major TV networks (ABC, CBS, NBC) joined in an effort to raise money for cancer research this past Friday night.

"Stand Up To Cancer is more than a rallying cry. It is a galvanizing force created to urgently move cancer research forward.

This is where the end of cancer begins: when we unite in one unstoppable movement and Stand Up To Cancer."

One person every minute. Cancer.

For the 60 minutes that the program aired, I was in the hospital with my dad and my mom. My mom, who has cancer. She was in the hospital because of a fever -- the visit was more of a precaution because the chemo she had the other week has virtually wiped out her immune system. Cancer.

While we were in the ER room watching SU2C, family friends were heavy on my heart knowing that the next morning, they would remember and celebrate the life of their husband, father, uncle, friend. Cancer.

And yet there was hope as I thought about friends who have thankfully been cancer-free for years now. And, grateful that my mom's cancer is in remission. Thankful, that research has been done that has likely improved treatment and prognosis for my mother's type of leukemia.

And hope... remembering that God is our ultimate HOPE and HEALER.

It was inspiring listening to the stories of people who have been affected by cancer and to see the entertainment industry -- so influential in our society -- stepping in to do something about it.

During my mom's very first stay at HUP back in April, I was in the nourishment getting my mom's morning cup of coffee. There filling up his coffee mug was a fellow patient with a baseball cap fitted over his head. On it the words... CANCER SUCKS.

One person every minute? Yes, it does.
But, things can change.

After I mention to someone that I'll be heading to Manila, Philippines the most common question I get is... "You speak the language, right?"

WRONG.

Yes, both of my parents are Tagalog speakers. Unfortunately, I am not.

I grew up hearing Tagalog, but for the most part I saw it as my parent's "secret" language or the "you're in trouble" language. My parents usually used English when speaking to us kids, unless we were in trouble. The did speak Tagalog to each other, but I usually just tuned-out.

Now I can understand SOME things, and can say SOME things, but the truth is...I have to learn the language.

Learning Tagalog isn't required for the work that I'll be doing. In fact, English is often used in business and it is widely used and understood in Manila. But, I AM Filipino. Just looking at me people will expect me to understand and speak the language. I try to prepare myself now for how I will deal with the feelings I'll have when not being able to meet that expectation.

But, learning Tagalog is a life goal of mine. I want to be able to understand fully family conversations in Tagalog. And, I want to be able to contribute to those conversations! I want to learn.

I've tried to learn with/from my parents with very little success. I tried to do book exercises. Helpful, but still need more. So, for my 32nd birthday my parents got me the perfect birthday gift! Rosetta Stone.

This past week I had my first lesson. So far, so good. But then again, after 32 years of Tagalog exposure... I should be able to make it through at least the first few lessons with relative ease.

We'll see... hopefully that will be the case!

Maraming salamat po, Mommy at Daddy!

During my time working with Wycliffe in Orlando, one thing I looked forward to each August was the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. A group of us from the Communications Department would usually go together to a satellite site at Discovery Church. It was fun spending time with my Communications buddies outside of the office, learning together and running down to a local restaurant to grab lunch.

The Leadership Summit was often a time that God would use to confirm stirrings He'd been working in my heart. It was after the Leadership Summit of 2004 (?) that I finally worked on my preliminary application to serve with Wycliffe.

So, I was sad that there wasn't a church close to my home that was hosting as a satellite location. But, thankful that my friend Ruth has been blogging some during the Leadership Summit.
Ah, thanks Ruth ... through you I can experience the Summit this year!

Wycliffe's vision is to see God's Word accessible to all people in a language that speaks to their heart.

This is a vision that God has also given me. But, as I've worked alongside others towards this vision I have at times admittedly lost sight of "WHY?" It becomes too easy to get so focused on the tiny piece that I can do and I can forget the big picture.

I don't believe the heart of this vision is so that we can go down a checklist and say the languages have all been done. I don't believe the vision is just to package up the Bible in another language in a new bound book.

The heart of the vision, is the heart of God. It is to see lives changed. It is to see lives hear His Words speak to them. It is to know and experience forgiveness in a world of bitterness and hatred. It is to declare the true victory in moments of despair. It is to bring peace despite conflict. It is to offer Words of hope in the midst of pain and suffering.

This past year friends of mine who work in Orlando were able to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo. While there, they met men and women whose lives are a testimony of God moving in and through lives and the power of His everlasting Word in the heart language... in the midst of great suffering.

The following is a video produced from that trip.
Sometimes we need reminders of "WHY?" ... reminders like this.



(NOTE: This video may not be suitable for all ages.)

Learn more about the Trauma Healing Workshops.

Don't worry...this isn't going to become a regular Friday feature, but I forgot one of my favorites last week. So, here it is!


Vicks Early Defense Foaming Hand Sanitizer:
I used to not be overly concerned about germs so much. For example, when I'm with friends and family and someone passes around the hand sanitizer before eating out, unless I was shaking lots of strangers' hands or something like that... I pass. I don't know, I'd prefer to go to the restroom and wash my hands then have sticky, chemically hand sanitizer all over my hands when I'm eating.

But, since my mom has been going through her chemo treatments, I've been more concerned about germs and making sure I'm not passing any on to her. We now have all kinds of hand sanitizers in our house, our cars and our purses.

This is the best hand sanitizer in our collection! It's a FOAMING hand sanitizer so it doesn't leave my hands all sticky. AND, it's got a great scent ... cucumber-mint. It's a nice, light, clean and refreshing smell.

I've been thinking in the last few days that there are a lot of things that I really enjoy -- things that make things easier for me, things that make me smile, things that I just really, really like. These are a few of my favorites. Nothing deep, nothing truly meaningful... just things I've been enjoying lately.


V8 Fusion: Available in a variety of yummy flavors, a serving of V8 Fusion gives you one serving of fruits and vegetables. I really like the Pomegranate Blueberry flavor and the Peach Mango one. It's pretty high in sugar so I usually dilute it in water and lots of ice.

In addition to getting my daily nutritional value of fruits and veggies from a bottle, there's always eating the real thing...



Fresh Fruits and Vegetables:
I realize that I hardly ever bought fruits and vegetables when I lived alone. I tended to not eat them all in time and wasted a lot. It's been nice being with my family and loading up on lots of yummy fresh fruits and veggies. This summer I've been especially enjoying cantaloupes, cherries and crunchy gala apples.

Now, don't get me wrong... I also love junk food a lot too. A good cup of ice cream, anything with cool whip (which -- do you know they now sell it in a can??), chips, chocolate and this...


Rita's Water Ice - Gelati: One of my favorite summertime treats. I can't believe that I've only had it twice since I've been back in PA. My preferred Gelati is mango water ice with vanilla gelati OR cherry water ice with vanilla gelati. If you've not been to Rita's before... GO AND ENJOY!!

When I lived in Florida they didn't have too many Rita's around there. But, they've been spreading and there are a bunch that have popped up in the Sunshine State. Find a Rita's near you!

The Library: The library I go to is in a nearby town, Langhorne. In the last several months they have made some major renovations to this branch. I can borrow movies, books and CDs all with my little key tag library card. They have even outfitted the checkout desk with a "self-checkout" computer. Nice.
During my latest trip there I picked up an Alfred Hitchcock movie, X-Men 2, and some books by Henri Nouwen, Nicholas Sparks, Jane Austen and one book about the translated English Bible.

For my friends who live in Orange County, Florida... did you know that you can check out library materials online and have them deliver it to your home? That is a library service I miss.

Burt's Bees lip products: I always make sure I have a Burt's Bees Lip Balm on me. I love the way it leaves my lips nice and refreshingly cool and smooth.

Garnier Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure Daily Exfoliating Gel Cleanser: This is a new find. One of my favorite things in the day is brushing my teeth. I love the way cool, minty toothpaste makes me feel so clean and freshened up.

This face wash basically makes my face feel the way toothpaste makes me teeth feel. It has these tiny little exfoliating scrubbers that makes me feel like my face is getting a good deep cleaning. And, it leaves my face feel tingly cool when I'm all done. So far, I love it.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Mop: I tried out the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser sponge when I was moving out of my apartment a couple of years ago. The ads boast about how it erases marks from walls and all kinds of surfaces. So, I tried it -- and it worked. They now have the Magic Eraser Mo p. I usually have cleaned floors with a bucket and rags while on my hands and knees. This has been a nice, quick, and easy way for me to clean the floor.





iTunes, Pandora Radio, iPod: Did you ever make "Mixed Tapes?" I loved making mix tapes. I remember keeping a cassette tape in my radio in hopes that I'd catch the song I've been wanting to record. I remember laboring over making my mixed tapes. Thinking of the perfect songs, trying hard to cue up the songs perfectly on the cassette deck and hoping that there'd be enough space on the tape to fit in that last song.

Oh how those days are long gone.

With iTunes I can create all kinds of "mixed tapes." With a couple of drags and clicks, I could create a handful of playlists in minutes with perfectly timed fade ins and fade outs. If I wanted a particular song for my "mixed tape" there is no need to wait and record anymore. I can find it online and purchase that ONE song if I wanted.

Back in the day if I wanted to bring along a few "mixed tapes" I'd end up dragging along a zippered cassette tape holder with the tapes all snug in their plastic cases. Now, I can download a number of playlists on my iPod -- pretty much a number of "mixed tapes" all in the palm of my hand.


Google Reader: There are a lot of blogs that I like to follow. By using Google Reader I can put all them in one convenient place and it tells me when someone has posted something new.

No more clicking on site after site and being disappointed when there's nothing new to read.

Facebook: Okay, yes Facebook can easily become an addiction... but, I think I have managed well. I think I have. It's been a fun online tool to reconnect with friends and get glimpses into their lives through photos, status updates and notes on things that are going on with them. Sometimes though i think it has made me a lazy communicator... but, I enjoy it.

Okay, I could end up going on and on and on and on... there are lots of things I enjoy I guess!!

I recently read the book "The Shack," by William P. Young. As I read it I appreciated the way that through the story I was being challenged in my understanding of God, my view of my relationship with Him and my perspective of life's situations.

Something that I tend to do is have a desire for everyone I know and care about to be "happy" and for everything that they experience to be "good." It's difficult for me when I look around me right now and find so many people I care about going through terribly hard times.

... a father dealing with brain cancer

...the loss of a close family member and a mother who had a stroke

...dealing with leukemia and the harsh side effects of treatment

...a father courageously living with prostate cancer and sharing hard and precious moments with one another

...a grandfather missed

... and so on and so on and so on.

I look at these things and my initial reaction and the tendency I have to fight within myself is to think... "Why God?? It's not fair. All of this is BAD... so bad."

There was a part in the book where the main character is challenged -- "What is good?" In my mind good may include happy fuzzy feelings, ease in going through a situation, ... you know, good.

But as I allow my understanding of God, His goodness... and as God works His truth into my heart ... I can begin to see these things with new eyes.

Yes, these things are hard. Yes, these things are challenging. Yes, these things bring a great deal of sadness and hurt. But, I find that God's definition and perspective of what is "good" likely has greater depth and purpose than my heart and mind can always fully understand.

God is good. His works are good. God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. When I choose to believe that and remember that truth then my eyes are opened a bit wider and my heart opened a bit deeper to receive God's grace in these situations.

During the past few months I've had to purposefully take some time and ask the question, "God, what are some of the "good" things you can show in me in what's been going on? How are YOU being glorified?"

Goodness has been God's presence in the midst of pain. Goodness has been seeing and experiencing God in ways I've never been able to before. Goodness is God revealing Himself to His children. Goodness is God drawing us into His arms. Goodness has been God being glorified.

God is good.

At the end of March I was given the opportunity to step back from my work responsibilities to help my family during my mom's treatment for leukemia. These past few months have been a blessing to me - to be able to be with my family and help during this time.

My mom's treatment continues and I've asked my supervisor if I can stay in Newtown, PA to continue to help my parents. Based on her current treatment and recovery, and our day-to-day schedule, I think it's a good time for me to resume work with Wycliffe. I've asked if I could take on a new work assignment while I am at home. I am grateful that there is a need in the organization that I can meet from right here in Newtown, PA!

I will be working with Wycliffe International as a Web Project Coordinator. The Communications Team of Wycliffe International has been working on the development of two new web sites and has been in need of someone to help coordinate the efforts of the web team to bring these sites to completion.

The web team is comprised of about 7 people who are based in different locations around the world. Working with a completely "virtual" team will be a new and challenging experience for me! I will still be serving Monsoon and the Asia Pacific Area in this role! The resource of these international web sites will be serving the Bible translation movement in this area - and the other areas of the world as well.

Unfortunately, my computer recently crashed due to a defective hard drive. None of my files from my computer could be recovered. So, I'm having to rebuild my files one tiny bit at a time - salvaging what I can from miscellaneous emails and back up files that I have.

While it may take me a little time to be able to get started in my new assignment, I'm looking forward to joining this team and contributing in the ways that I can!

• Pray for patience as I get things up and running again on my computer.
• Pray that I would quickly get things in motion so that I can actively and effectively take on this new role.
• Pray that I would have great capacity to understand different aspects related to this project, have vision for what's being developed and the ability to communicate and work well with this ENTIRELY VIRTUAL team.
• Pray that I would be able to contribute much to this team.

the art of great story telling.

I have been enjoying watching So You Think You Can Dance and have found myself at times literally heart-ached or joy-filled watching these stories told in such amazing ways through dance. The stories are told so effectively that they pull emotions right out of me!

Whether the story is told through a dance, a photograph, a painting, film or words... the creative ability to not just unfold a story, but invite and draw others so powerfully into it, is just an amazing thing to me. I appreciate so much the gift that people have to do that... and the courage and generosity to use that gift to share it with others.

In watching these stories being told in dance, I'm reminded of joy that I have in being a part of telling the Bible translation story. I'm reminded of the creative struggle involved in finding the perfect words and the great image. And I'm reminded of the oh-so-cool feeling you experience when you see someone connect with the story that you get to help invite them into. Cool. Can't believe that I get to do what I get to do! :)

Well, here are some of my favorite dances from the show so far (tonight not included).

No Air
Choreographed by Napoleon and Tabitha
Performed by Katee and Joshua



Bleeding Love
Choreographed by Napoleon and Tabitha
Performed by Chelsie and Mark



Beautiful
Choreographed by Mia Michaels
Performed by Chelsie and Mark

Well, after my computer crashed I've finally gotten it back and I'm back up ... and slowly getting things back in shape. I'm in "crawl" mode right now.

Unfortunately, the computer folks were unable to retrieve anything from my hard drive (without me shelling out a whole lot of money to do it!). So I'm piecing my life back to together again. I'm trying to find whatever digital files I may have on random thumb drives, in my personal email account and on my external hard drive (that I obviously didn't use to its full capacity!!)

I pretty easily let this discourage me. I immediately had the feeling of "Why me??" I was upset at myself, upset at my computer and the entire technology industry ... and began to feel like everything in my life is UNFAIR.

But then perspective set in...
I lost computer files. That's it.
I lost some records of people who partner with me in ministry. I haven't lost those partners. I lost emails from friends with words of encouragement and affirmation. I haven't lost those friends... or the truths they have imparted to my mind and heart. I have lost a few photos from the last couple of months -- during my mom's leukemia journey. I haven't lost the memories, the lessons or the moments that we've been sharing together.

As I look around my circle of friends and think about the many struggles so many are facing, I begin to think... "Why, God?" "It's not fair..."

I was running those words through my mind the other night as I tried to fall asleep and the words that came to mind were these...
... you have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

Oh to have a greater perspective... to recognize the fullness of just being His and the trustworthiness of Him who has me.

When you have a back up hard drive and back up software, it's a good idea to actually BACK UP your computer. Unfortunately, I've not done that in a really long time.


What makes it really unfortunate is that when I pressed the button to power up my laptop... NOTHING. I get a message saying that Windows failed to launch and while it tries to start up in "Repair" Mode... NOTHING. I get a completely black screen -- although my mouse does work.


I called the friendly Toshiba tech support guy and he thinks it's a corrupted Operating System and that I'll need to run the recovery disks.


I'm HOPING HOPING HOPING that I can bring my laptop to some computer genius who can recover all my information before running the disks and rebuilding the computer. HOPING.


It feels like this couldn't have come at a worse time. Tomorrow my mom will be admitted to the hospital for her week long treatment. I usually stay the week with her during her stays so running back and forth from the computer repair shop may get complicated.

What also stinks is that I was going to spend time this week starting to familiarize myself with a work project that I'll be doing. After taking a break from work, I was (still am) excited to finally get involved in a work project. That may be a tad difficult to do without a computer.


We'll see how this goes! URGH. I'm fighting discouragement.