Specifics

Dear Friends and Family,

As you all know, we are aiming to have me arrive in Guam by mid-August. I am moving there to teach the subject of English (grammar, composition), to open a writing center, and to be a huge help to Melody Plaxton, head of the English department on PIBC/PIU. I want to minister to my students through working with them, as many great people have ministered to my life while just being there with me. In order to allow affordable education to the people of Micronesia, PIBC needs all of their teachers and staff to be missionaries and fully supported by their home church, family, friends, etc. Believe me, if I could, I'd finance this whole thing, or just live in an old bus, or a tent, or...whatever, but PIBC and I have goals we need to meet to allow my focus to be more on God than my students. (Besides, Guam doesn't strike me as the type of island where I can just bum around and be fully productive :)


Per Angie, there is a specific thing that is holding me back: monthly support. I need people to commit to supporting me monthly in amounts great and small. If this doesn't happen, I may not be able to go 'til December. I need a large amount in monthly support that I am not going to post out of discouraging the attitude "well, my $20 a month is nothing compared to what she needs!" No no...I need everything and anything anyone can commit to donating. Trust God: if you tithe or make financial commitments to a missionary, He will bless you in other areas of your life to make up for that. And, whatever comes in on top of what I have may just be enough. It's all in the works, and it's all in God's hands. This is my specific prayer request and challenge. Is God calling you to support me?

If so, let me know. I have a quick and easy form to fill out. PIBC is also gladly accepting one time donations on my behalf. It all goes toward my ministry and living expenses. I also need prayer, a LOT of prayer.


Thanks for your prayers and support!


Love,
Jen

Coincidence?

As if this whole Guam thing wasn't crazy enough, two things happened within 15 hours of each other that made me go "hmmm..."

1. Esther gave me the book Outliers. I opened the book to some random page, and in the second line down, there was the word GUAM.

2. Continental Airlines' first international destination/service was Air Micronesia.


Weird! Keep praying for me- we are all hoping and praying for an August departure date. I'll keep you updated, as well.

appletinis and things I'll remember

So, a few years ago I dated this guy who I really liked from my poetry class. He was beautiful, sweet, Christian, had a good home, and sang/played guitar. Unfortunately, everything else was not compatible with me and I was kinda mean to him. OK, I was definitely mean to him. We were in such different places, and I am glad we didn't let it drag out. For one, I was a completely immature Christian with no intention on becoming more mature. I'm not saying I'm that much better now, but I have definitely grown and continue to grow. Then...not so much. Anyway, I remember our deal breakers, and I just look back at them and laugh. But...I think they'd still be deal breakers for me today, too. Check them out-

1) He said he was going to make me dinner, and that he makes the best beef stroganoff. He brought over a ROLL of beef and a box of hamburger helper.
2) He went to a fashion show and had the BEST appletinis
3) He didn't want any pets.

BLEH. OK, men- men don't drink appletinis unless we're on vacation or at a gay bar in Palm Springs. By all means, get something with an umbrella in it. And, hamburger helper and beef in a roll? Poor kid.

However, there were some amazing things he did, that I will always remember:

-Our first date was on a mission to Mexico to build a home for a family, with his church.
-He prayed with me.
-He brought me flowers from Trader Joe's quite often.
-He was nice to me even through all the crap I gave him. He was still so nice, and nice to my friends. I walked all over him.


In every relationship, there's things we take, and things we can leave. That goes with friendships, family, everything. I'm going to start writing friend profiles here and there to share some of the stories that changed me and my heart. He will always be a part of that.

Updates!

Hey friends- I haven't posted in a while, and I'm so sorry about that! Truth be told- I've been super busy. However, I LOVE writing and writing to everyone I know- so what's been my deal?

Well, this week I had a wonderful opportunity to dog/house sit for my boss Laura. She owns the day spa that I teach at and her husband does website design and is a musician/worship leader. Here's a little 2 in 1 for you- Laura's Wellness Spa designed and hosted by Brad for Laura's business. Aren't they cute in what they do? I'm even in the site somewhere. Look under yoga.

Housesitting for a spa owner is amazing. We always wonder what our doctor's homes are like, what's in our personal trainer or nutritionist's fridge, etc. Let me just say that this home is like a spa, and the towels are super soft and fluffy. I have been taking baths, cooking healthy, and playing with a cute little Pomeranian. In fact, I am actually moving in with my doctor this Saturday. Well- calling him my doctor sounds a little formal. One of my closest friends, Les, is my acupuncturist. His place is just...in his style, and he eats a lot of ramen noodles and avocado smoothies. I can't follow his suit, so I'll be moving in some fruits and veggies and rice milk. I am really excited, though, about the rest of this month.

As you know, I was living with Melissa. I am still there, part time, but will be out by this weekend. I love her- we've grown so close over trials and struggles this year. I am truly going to miss her, and all of my friends, for that matter. I've grown really close to some people that I hope to keep lasting relationships with. These next 3 weeks are going to be interesting, emotional, and adventurous- I can just tell. I can't wait to blog through them to start up my journey for Guam. In the meantime, can you please pray for me- for direction, guidance, support, and God's strength? I can't do it alone, and the prayers of others have really been taking effect. I can just tell.

Loe and peace to you!
Jen

Well I guess that means...

my treasures are stored in heaven?



I posted this picture of the 2 bins that I have to fit the contents of my room into. In one box, I have photo albums, Scrabble, boxes of letters and notes, a yearbook and grad cap, picture frames, and a bank full if bicentennial quarters. In the other box...I have no idea what I am going to do. On my facebook page, I posted that maybe I would put winter clothes in it.

This is a very good sign. I am not attached to too much. My dad requested that I bring some of my nicer furniture and anything I may need when I get back up to his place. So, I do have 2 more boxes: one with bar glasses and glassware, and another with some plates, a pot, some utensils, etc. I need to have something to show for to ease worry and seem prepared to come back- so yes, the bundt pan is moving into my dad's attic. Everything else is going and it's so liberating!


My question to you: what would you keep, what would you get rid of? If you had the opportunity, would you get rid of everything?

My friends

are amazing. I am going to miss these people so much, and am trying to make the most of the time I have now. Here's a few pictures of good times with the people who have guided me, shaped me, loved me, laughed with (or at) me, and have helped me make it through so much out here in Cali. I have a great weekend with more of this up ahead and I cannot wait to just add to the memories. xoxoxo





















I wish I had pictures for all the great moments and experiences over the past few years, but then again that would take a long, long time to post on here. Anything I've left out...I'm sorry!

God Please

Give me strength, courage, and grace. Help me realize the errors of my ways, give me peace and comfort, and keep revealing yourself to me. I am a sinner and I need guidance, direction, and encouragement. I fully trust in you and believe in you. Please keep the enemy far away as I am struggling with everything at once. Help me stay loving and focused with everyone around me. Father thank you for your blessings and your presence.

Psalms 3:3-4 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
I cried out to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy mountain.