In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.

I am so not good at this blog updating. I never dreamed I would be so tired. There's so much that I've learned about my life while up here. I am amazed that God has trusted me with what he has taught me. Before I get into that, I want to let you know things I have been doing.
Today, there was a freak storm in BC. The winds reached 110 km/h around the lake. It was quite widespread-- from Vancouver to the north OK (Vernon). The winds were insane; it reminded me of home. *tear* Everyone was freaking out because weather like that never happens here. Think snow in Georgia. The news coverage is the same. It was really serious, though. There was a lot of lightening, and this is prime forest fire season. After the storm, it got really cold... not like Georgia.

I had the chance to meet the team from Peachtree City who came up to help out with Kid's Club. They're all really great! We had a cookout this evening with everyone. It was so good!! Baked beans, hash brown casserole, butter cake... yuuum! OH! Sweet tea! I forgot to mention that Canadian sweet tea is not sweet tea. It's powdered lemon "tea". They don't even sell tea bags made to brew iced tea. Insanity.

What else? For the 4th, we had a cookout. It was a lot of fun! We played all-terrain Boccie ball. I definitely think that needs to be an intramural sport at KSU. I'd join. You would, too. I've helped set up for Kid's Club and watched the other interns go through the motions for all the songs. One day, we went to the beach and handed out freezies with invitations to Kid's Club and Student Week.

As for last week...
Kevin, Todd, Noah, and I headed to Prince Rupert. We left on Saturday morning. It is nearly 900 miles to PR, so our plan was to take three days getting up there and two getting back. The first night, we stopped in a town called Quinsel (pronounced quinell). The camp site was really nice. Plenty of space and privacy and there were showers and clean washrooms. Well, it was all fun and games until the rain came. I was sleeping alright in my tent until I woke up freezing at about 3:30 am. I couldn't figure out why I was so cold until I realized that I was soaked through to my PJ's. Yep. Tent, sleeping bag, pillow, and PJ's-- all soaked in freezing cold rainwater. I got up, went to the washrooms and changed. I tried to dry out my shoes with the electric hand dryer, but it only worked twice before it apparently overheated. I then climbed into the car and tried to sleep, but it was cold, and I didn't have anything with which to keep warm. I also didn't have a pillow except for my clothes that didn't get wet. Needless to say, I didn't get back to sleep. So, I had some quiet time with God, and I listened to Chris Tomlin.

Everyone else woke up about 6:00 am, and we all sat in the car until about 7 when we took down the camp. The showers didn't open up until 7:30... stupid. I was cold, and I needed a hot shower. We also had to pay for our showers. Yes, that's right... pay. $1 for every 4 min. Blah blah blah-- got shower, and we went on our way. We made our way to Smithers. We made a stop in Barnes Lake to dry everything out at a laundromat. We ate lunch in Houston, and we prayed through as many towns as we could. I'll explain more about that later.

Then we arrived at our campsite, Glacier View. Let me tell you... better yet, let me show you God's creation. It was amazing. The view of this glacier from our campsite was so amazing. We also went part way up the mountain to see Twin Falls-- two waterfalls coming off the glacier. God really knows what He's doing. Beauty is his specialty... without further delay... my glacier. Yes, I've claimed it. Waterfalls, too!




I'm holding an apple. I didn't want to throw it out because I was certain that a bear would try to eat me or something. My logic was slightly flawed.

Anyway, there was no rain in Smithers only high winds while we were trying to set up camp. That was fun, and I'm not kidding. Mainly because the wind stopped long enough for my tent to be set up without trouble, but the guys had a really hard time getting theirs up. The sleep was better, but it was still sleeping on the ground. I stayed away from the edges of the tent just in case. I woke up sans wetness and without a pounding headache like the night before.

Then, we headed to Prince Rupert. We got there around 1pm, I think. 12:30, maybe. We got in contact with the team leader up there, and headed over to the Civic Centre to immediately be put to use helping out with the Aboriginal Edlers Conference. The four of joined the six of them and chopped every vegetable known to man until about 6:30 pm. The next day, we got to the Civic Centre at 7am and started to chop every fruit known to man. Throughout the day, we had some down time, so we all got to see some truly amazing things. We got to see the traditional garb of the different bands, and we also had the privilege of seeing their dances and songs. The best thing was meeting the team that's up there and seeing and hearing about the amazing work they're doing.

The next day, we left PR to come back to Kelowna. There was a change of plans; we decided to drive straight back. 16 hours. In a car. That was longest I have ever been in a car. It's not my preferred mode of transportation for a trip that long, but I read a couple of books and the Bible. I finished the Gospel of John. If you haven't read through it, I would recommend it. If that intimidates you like it did me, get a study guide or a study Bible that has notes. Pray that God will work through the Scriptures with you. It's an amazing book. I never felt closer to Jesus; the author of John does an amazing job of describing the character of Jesus. My next task is to read straight through the New Testament. I am excited! I'll admit that I've never read it at once.

Now, for the meat and potatoes of my post:

Title: An Advocate for Canada

(This is exactly from my journal, so somethings may be repeated.)

The more and more I am here, the more and more I learn. I am awestruck and dumbfounded with how much God is teaching me. I cannot believe he is entrusting me with this. I know what I must do, and the very least is to be an advocate for Canada.

God is even showing me why he put me in First Baptist Woodstock (FBCW). I knew it was of him that I joined the church, and now I know why. For something to be so clear is amazing.

I'm on the way to Prince Rupert, and God is speaking to me through Kevin.

As we have been traveling from Kelowna, we have stopped and prayed or driven and prayed for the various towns we've gone through. I prayed for God to open me eyes and heart to see what he sees, and He has. Never have I felt his presence more when we went through a town that He so desperately wants its people to know Him. I've been moved to tears several times.Growing up in the South, I never knew how much I had. I took for granted the resources I had/ have. I never understood the importance of See You at the Pole. I thought it was just another way to try and drag me out of bed earlier than I wanted. I went to one my entire high school career, and I didn't even pray out loud. Even now, on a seemingly Godless campus, the Christian groups are known. The people within the groups are amazing, and what God pours out is astounding. If only, I would have opened my eyes sooner, I would have seen what I see now. Why am I telling you all of this? It's a huge part of what God is teaching me.

Prayer is so important. Think about it. You're talking to God. God! Your Creator, Father, Brother, Friend, and Lover. You're talking to the One who provides you with anything and everything you need, have needed, and could ever conceive needing. The thing, I think, that a lot of people don't understand about prayer walking being important is this: You are in a place. You're seeing what God sees, and you are interceding on behalf of those people of that town. You're asking God to work in that town. There is nothing God loves more than to be glorified. What better way to do than when the impossible is made possible? There is no way a man can be glorified; only God can. Prayer is more important than you can imagine. Don't take it lightly. God is listening to you. He wants to communicate with you in the worst possible way. He wants you more than you want him. Isn't that amazing? The God of this universe wants you. Need proof? Jesus Christ. Just like in prayer, you are interceding for a town, through his death and conquering death, Jesus interceded and is still interceding for you. The perfectly innocent Son of Man gave up his life so that you may live. Take comfort. He loves you more than you can fathom.

To single yourself out as a Christian in your school (up here), you are chancing to subject yourself to hostility. There's a chance you're one of very few Christians in your school and an even greater chance that you're the only one.

I'm not writing this to make anyone feel guilty. I'm writing this to let you know that just because Canada isn't a third world country, they desperately need Jesus. It's harder than I could have ever imagined because there is a lot of resistance to the Gospel (and church), and it's understandable. Just take a look at the history of the First Nations.

So, what does this all boil down to? You guessed it. Canada will always be on my radar. I love Canada, and I can't deny or block out what God's been doing in my life these last few weeks. I don't know exactly what it looks like, yet. But, I have faith that God will take care of me and my family.

Please keep praying for me! Also, pray hard this week. It's Student Week, and our main purpose is to reach out to the lost students of Westbank. Pray for wisdom for the leaders, and pray that the students will be receptive to what we are doing.

I love you!

Happy Canada Day!!

A rose in the yard and Mission Hill Winery.


Lavender field and a pretty sunset.












More Mission Hill Winery.







I know, it's been forever. I apologize. I've been so busy and so tired.


The time is flying by. I cannot believe it! I will be home in 18 days! 18!! I am excited to get home. I am so blessed that I have not been homesick except for one or two days when I felt really sick.

I've become more and more aware of my calling, and it is thrilling and frightening. I know that I am meant to share my story with people; I just don't know how. There have been several thing that have happened during my stay here that have signaled that I am to use the spiritual gifts God has given me to share my story. I do not think I am gifted with evangelism, but God may have someone for me who is who needs someone like me to balance out our gifts.


God and I have been talking a lot. It's amazing. I was going through a particularly hard spiritual time. I had asked God to show me some things a few weeks ago, and he showed them to me very recently. I didn't realize what was going on until someone pointed it out to me. Anyway, I woke up really ill on Sunday. I took a shower hoping that would shake it, but it did not. So, I had to skip church. :-( I could sense God telling me to go back to bed, so I did. I woke up several times throughout the day, and I finally got up around 5. I was thirsty and a little hungry, so I made some tea hoping that would help with the headache, and I ate a nectarine. The tea didn't help, and the nectarine helped settle my stomach. God showed me a few things while I was up, but he told me to go back to bed. So, at 5:30, I went back to bed. I woke back up at 7:30, and my headache was gone, and I was finally hungry! I got something to eat, and I popped in a movie. God truly helped me work through what I was going through. It reminded me of what he did with Elijah when he prayed for death under the tree. I wasn't praying for death, but I felt like I was falling into a really dark and evil place.


God helped me see that I had not forgiven someone, and I was displacing those feelings onto someone innocent. But, that was supposed to happen so I would turn to God so he could fix me.



Before all of that, I did some exploring around town. I went to a lavender and herb field. It is so pretty, and it smells heavenly! I tasted some lavender lemonade... yum!! Then, I talked to the girl in the gift shop, and she told me about a Goat Cheese Artisan. I went there, too, and I tried some goat cheese. Some of it was really good and some was not. I wanted to tour the goat farm, but you had to pre-schedule your tour. Oh well.

What else have I done? I've traveled to Penticton, Peachland, Summerland, and Okanagan Falls. All of those towns are on the lake, and Penticton is at the southernmost point on the lake. I've seen all 90 miles of Lake Okanagan! Woo-hoo!

The church participated in a weekend long event called Love Westside. Potter's House hands out potted plants to 300 businesses around the west side. We all gathered together the night before and potted the plants. That morning, all the churches participating in Love Westside gathered at a central church and had a pancake breakfast. I guess I should explain what Love Westside is. Churches on the west side (of the lake) gather together and perform random acts of kindness to show God's love in a practical way. Some churches handed out water on the streets, some cleaned graffiti off of everything, some had cookouts, and some set up free stores. It was so cool. Everyone had the same t-shirt, and no one identified the church they were with. We were all one! It was so cool!!

What else have I done? Oh yes! The Canada Day parade! On Saturday, Westbank had a parade to celebrate Canada Day. Potter's House had a float to advertise their Kid's Club (VBS), and we handed out water bottles to the crowd. It was SO much fun! It was HOT. Even though there is no humidity, it is still hot. Phew! That evening, we went to the lake shore to watch fireworks. It was fun! They were shot off from a boat in the lake. At the end, the guy lighting the fuse fell into the lake, but he's OK. The water is SO cold.

Today is Canada Day! I hope to be heading to the beach with the other interns!

Thanks for reading!
Love,
Jennifer

Soon... I promise.

Hi, Everyone--

I apologize again for not updating. I've had a lot going on personally, and I am kind of drained right now. No need to worry, I promise! I have been having a lot of fun, and there will be pictures... even some with me in them.

Thank you always for your prayers and concern. I always need prayer. Can I please give you specific things for which to pray? I need encouragement, hope, and peace.

Please continue to pray for the efforts of those trying to reach lost people for Jesus. It's so much harder than I imagined.

Please be patient as I get up enough non-tiredness to write an entry worthy of your attention! I only want the best for you, reader!

Love,

Jennifer

Teaser picture:

From the Lavender Farm

Hope!

God is truly amazing.

Thank you so much for your prayers and comments. After talking with my supervisors and with God, things got so much better. I just had one of those weird moments that if I had kept it all in, that one day would have ruined everything.

Yesterday, Kevin, Todd, and I took a road trip! There was about six hours of drive time because Canadian cities are not close. At least not in BC. We went to Merritt, Hope, and Princeton. Merritt is the country music capital of Canada. They have a HUGE country music festival every year. The town has less than 8000 people, and this three day festival brings it up to about 80,000! Todd and I stopped into the Info Center with the purpose of just having a conversation with one of the employees. (Yesterday was an exploration trip.)

We met Nancy. She was a talker, but she was passionate about Merritt. It was nice to see that kind of passion for such a small place because it could one day turn into a great passion for our Creator. I don't think she is saved, but you could tell that with the right amount of time she could be. That was hopeful. It was funny/ sad when she was showing us the Merritt guidebook. She showed us everything Merritt had to offer through that book except for one thing: an historic church. Todd noticed, too.

I think we talked to Nancy... well, she talked to us... for nearly 20 minutes! I wanted to buy a stuffed bear dressed as a mounty. I think I will one day. Anyway, after Merritt, we drove to Hope. There was snow on the ground and on the mountains. SNOW! IN JUNE! It was weird. We were going to prayer walk, but we decided to prayer drive. We stopped for lunch at a Chinese/ Canadian restaurant. It was an interesting experience. Needless to say, I left hungry. We walked around a little because the locals call Hope the (wood) Carving Capital of Canada. We only found three. There's a nice cafe called Blue Moose. We got some coffee, and I got a good muffin. We met Luke who showed us the way to a cool tunnel. We would have gone, but we weren't dressed for it, and we didn't have a flashlight.

We left Hope and headed to Princeton. Princeton consists on three blocks. It's population is less than 3000. I stopped in a place called the Loonie Bin (dollar store) and met Dawn and Sam. I chatted with them for a little while about Princeton. After that, we headed back home to Westbank. We stopped at Dairy Queen because I was hungry. After all, a muffin can only hold you for so long.

So, a much better day!

There will be more soon!

Love,
Jennifer

...?

Today, I feel like I failed.

We were supposed to do some local servant evangelism. That's the easiest form of evangelism. There's something you're doing for people, so you have an automatic ice-breaker. Right? Not today. Not for me.

I suddenly felt under severe attack from the Enemy when we got home. I'm struggling all of a sudden with my sense of purpose. Why? Well, we were given some money to go out into Westbank and Kelowna to do random acts of kindness. It's one of my favorite things to do. Well, we were given ideas, and sent on our way. We had some lunch at A&W (which was gross and way overpriced). Then, we literally drove around Weskbank twice trying to figure out what to do. I was begging God to impress upon me something to do. We were thinking we could stand by the shopping cart stand to hand out Loonies ($1 coins) because at most Canadian shopping places, to get a cart, you have to insert a Loonie (you get it back when you take the cart back). Well, there were no people really shopping at lunch time. So, after more driving around, we decided to head into Kelowna to The Great Canadian Superstore (similar to Sam's). On the way there, I felt a pull to go to City Park. I missed the turn, of course, and almost hit someone... of course, again. I felt a little flustered as I pulled into the parking space. I paid for parking, and we started walking in the park. I was hoping for something. I prayed for something. I ended up praying over a playground and begging God again for some guidance.

I didn't feel anything. If I was alone, I would have sat in the beach and prayed more. As we made our way back to the van, I was preparing to head further into Kelowna to the Superstore. Well, I turned onto the main road. I thought I turned the wrong way, so I turned around to find myself back on the bridge headed to Westbank. I was discouraged because the point I turned around didn't lend itself to another turn around. Plus, I didn't want to annoy my passenger with my newly developed insane driving skills. I tried to discern whether or not to give up and head home or head back into Westbank. As the turn for our apartment came, I went straight into town. I decided to go to the grocery store and resolved to hand out loonies for a little while.

We got out, and after a very short while, we realized that people did not want our loonies. I was really frustrated by then, and I decided to drive thru Timmy's (Tim Horton's), get a coffee, and pay for the person behind me. As we were pulling in, we figured it would be our luck that no one would pull in behind us. Thankfully, someone did. It was a van with a nice looking family in it. I just knew that I'd help them by paying for their family dinner. Yeah. Wrong again. They ordered one coffee. $1.53. I still paid for it. The lady who took the money seemed impressed and told the person helping her. "Would you look at that," she said as I drove off. I almost hit someone else in the parking lot, by the way. I'm not used to driving such a big vehicle.

Feeling thoroughly defeated, we headed home. Here I am now. Wrestling with myself and my Enemy. I know what he's doing, and he's doing a great job at it. He sucker punched me in exactly the right spot.

Please... I don't know... pray for me.

--JC

From far and wide, O Canada!

Hi, Everyone!

Sorry for the delay in updates; I've been slightly busy. My days can be long, and by the time I sit down to write an update, I am exhausted.

We've done a good bit of exploring and exploration. No, I haven't gone mad-- they're two different things. Exploring is just going around looking at what Kelowna and Westbank have to offer. There's an amazing cafe called Tim Horton's. It's Canadian, eh. Their coffee is sooo good. I mean it's better/ smoother than Cracker Barrel! Yum. I'm bringing some home, so watch out!

I've also noticed a lot of subtle differences in cultures. For instance, gas is priced ¢ per litre. When I first saw 140.9, I was a little taken aback. :-) Spelling of some things is different-- colour, travelling, ect.

Anyhoo-- Exploration is getting to know the places and people we are "explorationing". We go around the town and talk to people. It's seriously that easy. The purpose is to find things out about the people and the town that there is no other way to get the information. There's also the hope of finding people of peace who have the God given desire to start a Bible study or church in a place that desperately needs it. We prayer walk to pray over the towns. Prayer walking is an new experience for me, and it's amazing.

We took an exploration trip to a small town called Vernon. It's such a pretty place. It's on Kalamalka Lake-- a smaller neighboring lake to the Okanagan Lake. It's gorgeous. It's glacier fed, and when the sun hits it, it's an amazing green. Not gross and slimy, but a God-said-be-green green. That was Wednesday. On Sunday, we took a trip to Kamloops. It's cute little town about two hours away. We attended The Bridge church-- a sister church to The Potter's House.

Tomorrow, Todd and I will be doing some local evangelism. Evangelism here looks a lot different than it does at home. I'll let you know how it goes.

Please keep praying for Canada, the Maddens, the Nortons, Todd, the Potter's House (church and members), and of course me!

Here are some pictures: (click on the pic to see it BIG)



Me at Lake Kalamalka!

Lake Kalamalka

More Lake Kal. It's so beautiful!

This is Westbank from the top of a mountain.

Dodgeball on the trampoline.

(L to R): Danica, Bryana, Taylor, Noah, Shayna, and Todd

coming soon...

I promise I will update soon!

love,
Jennifer

Changes and Transition

Some things transpired over the past couple of days. I don't want to go to into any details, but if you want to know, e-mail me. Cherie was sent home. She's OK physically; just pray for her.

Todd is still coming on Monday, though. We can't wait for his arrival! Please pray for traveling mercies for him.

Please pray for me. I think the enemy is trying to attack me physically by giving me a lovely rash. I've tried a lot of things for about two weeks, and I'm trying something new tonight. If it doesn't work, Alicia is taking me to a clinic in town to see what's up. It doesn't hurt, but one of the treatments I tried dried it out, and it itches sometimes. Thankfully, that's the worst of it. It's red, blotchy, and just plain annoying to look at.

Remember to keep the Potter's House and the Maddens in your prayers!

Tomorrow, I get to go to the Potter's House for the first time!! I am so excited. After church, we're having a barbecue (I still laugh at this because at orientation, we were told that everywhere except the South, barbecue is something you do not eat.) for a couple in the church who are moving so they can go to seminary.

Today I helped out with the Maddens' community garage sale. They're just as big here as they are at home! I thought it was so cool how some things are so similar. I had a chance to meet lots of Canadians today. Their little community is so nice, and all the people I met were so nice as well.

Canadians really are amazing people.

I miss you all. God has blessed me with this place to make it feel like home, so I am thankfully not homesick. I mean, I wouldn't mind seeing everyone, but I don't feel sad for being so far away.

Thank you for your continual thoughts and prayers. I want you to know that words cannot describe how much I need and truly appreciate them. As God continues to reveal His awesome plan in my life, please pray that I continue to easily go along with it. He is the God who created my view, and so He created me to mean so much more to Him. I cannot fathom how little old me (and you!) means more to Him that those majestic mountains and lake I see everyday. I do. To Him, I am beautiful no matter what the world says. I want you to know that you are the most beautiful creation to Him. No matter what the world says is beautiful, they are wrong because God says you are beautiful and worth loving. I love you.

Continue talking to God. Ask Him for guidance.

Love,
Jennifer

Oh, Canada!

Canada's amazing. It's breath-taking, and I could not have asked God to send me to a more beautiful place. Here are some things I wrote in my journal when I first got here:

I cannot imagine anyone hating living where there is a view of these mountains. The view from our apartment is amazing. This is a dream come true!

God has abundantly blessed me. I have two new families, and I haven't even been here that long. My supervising family, The Maddens, is amazing. Love and kindness radiate from that family like they eat and drink it. It is awesome to feel so loved so much already.

When we arrived at our host home, we were bombarded in the best way. Everyone was so excited to meet us. All six of them! I can tell they're all bundles of energy. They're all so welcoming and interested. I can't wait to get to know them; it's going to be fun!

Here's a run-down of what I've done so far:
Wednesday-- Alicia and Kevin took Cherie and me to lunch at a local seafood place. I had fish and chips, and it was SO good! The breading was way better than that crap they put on it in the States. :-)

It was there that I got to know Kevin, Alicia, and Canada a little better. I found that God was speaking to me directly through my supervisors. He was letting me know something scary and exciting all at the same time. He was letting me know that I'm home. My six weeks here are going to be hard and challenging, but I'll be home. I also got the feeling that I'll be back. I don't know where exactly or in what capacity, but I think Canada won't have seen the last of me come July 19th.

After that realization, Alicia took Cherie and I to Starbucks and then to Wal-Mart. Haha... how American, right? Wrong. Kelowna has one Wal-Mart. It's not a Super Center, and it's not open 24 hours. Westbank, a 'burb of Kelowna, has a Super Wal-Mart opening in September. Anyway, this Wal-Mart was small and clean and your eyes did not burn out from the florescent lights. It's a great place to get souvenirs. :-)

The express lanes were smart. There were 8 of them. People cued up outside the lanes, and there was a computer that told the next person where to go. It was a true express lane.

Then, Alicia took us to City Park. It's a beautiful park. I was so struck by it that I forgot to take pictures, but I'll take some the next time we go. We walked around for a while and talked; it was nice.

Later that evening, Alicia came to pick up Cherie, Cynthia (Host home mom), and I for a Bible/ book study. They're studying Captivating. I met about 20 women from the church. They're fantastic women. The love for God these women have is so authentic. I can't wait for next Wednesday! Oh! Erica, the place we go for this study is at the top of a mountain where I can capture the entire city just like you wanted!

Today: Cherie and I helped Alicia and Kevin paint. They're moving to Edmonton at the end of the summer, and we're helping them get the house ready to sell. Then, she brought us home and we rested for a short while as Randy (host home dad) tried to fix our deadbolt. We had to get a new one. :-) We had dinner with the Nortons, and that was great fun. I got to interact with the kids. There are four of them-- Danica and Bryana (twins, 14), Shayna (11), and Jacob (9). After dinner, Randy took Cherie, the twins, and I to their youth gathering. We picked up Noah (The Madden's middle child. He's 14 and their only biological son. There's Michael, who is 18 and Taylor, who is 6.) on the way there. Their youth is a lot of fun and very passionate about the church. It was great to see that in those kids.

All in all, I love it here. I love the people and their accents. I am learning so much from them. It's customary to take off your shoes before you enter the house. I remember that whenever I go to the Maddens' or upstairs, but I sometimes forget in my own apartment! I usually remember about five minutes afterward. I have to remember that they use the Metric system up here. They actually dabble (as Randy put it) in American, but it's mainly Metric. For the most part, Canadians are a lot more friendly than even most Southerners. Pedestrians are actually given the right of way. Go figure, eh?

Here are some pictures. I promise I'll post more as I take them. I love you so much for reading this and supporting me. Here's some fair warning: I might sound a little Canadian when I come back, and I will drink hot tea a lot more.



Love,
Jennifer

I'm here!

Hi, Everyone!

Cherie and I have arrived safely in Kelowna. Todd will be coming on Monday.

Everything went well. We flew to Toronto from Atlanta then from Toronto to Calgary and from Calgary to Kelowna. When I say everything went well, I mean, it went so well that it freaked me out. I was expecting to have to go through Immigration and be questioned, but we didn't have to! It was so easy. Isn't God great?

I'll update more later. I'm tired. It's 11:15pm there, but it's only 8:15pm here. Yawn! Hope everyone is doing well!

Love,
Jennifer

One Week!

I am so excited!!

I wanted to thank everyone who came out to my party on Saturday. I appreciate your support more than you know. I also want to thank those who could not come. I know your lives are busy, but you still support me.

I received my packing list from my supervisor. Woo- hoo! I think that's what is making this so real and so exciting. I went to Target today with Laura May, and we did a little shopping.

Todd, Cherie, and I will be staying in the basement apartment of a family who attends The Potter's House. They have four kids! We'll have the privilege of getting to know them as well as our supervising family. We have plans to work with the church, travel (!!), go on camping trips, help with a ladies' retreat, and so much more! I also found out that my reading needs will be well taken care of. :-)

Please keep praying! Cherie and I leave on June 3rd at 925 am! Todd leaves on June 9th at 610am!

Love,
Jennifer

New Travel Itenerary!

Here's my new air travel info!

June 3

ATLANTA GA TORONTO ON 925A 1140A
TORONTO ON CALGARY AB 200P 415P
CALGARY AB KELOWNA BC 450P 450P
(They're the same because it's a short flight and we're switching time zones. Weird, I know.)

July 19
KELOWNA BC VANCOUVER BC 600A 700A
VANCOUVER BC TORONTO ON 800A 327P
TORONTO ON ATLANTA GA 605P 820P

Small Update!

Woo! I am so excited about this trip. I believe if I were nervous as I am excited, I'd be sick all day. :-)

I found out from my new supervisors that I'll be staying in Westbank, BC, Canada. It's a suburb of Kelowna, BC. I've done some looking around, and it's absolutely gorgeous!
http://www.tourismkelowna.com/
http://www.kelowna.ca/cm/site3.aspx

I'll be finding out my air travel itinerary soon.

I can't wait to see what God has planned for me. I've been growing closer and closer to Him, and it's amazing. I came to an awesome place two nights ago. I realized in my heart of hearts that He really is all that I need and all that I want. He's a brother, friend, father, and lover of my heart and soul. What more could a girl need?

I came to this realization after small bout with the heeby-jeebies. I was frantically searching the Bible for help, and I turned to my favorite passages-- Matthew 11:28-30; 25:31-46. Knowing these words were spoken by my Savior calmed my soul, and I was able to pour out my heart and let it all go (finally). The night ended with me sitting alone grinning like a girl in love. Wait, I am a girl in love. I knew if someone saw me sitting there, they'd know that someone special is tugging at my heart. They would be right.

I feel more prepared than ever to go. Perhaps that's why I am so excited. There were ups and downs before and plans were changed. The only thing I could do was give it all to God and trust that He'll take care of me.

Please know that I am leaving home feeling at ease. I am not scared or worried. I pray that you won't be worried about me. Rather, I want you to rejoice with me as I embark on this amazing adventure.

Please keep praying for me, my fellow missionaries, my new supervisors (Alicia and Kevin), and the people of the Okanagan Valley.

I love you!
Jennifer

Canada Bound!

Thanks for reading!

I will be in Canada this summer on a mission trip. This is all thanks to donations from churches, parents, and students. The Georgia Baptist Convention is sending over 200 collegiate missionaries all over the world (at NO cost to the students). There are people going to places as close as Tifton and Clayton, Georgia and as far away as Thailand and Ghana. The trips range in length from 8 days to 10 weeks.

I was originally scheduled to go to the Yukon Territory, but there were some complications. My team is currently being relocated. We'll possibly be in central British Columbia in a region called the Okanagan Valley. It's still Canada, and I am SO excited for this opportunity.

The two missionaries going with me are Todd from UGA and Cherie from Reinhardt.

My original trip was scheduled for June 3- July 19. Quite possibly, the new trip will be the same. I'll keep you posted!

Your prayers are needed and appreciated!

Love,
Jennifer