Book Suggestions:
"Blue like Jazz" by Donald Miller
"A New kind of Christian" by Brian McLaren

Movie Suggestion:
"Ray" documentary about the life of the late Ray Charles, the soundtrack is also worthwhile.

Tuesday night my friend Eva, pictured below, and I went to Barnes and Noble to get some coffee and read. While there a lady asked us to if we would like to join a group of ladies in a Bible study. They did not know we were believers, and chose to have their study in the cafe so they could meet new women. We decided to join them and I am so glad we did. What a blessing. I love that I can sit down with ladies and immediately have a bond with them through Christ. We talked about the stories in the N.T. where the woman washes Jesus' feet with her tears, and about the story where the adulterous woman is going to be stoned. Many of the women gathered have been disciples less than a year and the grace and mercy of Jesus was very fresh to them. They identified with these women in a way I have not in a while. This picture that I saw of my Lord through their eyes made me fall in love with Him all over again. I just can't get enough of the simple love that He offers to me, though I too am an unclean woman sitting at His feet. He is so beautiful.

Eva (going to Spain), Me, & Carrie (going to W. Africa) at MLC  

"...You can't plan the end and not plan the means..."

Another week has come and gone...they do seem to be slipping away faster and faster, which is exciting and sad all mixed together :)
This week we heard from the president of my organization. I really enjoyed hearing his heart and understanding more clearly his role in the organization. I also like that all his teaching is practical and grown out of experience overseas. Yesterday we had half of our ESL/EFL certification class (it lasted ALL day long!!!). But, I did learn many things that will be very useful in my work.
Last night I went into town with some friends and we ended up sitting around outside of Starbucks talking for a long time. It was probably the best conversation I have had since I got here. Everyone is facing the same fears, struggling with issues about leaving, making plans for when we return....etc. I am just amazed at how honest and transparent this community is. I truly feel the Body functioning here and love that picture of the church.
I don't have any "getting sick" stories for you this week....but last Sunday night in our weekly service I was hurrying over to my seat because the service had already started... there is a piece that folds back on the top of a grande piano that sticks out and makes a sharp corner....so I am walking really fast and that piece hits my arm, so hard that it almost knocked me down! Anyway, I somehow avoided making a big scene but have this huge green bruise that wraps around my arm that is evidence of my clumsiness :)

amarillo...dallas...atlanta...richmond-- I arrived at orientation!!