Hi Friends,

It's been SO long since I last posted. There is a ton going on in this last month of school here at LCC. Finals are next week, and tension and excitement are in the air! Also, I think its safe to say we are officially experiencing spring weather, although it is still pretty brisk out there. My RA's are all hosting their last hall events, this week we have the Student Leader Appreciation Awards, and an End of the Year Celebration! There are many BBQ's and celebrations in the near future. My RA's and I took a day trip to Latvia for a retreat which is pictured below, and I was also able to co-host the annual Parade of Stars competition on campus this month.

Right now I am starting to plan my summer, in May my sister Jenna will fly to Europe to travel around with me a bit, I work at LCC in June, and I'm home for July to fundraise for the next year, and most importantly visit friends and family. Currently I am trying to figure out how I'm going to tell people about my entire year in a few minutes. I'm choosing my stories and pictures very carefully :) I can't believe a year has already passed. So much has changed in my life and in the lives of those back home. In this time of preparation for summer I am praying for the Lord to prepare me for all of the travel, culture shock, and reunions I will experience.

Lately God has been showing me where I can grow, always a humbling experience. In the midsts of seeing some of the less desirable parts of my personality I was encouraged with his passage.

2 Corinthians 9:6-13New International Version (NIV)

Generosity Encouraged

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.”[a]

10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.

Being a missionary is a constant state of giving from what you have been blessed with, and trusting that God will continue to provide. I have been strengthened this year, I have learned through trials how to trust God even more that I thought I ever could, or would have to. This scripture reminds me that we are called to provide for others, and to do it with a happy heart. Many people have provided me with the means to be here serving in Lithuania this year, and I am called to give from whatever I have to the students and friends I have here, to serve them and provide for them. Sometimes I find myself being selfish with my blessings and in those times I am called back to the heart of God and He whispers these words to me, these promises.

As I prepare for July, (a time of fundraising for another year of service) I pray that I will continue to focus on this passage of generosity, so that my friends and family will see my work, and passion, and be encouraged to give as well. I do not want to force or guilt anyone to support me, I treasure every donation no matter the size, because it was given out of love. Firstly I depend on God to put this mission, this part of the world, this University on people's hearts, and through their generosity I then depend on them to supply me with groceries, clothing, and health care. He is in control of our lives, all we need to do is relax, let Him guide us, and then find the courage to follow His calls. This is my prayer for you and for me.

My RA's and I posing for the yearbook