Prayer Requests

I've been handing out little slips of paper (idea- compliments of Gwenyth Ray =) for people to put on the refrigerator or tape to their bathroom mirror or whatever to pray for me as they think of it. So, for those of you who don't have one, here's what it looks like:

 

Waling Aug '08- Aug '09

Please pray for:

-a humble heart
-eyes to serve
-the gift of illumination while studying the Word
-boldness
-Sensitivity to the Spirit
-unity with team members
-inexpressible joy!
-REVIVAL in Wales!

The goal this year is to be equipped and trained in evangelism while faithfully serving the local church and my team members. Building relationships, and giving my life away- because its not my own!

Thank you for your prayers! This is the kindest thing you could do for me!

Last Sunday

So, in 6th grade, my friends and I thought we were cool to tell everyone "see you next year" right before Christmas break. I think it made us feel older or something.

How weird it is to begin today saying official goodbyes. It's pretty awkward hugging someone saying, "I'll see you in a year!" Especially if you know you probably won't talk to them until you see them next.

I hope I'm not completely boring you with innumerable photos. I'm trying to soak up every minute I have left here. Only 4 more days!

Sarah got baptized this morning!!! I am SO glad I got to be there for that- how neat to see God working in her life in such incredible ways.

 

We had several out-of-towners today too! Cheryl (holding her nephew) and the Gilly girls (white and green shirt). How fun to be able to see them one more time before I leave.

 

This picture of Joey was too cute to not post.

 

God has changed my life completely and forever in this room.

 

And off we went- across the street for lunch. JJ Cheng's. My first time being there actually.

 
 

Then, an ADDITIONAL treat- we went to Jeremiahs for gelato. Man, it was good.

 
 

 

Then just took some more fun pictures.

Me and the Gilly girls.

 

Steph and Ariel

 

Michael and Tyler. They always make me laugh!

 

The beautiful Julie Vanlue.

 

Me and sweet Jessica Masri.

 

Last Starbucks Outing

 
Steph keeps Starbees in business. =)

 
...not sure why Dave is drinking a coke in starbucks or where he got it from...or why he's making that face...

 
dear sweet Ariel

 

Tyler Night. I mean, Day. And that would be a marble mocha macchiato- try saying that 3x fast.

 

Jordan and his frap.

 

I thought I'd get in trouble if I posted everyone's picture except mine. Scary, I know. I love you, Mom!

Charlotte peeps!

From left to right meet Taige, Kat, Ivy, Sarah and Mike. I'm leaving the country with them in 16 days!!! I can't wait!

Out on the Town

 

Steph got some home group ladies (and a few from the Taulbee's group) to take me out to Luma on Park Ave as a little "going away" night.

 

We had a BLAST. The service was excellent! If you go, ask for Sarah. I think the best service I've ever had in my life. Amazing food, extremely fun atmosphere, super comfy couch-like booths (complete with pillows!), and an insanely cool sink in the bathroom.
 

Then we went and took some pictures for the bulletin board in Wales. Ah, I'll miss these faces.

 
 

Steph, thank you so much for your hard work and planning- and ladies, thank you for taking a night out of your schedule to be with me- I love you so much. I had so much fun!!!

Last Home Group

Taraleigh and Kyle



We had my FAVORITE for dinner: CHEESEBURGERS!!!





I love the Davis family.



Surprisingly enough, that's like half the single's girls in our home group...really.

Ah, it has begun. The beginning of the end. Pretty much from here on out its "goodbyes". The "lasts". Last Home Group, last Deluge, last dinner at Kyle and Tara's, last Sunday, last hugs.

The sadness of leaving is not minimizing the excitement in my heart of going- but right now, the "leaving" is hitting hard. We have the best home group in the whole world.

These two years have been rich with learning, growing, moving =), and building relationships. They've been full of tears, laughter, inside jokes at Starbucks, very difficult seasons, crazy stories you wouldn't believe, and lots and lots of LOVE. Growth in love for my Savior and also love for those He's placed around me to live life with.

I am so glad that I have a hope that things will not deteriorate from here...but increasingly get better. Leaving is difficult, but what lies ahead will be far much greater than I could possibly imagine. What a hope we have!

Home Sweet Home

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This is about to be (LORD willing) the 7th place I've lived in the last 4 years. I am so excited. It looks like across the street there is a loop- perfect for walks! (Wanna join me, Linds?) I hope to run as well, so when I get back, I can beat Em, Jordan, and Linds in Ultimate Frisbee again without getting out of breath. I'm so excited about meeting our neighbors and the possible interactions and relationships that will be built there. This is all such an adventure!



...packing has begun. It's weird to pack for a "year trip"...very different than moving somewhere, very different than a 10 day trip. Especially having never been there, I wonder, "Can I go a whole year without needing this?" As Americans, we have SO MUCH.

Now, really, what will I NEED that I couldn't live without? Nothing. Except a Bible and Journal. And a toothbrush and deodorant would be appreciated.

Other Walers, (or anybody!) what was helpful to bring when you guys went last summer??? (besides outlet converters...)