2007!

2007!

Winter
From the beginning of 2007 I experienced amazing things. During a trip to Colorado, I realized snow flakes’ intricacies. Each one that falls from the sky is different, magnificently shaped. The snow from the snow maker: all clumps. Also, after several attempts and some bruises later, I learned how to ski.
My mentoring program was not accepted by enough schools to make it my full time job. I taught eighth graders language arts and science for six weeks. I ended my time with them well, going to a team building camp--so fun. I also got to take a group of teens to northern Arizona for a Christian camp; for several of them it was the first time seeing snow. While we were away praying for one of the teen’s mom who had been diagnosed with cancer, she was healed.
I started spending more time with girls who had been in my mentoring program, from my eighth grade class, and from my church.

Spring
I went to a conference on how to help people who have gone through trauma taught by two men who were very involved in supporting September 11 victims--such a good conference.
My eighth graders asked me to give their graduation speech. I felt I should encourage them, but also share the Good News, basically as it is broken down below; even though I got really nervous, God gave me the strength to do that, and share what He has done in my life.
I was blessed to see many girls be touched by God's love at another Christian camp. I was especially blessed by the joy of a young girl who had been raped by her father and brothers. How the Lord gave her power to forgive them, then radiate His love-- incredible.
I started a two month home schooling teaching position. Joe, 9, and Jesse, 6, were so full of life and the joy of Jesus, it as a pleasure to be with them everyday, patience trying, but joyful. I was awarded a community service award my dad and sister nominated me for. My mom and dad celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary. What an example they have been for my brother, sister, and me.

Summer
My father was hospitalized due to a heart attack; a week later, his soul and spirit left this earth. He left me these verses: Philippians 4:4-9. I have come to see that I can live my life by them. It was very hard to go home and not see him sitting in his chair with his arms open, saying, “mija.” My heart sank with grief and sorrow, but soon it became joy when I was reminded of what he accepted in the hospital, the Gospel; I sat in his chair and next to it I found this: (Man's need)
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. ~ Roman 3:23
(Sin's Penalty)

For the wages of sin is death, (but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.) ~ Romans 6:23
(God's Provision) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ~Romans 5:8
(Man's Response)

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ~Romans 10:9
How wonderful that all we have to do is accept what God did for us and follow Him, and we will be with Him forever!

Fall
The Lord opened doors for me to go to Peru for a month to share His love with the victims of the August earthquake. It was great to help provide homes, share food and spiritual food. It was even greater to see many Peruvians accept the gift of eternal life. While in Peru, I was able to meet a little boy I have sponsored for over a year.
From Peru, I went to visit some of my college friends during the Harvard-Yale game. My old roommates and I opted out of watching “The Game”, and instead ate at my favorite New Haven restaurant and then watched the Food Network. :) My family had a nice Thanksgiving at my sister’s home. Most of the year I was a substitute teacher at my old elementary school. The last three weeks I taught a group of children with special needs--what a blessing!

I pray you see your many blessings throughout 2008!