I'm finally updating...

WOW, I'm not even overseas yet and I stink at updating this thing! Haha. To all of those people who are checking out my blog after seeing the address on my prayer card, sorry to disappoint! I'm a work-in-progress when it comes to consistent communication. :)

As for an update, life is good! I "graduated" from Pre-Field Orientation and am officially a Missionary Associate! Yah! And I'm working on a kick-butt newsletter that will help people see what we'll be doing in Thailand and how they can help. Look for it in your mailboxes sometime soon...

As for Thailand...please continue to pray diligently and with faith for this beautiful nation. Pray for hearts to be open to the message of the Gospel and the kindness and love that we will endeavor to show them. Pray that the violence in Tibet and China will not trickle down into the Buddhist nation. Pray for more people to respond to the call to Southeast Asia.

Thank you for reading this, and thank you for praying!!!!

In Him,

Heather

P.S.

Enjoy a few more pictures from PFO:

I hadn't seen my friend Charisse in months, and we ended up in the same PFO class! Yah! She's on her way to Africa to minister to women.

A group photo of some of my new friends. There were 28 of us Missionary Associates, and we are going to 21 different countries.

All of the girls I met were so sweet, funny, and sincere! They are going to do great things for God wherever He leads them.

What is a week in Springfield without taking the newbies on the ubiquitous Mudhouse run?

Ironically, we all went out to the Springfield Brewery for dinner after our commissioning service...haha!

a moment of realization

I think there are many moments that transpire that make us stop, think, and reevaluate our perception of life. Granted, the moment I experienced last night was nothing major, nor life-changing, nor paradigm-shifting. But it hit me hard that my life has changed, and is going to continue changing. Let me explain.

Last night I stopped by Redeemed Music and Books on my way home from work. I worked late, so to treat myself I went to use some store credit and buy myself a new book. I found one by Gene Edwards, one of my favorite authors, that I had never seen before. While happily conversing with the cashier, he asked me if I fit any description on their list of people they give discounts to. I answered with a surprised and slightly baffled, "Uh...yeah. I'm a missionary." The statement didn't faze the cashier, but to be honest, it floored me! Somehow, in the midst of planning and applications and anticipation, I had forgotten (or never quite processed) the fact that I am, indeed, a missionary. I have been commissioned by a group of believers who are supporting me and putting faith in the fact that I will be the best missionary I can possibly be. The weight of this realization hit me, and I hope it sticks with me for awhile.

Until our next moment,
HG

my first blog entry! woot!

Hello, friends! I have finally created a blog, and now will endeavor to fill it with stories of adventure, fun, and excitement.

Well, sort of.

I guess it will be filled with all of that someday. For now, I'll let you all know what God is doing in my heart and my life on my way to Bangkok, Thailand. Which is pretty adventurous in its own way, I guess. :)

So please enjoy this journey with me, and let me know what adventures our Lord is leading you on in your life.


In Him,
Heather