LIFE UPDATE:
I have never been very comfortable interacting with my elders, especially those in the Senior Citizen bracket. I've just not really gripped how to talk with them or better what to talk with them about. Recently, however, that all changed. I was given the chance to drive my grandma eight hours to For Wilderness where she had volunteered for twelve years. Now that she is on her own and at times feels quite lonely, it was a perfect pick-me-up for her spirits and an opportunity for me to spread my wings a little bit.
Now at the Fort, the older volunteers were nicknamed summers back by the summer staff as O.W.L.S. (Older Wiser Loving Servants). How true this description is and I truly will be taking advantage of the relationships with O.W.L.S. in my life from now on. There was one lady, Mary, she was simply precious with such a joy-filled laugh that you were guaranteed to hear within your conversation with her, no matter the time of day or length of time spent. And the wisdom, hopes, fears, dreams, regrets (or lack thereof)...you want inspiration? Go to those who have lived and I mean truly lived. They filled me with encouragement, excitement, and anticipation of what God has in store for me while they said I gave them a walk down memory lane, restored their faith in younger generations (by sharing with them what friends of mine are doing for Kingdom work all over the world), and reminding them of the joys of life and living. We both gained so much without realizing we were giving in return. All I can say is it was such a blessing that I will never take for granted and would be difficult to forget.
VISA UPDATE:
There has been a backlog with the UKBA (United Kingdom Border Agency) and Certificates of Sponsorship the Kairos Centre applied for in the early months of this year have still not been awarded. This being said, this puts a pause on my visa application. All other paperwork has been filled out that needs documentation other than specific Visa papers that can only be completed with that form. Be praying not only for a quick response from the UKBA, but also be praising God for the opportunities this brings me while home. You see, when I arrived on US soil I prayed that God would provide a way for me to be able to personally work to give towards the financial side of the mission and ministry. Without telling anyone about this desire I received an e-mail from a former coach asking if I would be interested in work if it came across his desk (which of course I replied with an enthusiastic YES!). Although none came about, God had still let me know He had heard my cry. Then, a dear friend called about some extra cash I could make at the gym I formerly worked at in northern Kentucky. It turned out that not only will I be working straight this coming week, but I'll also be coaching for the Fall Term (13 Aug-6 Oct). This gives me the opportunity to put much more than I ever anticipated being able to put towards the financial side of it all. God is constantly reminding me that He is a part of this whole thing, even the process while I'm on this side of the Atlantic.
However, I carry with me a restless heart and I am looking forward to bringing it back to place it has become fond of calling home. God is my provider and though I cannot see the end, I know it is at hand, and I know we have the victory no matter my geographic location. "Rejoice in hope, patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer," Romans 12:12.
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