Hey friends, I wanted to send a quick update, and also ask you a few questions.

1. Yes, I did find someone who wants to purchase my house and hoping to close August 28th!
2. Yes, I am still in MN until then and looking to leave for Romania on September 2nd!
3. Yes, I do still need financial support, but thanks to so many of you, the gap is closing quickly!

I’ve been so blessed by many of you, meeting up for coffee, dinner, taking a walk or just calling to tell me that you’ve been praying for me. This journey is not one I can take alone, so thank you for being such a huge support along the way. You’ve also been so gracious to open your home to me during this transition time.

Most recently, I’ve been staying with a family and this whole week, I’ve had so much joy, remembering what it’s like to be part of a house where there’s fun and joy and laughter and people who pray and talk and share meals together and can just sit together an enjoy each others’ company. Some days this summer I’ve wanted nothing more than to just sit by myself, in a quiet house, and think about all that is about to happen……and yet in that, I find that I’m longing for the fellowship of others, to hear what God has been doing in THEIR lives, to just be around other people and to be reminded of the family of God that is around us and the new family that I’ll be stepping into.

I don’t know if any of that makes sense to you, but it’s been so life-giving to be here. Surrounded by family, both blood-related and not, and know that God is bringing us all together for a great purpose here on earth.

Here’s an updated video to tell you more about my current financial need!

Let’s go to Romania! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctGo60YWqaA

QUESTIONS—What are the things you’re most curious about when you think about Romania or what I’ll be doing? I want to answer those questions, so put them in the comments below!

Crying and struggling to finish the last 100 or so pages of the book “The Hawk and the Dove,” it has left me with a deep and thankful heart for all that Christ has brought me through. The last third of the book follows an Abbott from the 14th century who was severely maimed and crippled, then left nearly helpless after a terrible stoke muted and paralyzed the only workable side of his body. His dearest friend and fellow monk struggled for weeks to put the pain of his friends grief out of his mind, to not think of it meant “peace” in his heart, but I think we all know that that kind of peace is no peace at all, but a thick and muted grief of our own.

As I read the struggle of this monk to face the heartache of his Abbott and close friend, it connected in such a deep way. Years ago, going through too many close ones dying or battling against disability, I forged a path of holding in the pain and putting on a face to feel at “peace.” I think this is probably a common reaction that many of us have. Through difficult days and sleepless nights the grace of God met me and showed me that it was within this hurt that He could become real, in the dependence on Christ–the freedom of Christ’ loved flowed.

How sweet it is to dive into the deep, dive into the raw, the ragged and desolate and find Jesus there. To find his scarred hands and strong arms open and His eyes weeping with you.

This quote also struck me pretty square in the face…… 

How can we enter into this together and hold each other up while we struggle so as to not diminish the healing touch of God’s grace for the lonely?

Naming things is a big deal. It means a lot to the future of whatever it is that you name. Some studies I’ve read have even predicted that certain names will be more likely to advance in the work place, be suspended from school, get hired more often or be admitted into better schools. It’s crazy to think about these things, and how a little choice on names can seem to have such a profound impact. Yet history is a testament to the truth of this.

Even God uses specific names and titles to describe Himself with unique characteristics, and His people did the same. In 2 Chronicles 3:15-17, I was reading about Solomon building a temple for the Lord. He, in all his elaborate planning, decided to name two of the pillars outside the temple. He named them Jachin & Boaz. Seems normal enough, right? I guess for that time maybe.

For my curious self, I wanted to know what these names meant, because why would you name pillars of a temple? That seemed weird. According to an Int. Bible Standard Encyclopedia, the names Jachin & Boaz mean “He shall establish & In it is Strength”! Soak that in for a moment. As you walk through the temple columns, you pass through these two that mean “He shall establish and in it is strength.” It would bring you to your knees. It is at the throne of God that He will establish you, in His presence that you will gain your strength.”

It’s a good reminder to me that this is where my strength comes from. It cannot be gained through any other way, but only as I come before the Lord and wait for His strength to lead me. Knowing this, how often are we spending at the food of Him who strengthens and establishes us?

Sandy Beach, Juneau, AK

I’m ALMOST there…..but there’s still a chance to support me! Check out the fun video I just created to show you ways to be part of this mission!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz0qa_ai7kk

http://www.powtoon.com/embed/bnBy97FjfUr/