life on an island...

tours...
There has been a lot going on around here...
to catch you all up, here are a few of the highlights.
June 26 - my nohno took me out to lunch, to meet her co-workers. She works at the municipality building. It was so awesome! I was able to see the courthouse and meet one of the judges.
June 27 - my first long call home and my first package! (God's timing is amazing!) I was able to talk to my family for my birthday and I received a birthday package! (the best part was that my parents sent me a birthday in a box! complete with 'cake.' I also love my card-it was one of those ones where you can record something, and my whole family was singing happy birthday to me!)
June 29 - computer freak out! The keyboard on my computer is out of order...none of the keys work. So I have to use an on-screen keyboard which is like texting only worse. I was upset when it first happened, but I know that it happened for a reason. I only use it to upload my pictures. I go to the library or an internet cafe to write emails or blog. I don't miss it, I actually love not having a computer! (God has blessed me through this by giving me a ton of time to spend with Him, and my host family)
June 30 - my first hike! I was so excited to be able to go on a hike!! A group of PCT's went to Sokehs Ridge. (It is way different than a 14er for sure!) It poured rain on us, but it was refreshing from the heat/humidity. We also were able to see some amazing views! (check out my slide show link on the right)
July 2 - our first ET (early termination). The married couple that was in our group went back to the states, they decided this was not for them. It was very sad to see them leave.
July 4 - Happy 4th! We went to the U.S. Embassy for a celebration and some yummy (American) food!
July 6 - site announcements! I am so excited! I am going to Chuuk! When I went home, I listened to some music and the first song that came on was 'I am Second' by the Newsboys - coincidence I think not! (I know God is preparing the way for me!)
July 7 - local cooking. PC had all of us trainees get together to learn some ways to cook more healthily with local foods. (it was so delicious, and I ate way too much...wait there is no such thing as being full here! I am always eating...)


*some interesting things that I have noticed since being out of the states:
-licking stamps is gross!
-the bananas in the states are lame...there are about 10 varieties here and they taste amazing!
-I wake up to roosters every morning

God is so amazing, I can not even put into words how blessed I am and how much He shows His love for me in all the little details of everyday!

last few days at home

this tour...it is not good-bye, it is see you later 
*13 hours until departure...
I do not like good-byes, who does? So I am thinking of it as see you later! (it just so happens that my see you later is 27 months long!)
So this is how I spent my last few days at home.
Monday...
-Coffee with my great friend Michelle (you are awesome and I am so glad that God crossed our paths!)
-Pool time with my mom and sister (this is our home away from home during the summer)

cheese fries! our favorite snack at the pool

-Prayer walk with my dear friends Beth and Dawn (I will miss you so much!)
-Church, so this is how amazing God is...He always is in the moment! I know that this journey has been planned out by God for me. The theme in Jesus Calling for the month of June is that God is with you. (this also happens to be my theme/verse for my adventure! if you remember from my previous post this verse is inscribed in a ring my parents gave me) 

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

During worship time I was thinking of a song that I like and I knew it had to do with seeking Jesus but I just could not think of the words...guess what the next song was! That is right it was the song! (Thank you Jesus! I posted about this song before and you can check it out here.)
Our teaching was from Matthew 8, the story of when Jesus calms the storm. (everything happens for a reason, and I do not think that me hearing this before I leave was a coincidence) I know that I will have storms on my adventure, but I need to remember to have faith and that Jesus is always with me.
-Early birthday! My dear friend B gave me flowers and cheesecake (my favorite!!) 

-Dinner, homemade chicken pot pie (yummy!)

(this is our family plate, usually the plate is given to someone for a special reason, like awesome work in school or moving to another country)
Tuesday...
-Pedicure and lunch with my mom (I love you!)

veggies and hummus!

-I am all packed! So this is what my room has looked like for the past 4 or 5 months! (and anyone who knows me, knows I am a clean freak so it has been kind of driving me nuts! but packing has been such a large task!)

I was stressing over it for awhile...but it all worked out and God was in every detail! (I need to remember to have faith and He will always be with me-even when I am packing!)
So my life has been stuffed into 3 bags, that is right 3!

(I was under the weight limit (48 pounds!) and I even stuffed in a few extras that I was not sure would fit!) God is awesome!
-Dinner, my all time favorite! Enchiladas!! (best last meal ever!)

-My dear friend Carol, who I met on my Haiti trip, gave me this awesome book (Thank you! and I will miss you Carol, I am so glad that I got to know you on our trip to Haiti)

-Church, amazing! Everyone from my church got together and got me a bunch of books and wrote random messages in them! (so I will have surprise messages all along my journey)

It is so amazing to me to see God in all the little things...
-He has allowed me to pack all that I need plus a few comfort items and still be under the weight limit! 
-My last two nights at home just so happened to be church nights! His timing is so perfect! (so thankful to have such an amazing support system and church family)
-That I have been able to enjoy all my favorite things with family and friends
-To be constantly reminded that He is holding my hand (in everything I do that verse pops up!)
-That I have peace about my journey
Who knew all this? GOD DID!
and with that...
See you all later!