More change

The last few days have been a continuum of change, awful challenging, and just plain fun. Been spending quite a bit of time with Michelle, a much needed friendship on both our parts. It also has been fun getting to know our two new students, Raf (Rafael) who is from Switzerland, and Jennifer. We've been hanging out, having tea parties, watching movies, going for walks, driving to town, gettin' to know eachother.
Saturday night we officially commenced M2C (Mammoth Master's Commission - get used to that!) over dinner with a great group. It is amazing how much has changed in the last two days, and how things just keep changing. We really only have about three students total now. Raf, and Jen are for sure. Mel, from Australia, is coming late November. Thats about all that is certain, besides the fact that we are completely trusting God's control. Joel and I were cracking up at the Lighthouse tonight over people's reactions to our size this year "ooooh, thats great." "Well, you can all fit in one car!" "You'll be really free to come and go!" A lot of well meaning, economical comments. I suppose you'd need me to impersonate for the full affect. Anyways, it is way too funny, and we don't find it discouraging but humorous!
Jennifer is SO precious! She has some handicap, but she is very vibrant, talkative, and excited to be a part of what we are doing. Due to the current sittuation, I will be moving out of my wonderful haven here at the Rianda's and moving to the more self-giving, and probably growth-promoting, lodge. Not exactly an idea I was pleased about earlier today, but there has been pleanty of change in me just over the last few hours. I'm not looking forward to moving again, BUT, if thats where God wants me then thats where I want to be. Besides, I'm getting tired of all this back and forth business between here and the lodge, and I'm over there all the time anyways. Please pray for me for yet another transition! I'm very excited to get to be a close part of Jennifer's life - to be right there getting to see the change happening in her, and changing right there with her. I know it'll be great once I get settled in, I just need the grace to transition with joy! You know me, I hate change. But the fun moments make it so worth it. I had such a great time connecting with Jennifer and her mom on Saturday night, and the dinner was just such a great chance to all be together. Afterwards I went bowling with the guys. Yep. Me, an Aussie, a Swiss dude, and a Mexican (he's visiting from Mazatlan - not a student). What a group we were. Only two of us spoke English as a first language, and all of them have great accents. I bowled probably the worst games of my life with like a 40 something and a 52! But it was so much fun. Its those times that make it all worth it, and there are so many more to come. I am chosing to say yes to God despite what I feel and see. To say yes to God and what He has spoken over my life. His purpose. His plan. So, bring on the change, I am moving forward with JOY!